The PhD in Economics prepares students for careers in academia, government, think tanks, corporations, and financial institutions—anywhere advanced economic knowledge and research skills are essential.
Our program emphasizes:
Students work closely with the Director of Graduate Studies, faculty mentors, and advisory committees in a supportive, collegial environment, gaining the tools to teach, research, and lead in the field of economics.
PhD Economics Student Handbook
The University of Kentucky Department of Economics is committed to providing students the opportunity to develop the skills to critically analyze economic data, to better understand and evaluate policies in both the private and public sectors, and to contribute more broadly to the betterment of society, both locally and globally.
Dept Homepage
Faculty are actively engaged in research to help better our understanding of the operation of the economy. This research includes the impact of government tax, transfer, trade and regulatory policies on economic development and well-being at the individual, household, firm, and macroeconomic levels.
Directory
An applied economic research center focused on providing economic analysis and information to Kentucky’s decision makers.
A federally-funded cross-disciplinary center providing research to inform evidence-based policy on poverty and inequality in the United States.
Serves to expand the data infrastructure available to qualified scholars and students with approved projects by providing access to restricted individual and firm-level data from participating federal statistical agencies.
On average, the Ph.D. program in Economics takes five years of full-time study to complete.
two field courses,
ECO 706, and ECO 700
Most students take three courses: independent study (ECO 797) and additional electives
These are the nine credits of “supporting work” – note that ECO 797 may only count for three of these nine credits (i.e., students must take at least two additional courses, in addition to independent research).
ECO 707 or ECO 790
additional electives,
ECO 707, or ECO 790
(June): preliminary exam
*Retake in January of second year if necessary
Most students propose their dissertation in the spring of the third year. Students may register in ECO 757 during the semester they propose (one time only). Once the proposal is posted to their transcript, they may elect to register for two credits of dissertation residency (ECO 767)
Otherwise, they need to register for nine credits to be considered full time.
Doctoral students should stay familiar with the Graduate School’s rules and requirements for every stage of their degree. The Graduate School also offers valuable opportunities for professional development, networking, and improving teaching skills. For the latest information on policies, resources, and events, visit the Graduate School website
Our PhD Program offers rigorous training in theory, empirical research, and applied policy analysis. Work alongside leading faculty to advance economic knowledge and address real-world challenges.
Apply Now
Kenneth Troske
ktroske@uky.edu
Ana Maria Herrera
amherrera@uky.edu
Steven Lugauer
steven.lugauer@uky.edu
Karen McCann
karen.mccann@uky.edu
Jeannie Graves
jeannie.graves@uky.edu
