PhD Economics at University of Virginia

Programme overview

PhD training in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics for research careers in academia, government and policy, with small classes, close faculty mentorship and early independent research.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts & Sciences | Department: Economics | Intake: Application deadline December 15. | Study mode: full-time | Location: Charlottesville, VA, United States

What you will study

Core coursework in the first two years, then early dissertation research supported by field workshops; students specialize in two fields such as Industrial Organization, Macroeconomics, International Finance, Public, International, Development, Labor or Econometrics.

Career pathways

University or college professor; economist at the IMF or World Bank; economist at the Federal Reserve Board, FTC or CBO; economic consultant; research economist at think tanks; industry economist or data scientist.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (all master's and PhD programs, University of Virginia): online application with a 500-1,000 word statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation (some programs require more), unofficial transcripts of all post-secondary study, and an $85 non-refundable application fee. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected. GRE scores are required for this programme. International applicants need TOEFL iBT 90 (22 speaking, 22 writing, 23 reading, 23 listening), IELTS 7.0 in each section, or Duolingo English Test 130 overall unless waived (automatic waiver for undergraduate degrees earned entirely in English-medium instruction); committees may consider scores below these minimums. Enrolling students without an English-medium undergraduate degree take the UVA English Language Proficiency Exam in May before their first term.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Application fees (2026-27): undergraduate $75; Graduate School of Arts & Sciences $85; Architecture $80; Batten graduate $75; Darden non-PhD $250, Darden PhD $100; Data Science $85; Education and Human Development $65; Law $85; McIntire graduate $85; Medicine $80; Nursing $88; SCPS $70; Graduate Engineering no fee.

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