PhD in Economics at Boston University

Programme overview

The doctoral program in the Department of Economics is designed to prepare students for careers in academics, government at all levels, international organizations, and the private sector.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts & Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Boston, MA, United States

What you will study

Students must complete 16 term courses (64 units), and have the option of obtaining an MA in Political Economy (MAPE) while completing the requirements for the PhD. Course requirements are as follows: Required Courses: The first seven must be completed in the first year, while the 8th course is taken in the second year.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A “B” average (3.0) is required in each of the field course sequences. Students must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 by the end of the second year. For the exact grade requirements and other program rules, see the department rules and regulations, available from the department on request.

USD 73,024 a year (2026-27). Full-time tuition by enrollment (12-18 credits) for Graduate School of Arts & Sciences PhD & MFA students for 2026-27 ($36,512 per semester; $73,024 for the academic year), as stated on the CAS PhD & MFA cost of attendance page. Tuition only: excludes stu Source

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences PhD and MFA applicants can only apply for the fall semester.

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences PhD Fall 2027 application deadlines fall between December 1 and January 15 depending on the programme (for example Biostatistics and Computer Science December 1; Biology and Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry December 2; Chemistry, Physics, Economics, History, Linguistics and Political Science December 15; English and Mathematics January 11; Classical Studies, Philosophy, Earth & Environment and History of Art & Architecture January 15). Applications close at 11:59pm Boston time on the deadline.

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