PhD Program

The Department of Economics at Washington University has a strong reputation for preparing high-quality PhD students for academic positions as well as for private- and public-sector jobs. We are seeking qualified students from any field who possess strong analytical abilities in mathematics and statistics and who are willing to complete a challenging Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Economics.

Students are fully funded for 5 years and receive an annual stipend of $35,000, as well as full tuition waiver and health insurance. The department offers students financial support while they remain in good academic standing.

Federal STEM program: International students are allowed to work up 3 years post-graduation(OPT).

Graduate Director: Jonathan Weinstein

PhD Committee:
Francisco (Paco) Buera, George-Levi Gayle, Ismael Mourifié, Werner Ploberger, Jonathan Weinstein, M. Bumin Yenmez

PhD Admissions Committee:
Chair: Rodolfo Manuelli
Members: Gaurab Aryal, Ismael Mourifié, Werner Ploberger, M. Bumin Yenmez

Departmental Support & Services

Graduate Requirements

Requirements and timeline for a PhD in economics or an AM in economics.

graduate requirements

Job Market & Placement

The department places great importance on helping students obtain professional positions. Faculty and staff, in particular, the Placement Director and a student's Research Advisory Committee, work together with students to ensure job placement.

Job Market

Job Market Packet

For convenience in recruiting, we have created a summary packet of our PhD candidates who are on the job market this year.

Job Market Packet

Financial Support

Doctoral students in good academic standing are fully funded through five years of study. Additional university-wide fellowships are available.

graduate funding

Econ 508: Math Camp

Econ 508A is a three-week course on essential mathematical tools for a first-year PhD student in Economics, Political Science, or some of the Business disciplines.

Econ 508

English Language Program

If English is not your first language, remedial programs in written and spoken English may be very important for your success in the PhD program. Learn about support for and responsibilities of students whose native language is not English.

english language program

Graduate Student Association of Economics

The Economics Department’s Graduate Student Association (GSA) is a non-profit, student-run organization established for the benefit of all economics graduate students in the Department of Economics at Washington University in St. Louis. The GSA promotes scholarship, develops a spirit of cooperation and fellowship among economics graduate students, and fosters interaction between graduate students and faculty.

visit GSA