University of Arizona

What you'll study

This PhD emphasises advanced economic theory and applied quantitative methods as they relate to household decision-making, consumer behaviour, family economics, and related public policies. Core study areas typically include microeconomic theory, advanced econometrics, program evaluation, and applied microeconomics with applications to household finance, labour supply, fertility and family demography, human capital investment, nutrition and health economics, and consumer welfare.

Students follow a combination of coursework and original research. Typical coursework covers:

• Advanced Microeconomic Theory — consumer and household decision models, intertemporal choice and bargaining within households.
• Econometrics and Applied Methods — linear and nonlinear models, causal inference, panel data, instrumental variables, matching, and structural estimation techniques.
• Program Evaluation — experimental and quasi-experimental designs for policy impact assessment.
• Specialist Topics — household finance, consumer behaviour, labour and family economics, public policy analysis, nutrition economics and health-related behaviour.
• Research Seminars — presentation and critique of working papers, methods seminars and interdisciplinary colloquia.

The doctoral sequence normally includes qualifying or comprehensive examinations, development and defence of a dissertation proposal, and completion of an original doctoral dissertation under faculty supervision. PhD students are also expected to gain teaching experience and to present research at seminars and conferences.

Entry requirements

Competitive applicants typically have a strong quantitative undergraduate degree (for example economics, mathematics, statistics, or a related social science) or a relevant master’s degree. Key elements of a successful application include:

• Academic transcripts showing coursework in calculus, linear algebra, probability/statistics and introductory econometrics.
• Research experience or evidence of capacity for independent research (eg a master’s thesis, research assistantship, or publications).
• Letters of recommendation that address research potential and quantitative preparation.
• Statement of purpose outlining research interests and fit with faculty expertise.
• CV/resumé describing academic and relevant professional experience.

Standardised test requirements vary; applicants should check the programme’s admissions page for current policy on GRE scores. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency according to university requirements. Funding decisions commonly form part of the admissions process; many admitted students receive teaching or research assistantships.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies pursue careers in several sectors. Common pathways include:

• Academic positions — tenure-track faculty roles in economics, family and consumer sciences, public policy, and applied economics departments.
• Government and public sector — policy analysts and researchers at local, state, and federal agencies working on tax, welfare, education, nutrition, health and family policy.
• Non-profit and international organisations — research and programme evaluation roles in charities, foundations and multilateral bodies focused on family wellbeing, poverty alleviation and consumer protection.
• Private sector — positions in research firms, consulting companies, financial institutions and market research teams that require household-level and consumer-behaviour expertise.
• Applied research centres — roles in university-affiliated institutes, think tanks and policy centres conducting empirical work and impact evaluations.

Why study at University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers an interdisciplinary environment that connects economics with public health, nutrition, family sciences and policy studies, providing broad empirical opportunities for household- and consumer-focused research. Doctoral students benefit from faculty with applied expertise, access to regional and national datasets, and collaborations with research centres and community partners in southern Arizona and beyond.

Students typically receive close supervision in developing rigorous empirical skills and applied research agendas, opportunities to teach and gain professional development, and institutional support for conference travel and grant-seeking. The campus setting also facilitates fieldwork and partnerships with public agencies and non-profit organisations working on family and consumer issues.