Graduate

Graduate

The doctoral program in Economics at Harvard University is one of the leading programs in the world. Supported by a diverse group of faculty who are top researchers in their fields and fueled by a vast array of resources, the PhD program is structured to train and nurture students to become leading economists in academia, government agencies, the technology industry, finance and banking, and global policy organizations.

economics building

Harvard University and the Department of Economics are regularly ranked amongst the top programs in the world, and the consistency of success among our graduates is inspiring. We have educated several foreign heads of state, Nobel Prize Winners, Clark Medal Winners, MacArthur Fellowship Recipients - many of whom have returned to Harvard to offer their expertise and brilliance in shaping and nurturing our students.  Learn more about where we place our graduates and explore our Program to find out if a PhD in Economics is a good fit for you. 

program requirements

Program Requirements

As a PhD student in the Economics program, students will spend the first two years in the program engaged in rigorous coursework designed to develop a foundational understanding of economics. In the following years, students transition to research under the guidance of strong faculty mentorship and participate in field workshops. In the final year, students conduct independent research and complete a dissertation.

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Admissions

The department of Economics at Harvard University is committed to seeking out and mentoring scholars who wish to pursue a rigorous and rewarding career in economic research. Our graduates are trailblazers in their fields and contribute to a diverse alumni community in both the academic and non-academic sectors. We invite you to learn more and apply to the PhD program in Economics. 

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Financial Support

Students have access to a variety of funding and financial support opportunities.

  • Research Funding
  • Teaching Fellowships and assistants
  • Additional external and internal resources

Learn more about financial support

Upcoming Events

2024 Mar 19

ECON 3005 Graduate Student Workshop in Economic Development

12:00pm to 1:15pm

Location: 

HKS, Taubman, Nye ABC Conference Center, 5th Floor

Breakout Groups

Lauren Rice & Madhavi Jha "NCD’s, Nutrition, and Networks”

Nikhil Kumar "Cognitive and Non-cognitive effects of peer-teaching”

Yousra Neberai "Interactions between Informal and Formal Financial Institutions in Thailand”

Alice Danon "Opportunities across borders? The impact of remote work for refugees”

Konstantin Poensgen "Private provision of public services: The case of drinking water in Ghana"
... Read more about ECON 3005 Graduate Student Workshop in Economic Development

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