The Stanford University Economics PhD program is one of the most prestigious and highly competitive programs in the world. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford University offers a unique blend of academic rigor, innovative research opportunities, and access to a vibrant community of scholars and industry leaders. The Economics PhD program at Stanford is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of economic theory, econometrics, and applied economics, as well as the opportunity to pursue specialized research in a wide range of fields.
Program Overview
The Stanford Economics PhD program is a five-year program that consists of two years of coursework, followed by three years of original research and dissertation writing. The program is highly interdisciplinary, with students and faculty drawn from a wide range of departments and schools across the university, including the Graduate School of Business, the School of Law, and the School of Engineering. The program is known for its emphasis on rigorous theoretical and empirical training, as well as its commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive community of scholars.
Admissions and Funding
Admission to the Stanford Economics PhD program is highly competitive, with only a small number of students accepted each year. Applicants must have a strong background in economics, mathematics, and statistics, as well as a demonstrated interest in pursuing original research in economics. The program offers full funding to all admitted students, including a stipend, tuition, and health insurance. Students are also eligible for additional funding opportunities, including research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and external fellowships.
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Number of Students | Approximately 100-150 students in the program at any given time |
| Acceptance Rate | Around 5-7% of applicants are accepted each year |
| Funding | Full funding, including stipend, tuition, and health insurance, is provided to all admitted students |
Research Opportunities
The Stanford Economics PhD program offers a wide range of research opportunities, with faculty and students working on projects in fields such as macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics, and applied economics. The program is home to a number of research centers and initiatives, including the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR), the Center for Research on Economic Development and Policy Reform (CREDPR), and the Stanford Center on Global Poverty and Development (SCGPD). Students have access to a wide range of resources, including datasets, computational facilities, and research funding, and are encouraged to pursue original research projects under the guidance of faculty advisors.
Specialized Fields
The Stanford Economics PhD program offers specialized fields in a wide range of areas, including:
- Macroeconomics: Students can pursue research in areas such as monetary policy, international trade, and economic growth and development.
- Microeconomics: Students can pursue research in areas such as game theory, mechanism design, and behavioral economics.
- Econometrics: Students can pursue research in areas such as econometric theory, applied econometrics, and statistical analysis.
- Applied Economics: Students can pursue research in areas such as labor economics, public finance, and environmental economics.
Faculty and Alumni
The Stanford Economics PhD program is home to a distinguished faculty of scholars, including Nobel laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and other leading researchers in the field. The program has a strong track record of placing graduates in top academic and research positions, with alumni going on to become leading scholars and policymakers in their fields. Some notable faculty and alumni include:
| Faculty/Alumni | Research Interests |
|---|---|
| Ken Arrow | General equilibrium theory, social choice theory, and public economics |
| Milton Friedman | Monetary policy, international trade, and economic development |
| Alvin Roth | Game theory, mechanism design, and market design |
| Esther Duflo | Development economics, poverty reduction, and randomized controlled trials |
What are the admission requirements for the Stanford Economics PhD program?
+Admission to the Stanford Economics PhD program requires a strong background in economics, mathematics, and statistics, as well as a demonstrated interest in pursuing original research in economics. Applicants must submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement, as well as take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if applicable.
What kind of research opportunities are available to students in the Stanford Economics PhD program?
+Students in the Stanford Economics PhD program have access to a wide range of research opportunities, including working with faculty on research projects, pursuing independent research under the guidance of a faculty advisor, and participating in research centers and initiatives such as SIEPR, CREDPR, and SCGPD.
