Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What you'll study

This doctoral programme is structured around intensive coursework, supervised research, and a doctoral dissertation that contributes original scholarship to the study of commerce. Early years emphasise core microeconomic theory, econometrics and quantitative methods, while later years focus on specialised seminars and independent research. Typical study components include:

• Core theory and methods: advanced microeconomics, game theory, industrial organisation, and econometric methods tailored to causal inference and structural estimation.
• Field courses: modules addressing finance of firms and markets, market design, strategy and competitive dynamics, digital platforms and two-sided markets, and operations management as they relate to commercial activity.
• Empirical techniques: panel data methods, machine learning for causal inference, natural experiments, experimental design and computational modelling for market simulations.
• Research seminars: regular colloquia and specialised reading courses in areas such as pricing and product design, platform economics, consumer behaviour, supply-chain economics and regulatory economics.
• Teaching and professional development: opportunities to gain teaching experience, present at workshops, and participate in grant-writing and communication training.
• Doctoral dissertation: an extended piece of original research conducted under faculty supervision, typically developed after passing a qualifying examination or thesis proposal stage.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic preparation and clear research potential. Typical requirements are:

• Academic qualifications: a bachelor’s degree in economics, mathematics, engineering, statistics, computer science, or a related field is common; many successful applicants hold a master’s degree or equivalent research experience.
• Quantitative background: substantial coursework in mathematics (calculus, linear algebra), probability/statistics, and intermediate microeconomics or optimisation; demonstrated ability to handle advanced theoretical and empirical methods.
• Research experience: prior research, publications, working papers, strong senior projects or relevant industry research experience strengthen an application.
• Supporting materials: academic transcripts, a statement of research interests outlining intended commerce-related topics, at least three academic references, and a CV.
• Standardised tests and English language: GRE or GMAT scores may be requested as part of the application process depending on current admissions policies; non-native English speakers typically must provide evidence of English proficiency unless exempted.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme typically pursue careers that leverage deep research skills in commerce and market analysis. Common career paths include:

• Academic careers: positions as assistant professors in economics, business schools, and departments focused on strategy, marketing, operations or finance.
• Research institutes and policy: roles at economic research organisations, central banks, regulatory bodies and think tanks addressing market design, competition policy and digital commerce regulation.
• Industry research and leadership: senior research scientist or principal economist roles in technology firms, financial institutions, consulting firms and platform companies where expertise in markets, pricing and analytics is required.
• Data science and analytics: advanced analytics, product strategy and applied econometrics roles that require causal inference and experimental design skills.

Why study at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Studying at MIT, and in particular within the Sloan School of Management and its affiliated research centres, provides access to world-class faculty working at the intersection of economics, management and computation. The Institute’s emphasis on rigorous quantitative training, close faculty supervision, and interdisciplinary collaboration with departments such as Economics, Computer Science and Engineering creates an environment well suited to commerce-focused research.

Students benefit from an active seminar culture, opportunities to collaborate with industry partners in the Boston–Cambridge innovation ecosystem, and access to research facilities and data resources that support empirical and computational work. The programme’s orientation toward original research and strong placement support prepares graduates for influential roles in academia, public policy and industry research.