Carnegie Mellon University

Overview

The PhD in Economics and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business offers an intensive program designed for individuals seeking to advance their knowledge in economic theory, econometrics, and policy analysis. Students engage in a flexible curriculum that emphasizes qualifying examinations over a fixed course structure, allowing for tailored academic progression and research focus.

What you'll study

The program centers around core areas of economics and public policy, equipping students with the skills necessary for advanced research and analysis. Key components of the curriculum include:

Core preparation areas

• Microeconomics - Understanding individual and firm behavior in decision-making processes.
• Macroeconomics - Analyzing economic-wide phenomena including inflation, unemployment, and growth.
• Econometrics - Applying statistical methods to economic data for empirical analysis.
• Public Economics - Examining government policies and their impact on efficiency and equity in the economy.
• Public Policy - Evaluating and crafting policies to address societal issues through an economic lens.

Qualifying examinations

• Students must pass qualifying examinations to demonstrate their readiness for advanced research.
• With appropriate preparation, students may have the opportunity to take these exams before their third semester, though completion of all qualifiers is mandatory.

Dissertation pathway

• Upon successful completion of qualifying requirements, students will embark on dissertation research and defense, guided by faculty mentors.

Entry requirements

While specific GRE/GMAT scores and GPA thresholds are not detailed, admissions decisions typically consider a candidate's academic history, research potential, and preparedness for graduate-level economics and quantitative analysis.

General requirements

• Transcripts from previous academic institutions
• Evaluation forms (recommendation letters)
• GMAT and/or GRE test results (if applicable)
• English proficiency test results (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or DET, if applicable)
• Application fee
• Completed application submitted by the specified deadline

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD program in Economics and Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University are well-prepared for a variety of career paths. Opportunities may include roles in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and private sector organizations. The skills gained during this program enable graduates to influence public policy and contribute to important economic discussions on both national and global scales.

Work Permits

Post-study work eligibility is influenced by your citizenship and the visa/work-rights regulations in the country of study. For students at Carnegie Mellon University, international students typically study in the United States, where post-completion work authorization is generally managed through the individual’s immigration status.

• United States (typical for CMU): International students may qualify for post-completion work authorization via the STEM OPT or OPT pathways, subject to program classification and eligibility criteria.
• Duration: The terms for OPT and STEM OPT are determined by U.S. immigration laws and may vary accordingly.