Graduate Economics

The University of Virginia’s Ph.D. Program in Economics provides rigorous training in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, preparing students for research‑driven careers in academia, government, and policy institutions. With small classes, close faculty mentorship, and early engagement in independent research, the program emphasizes strong theoretical foundations, advanced quantitative methods, and specialized expertise through two chosen fields such as Industrial Organization, Macroeconomics, International Finance, Public Economics, International Economics, Development, Labor, or Econometrics. 

Students complete core coursework in their first two years and begin dissertation research early, supported by active research workshops in individual fields. The program’s longstanding success is reflected in its job placements at leading universities, including Chicago, Columbia, UCLA, Cornell, and Penn State. Access to the nearby Washington, DC area also provides strong connections and employment opportunities with major economic institutions such as the IMF, World Bank, Federal Reserve Board, FTC, and Congressional Budget Office. 

Designed for those seeking to contribute original economic research, the program combines a strong intellectual community with resources such as modern computing labs, interdisciplinary collaboration, and robust professional development that supports students from coursework through dissertation and job placement.