Economics, PhD
The graduate economics program at Penn is a Ph.D. program administered by the Graduate Group in Economics, which consists of the faculty of the Department of Economics, and some of its secondary appointments in the Wharton School and the School of Arts and Sciences. A master's program in Economics is not offered at the University of Pennsylvania.
The program trains students to conduct outstanding research in economics. All major areas of economics are covered, with particular strengths in theoretical and empirical microeconomics, and in modern macroeconomics. Graduates of the program obtain positions at leading universities, research institutions, and government agencies around the world.
Students in this program first acquire a thorough knowledge of economic theory and econometric methods before they begin their own research. They meet a series of requirements during their first years in the program, and thereafter devote most of their time to the writing of a dissertation. The median length of time required for completion is 5.25 years (however both shorter and longer periods are possible). Almost all students are supported by combinations of fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships during at least their first five years of study.
For more information: http://economics.sas.upenn.edu/graduate
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Curriculum
A minimum of 12 course units must be taken at the University of Pennsylvania.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics Pre-Requisite | ||
| Select Mathematics Pre-Requisite course | ||
| Core Courses | ||
| ECON 7100 | Microeconomic Theory I | 1 |
| ECON 7200 | Macroeconomic Theory I | 1 |
| ECON 7110 | Microeconomic Theory II | 1 |
| ECON 7210 | Macroeconomic Theory II | 1 |
| ECON 7300 | Econometrics I: Fundamentals | 1 |
| ECON 7310 | Econometrics II: Methods & Models | 1 |
| ECON 9999 | Independent Study | 1-3 |
| Upper Level Course Requirement | ||
| Select 4 credits of Upper Level Courses | 4 | |
ECON 7000-7999 | ||
| Empirical Economics Requirement | ||
| Select Empirical Economics course 2 | 1 | |
| Department Workshops | ||
| Select 2 workshops from the 5 listed | 2 | |
| Economic Theory | ||
| Monetary Economics | ||
| Econometrics | ||
| Empirical Microeconomics | ||
| Industrial Organization | ||
| Third Year Requirement | ||
| ECON 7500A | Third Year PhD Seminar | 0.5 |
| ECON 7500B | Third Year PhD Research Seminar | 0.5 |
| Total Course Units | 16 | |
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
- 1
The Empirical requirement is often fulfilled when students finish their 4 upper level courses.
- 2
Please see list of approved course sections on department website
https://economics.sas.upenn.edu/graduate/course-information/courses-fulfill-empirical-economics-requirement