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Doctorate

Please note the new application deadline for the Ph.D. program is January 15.

Updated information about the GRE for Fall 2024 applicants on the Admissions and FAQ pages.

Questions and Answers

There are no strict rules, but typically funded students have Quantitative GRE scores above 161, and academic transcripts evidencing a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and economics (trade-offs between these are possible, such as a stronger math background substituting for a weaker background in economics). Funded students typically have taken three or four semesters of calculus, mathematical statistics, and linear algebra, and they have research experience in the form of RA work or an undergraduate research project (though again, trade-offs are possible).
Each entering cohort typically has 8-11 students.
We provide full funding (tuition waiver and a teaching assistantship that pays a stipend) to about 8-9 students per year, depending on our budget.
Yes, it is possible, although not guaranteed, that if you progress through the program successfully you can receive full funding.
It depends on our budget situation, and is subject to change.

The Doctoral Program In Economics

The Department of Economics offers a program leading to the Ph.D. degree in Economics designed to provide students rigorous training in economic theory and quantitative skills as well as an intensive exposure to several specialized areas of Economics. The Ph.D. training provides skills needed in academic, government, or business careers.

Graduate students in the University of Houston Department of Economics are subject to all regulations of the Graduate School and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. The rules are found in the University of Houston Graduate Catalog, which can be found online at http://www.uh.edu/grad_catalog/. The requirements discussed below are additional requirements that apply to graduate students in economics.


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Download the Ph.D. program guide for more information about admission, how long it takes to earn a Ph.D. and more.

The new doctoral student begins a year of intensive course work in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, statistics, and econometrics. During the summer after the first year, the student is required to take the economic theory comprehensive exam. Upon receiving a grade of "superior" in both the micro and macro parts of the exam, the student becomes a candidate for the Ph.D. degree.

More about the program