The Ph.D. 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.
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.
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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.
Focuses on the role of the free enterprise system in influencing society, with a special focus on health and health care; currently supported by multi-year grants to study the hospital industry and policy interventions into the market for e-cigarettes.
On average, the Ph.D. program in Economics takes five years of full-time study to complete.
Ph.D. Economics Student Handbook
1st Year
Pass Preliminary Exam
2nd Year
Write Field Paper
3rd Year
4th Year and Beyond
Dissertation research and workshops
Defend Dissertation
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 Ph.D. 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
