PhD Economics at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

A STEM-designated PhD in economics that admits students directly for full-time study. Students complete two major fields and one minor field from six fields within economics.

Faculty: Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Economics | Duration: 72 credits | Intake: Fall | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

At least 72 credits of graduate coursework (45 in graded economics courses), preliminary exams in micro and macroeconomics in summer of year one, a second-year research paper as the comprehensive milestone, a dissertation overview and a defended dissertation, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Career pathways

About 53 percent of graduates take tenure-stream academic jobs, 28 percent research institution or postdoc roles, 10 percent government or international organizations and 9 percent industry.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Fall entry only; deadline 15 January. Minimum mathematics is two semesters of calculus and one of linear algebra; prior economics study is expected but not essential. Required: GradCAS application, $75 fee, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, career statement of 500 words or less; writing sample optional but encouraged; GRE optional for 2027-28. English proof for non-native speakers without a US or English-medium degree: TOEFL iBT 90 with at least 22 in each section, IELTS 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each section (academic module), or Duolingo 120.

Domestic applicants: USD 27,412 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 49,272 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Intake: Fall

Duration: 72 credits

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities