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Prospective Ph.D. Information

Northwestern's Ph.D. program in Economics owes its international reputation to an outstanding faculty, a well-organized program of study, extensive student-faculty interaction, and an excellent record of recruiting, training, and placing talented graduate students.

In addition, the Department of Economics and the Finance Department in the Kellogg School of Management offer a joint full-time Ph.D. program in Financial Economics.  

Program details

Students generally complete the Ph.D. program in four to six years. Please note that the department does not admit students for a terminal MA degree. An MA degree is only available to Economics Ph.D. students who have successfully completed the first year of the doctoral program, and to students enrolled in other doctoral programs at Northwestern.

Class size

The Ph.D. program has approximately 120 students in residence and an average entering class of 25 each year.

Placement

The department actively supports the placement of Ph.D. graduates in positions at prestigious universities, government agencies and private corporations. See where past graduates have been placed.

Application details

Why Northwestern?

The Department of Economics at Northwestern University is among the best in the world.

Located on a scenic lakefront campus in Evanston, Northwestern University offers the best features of small-town and large-city living. There is easy access by public transportation to the cultural, sporting and recreational opportunities in one of the world's greatest cities.

Just 12 miles north of downtown Chicago

Contact us

For more information on the Ph.D. Program in Economics, please contact econphd@northwestern.edu.