PhD Economics at Columbia University

Programme overview

The PhD in Economics ranges from pure theory to applied subjects; a PhD with a focus in Business Economics is offered with the Business School's Economics Division. Students earn the MA and MPhil on the way to the PhD.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Economics | Intake: Fall | Study mode: full-time | Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

Students learn the basic economic tools and master two specialized fields, with weekly workshops in macro/monetary economics, econometrics, labor/applied micro, international economics, economic theory, industrial organization and strategy, and development/environment.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

College-level work in probability and statistics, calculus, linear algebra, introductory mathematical analysis and econometrics is strongly recommended. Applicants submit one transcript per school attended, a statement of academic purpose, a personal statement and a resume. Three letters of evaluation (at least two from academic recommenders). Writing sample: 30 pages, double-spaced, normally a research paper of which the applicant is an author. GRE General scores are required; GRE Subject is not required. International applicants whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official language is not English submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores. Fall 2027 entry application deadline: December 3, 2026.

Intake: Fall

Apply through the official page: https://www.gsas.columbia.edu/content/prospective-students

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