Economics, Ph.D.

About the Economics Doctoral Program

The goal of the doctoral program in economics at Texas Tech University is to train outstanding economists. Graduates of our Ph.D. program are ready to undertake research in economics, teach economics in higher education, and apply the skills gained in our program to problems in the private and public sectors.

The Ph.D. program in economics offers a solid foundation in economic theory and the students learn how to apply and develop economic tools. The Ph.D. program is divided into two parts. The first part includes completing core courses and examinations in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory. The second part includes taking field and elective courses and completing a third-year paper. The coursework and the continual support of our professors prepare students to conduct their own independent research, which culminates in a doctoral dissertation.

Our faculty and staff provide a supportive and inclusive environment for study and research, and we encourage students to work together. We want students from all backgrounds to succeed in our economics program.

The program for the doctorate requires a minimum of 72 credit hours comprised of a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree (excluding dissertation hours) plus a minimum of 12 dissertation hours (ECO 8000 ). The candidate for the doctoral degree must choose three specializations from within the areas of international economics, monetary economics, public finance, labor economics, environmental and natural resource economics, industrial organization, and special fields of economics. In addition, the doctoral student must demonstrate a mathematical proficiency in calculus and analytical geometry.