Economics (Applied Economics Department) - PhD

College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

About This Degree

The PhD in economics gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in research. The program emphasizes applied economic theory and quantitative analysis, and students can focus their studies in environmental and natural resource economics, agricultural economics, or regional economic development.

What You Will Learn

PhD graduates have had opportunities to work on research projects funded by organizations such as the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Education, among others. Many graduates have published refereed journal articles that stem from their graduate work in scholarly journals.

Specialization:

Students may choose an emphasis in one of the following areas.

Climate Adaptation Science (Economics PhD):

The Climate Adaptation Science specialization provides students with experiences in actionable science through internship and research experiences. Program includes interdisciplinary research to identify adaptive responses to changing climate extremes and two-part internships with agency, NGO, and industry partners. In a first internship, students contribute to projects and learn the workplace cultures and science needs of the host. The internship experiences inform interdisciplinary climate adaptation research by student teams. In a second internship, students share science results and tools with the host organization and help put that science into action.

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ADVISING

At a Glance

College: College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

Department: Applied Economics Department

USU Locations:

  • Logan campus

Faculty: View profiles of faculty members on the department directory.

Program Requirements

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

While graduates primarily pursue careers in research and academia, this degree also prepares students for positions in:

  • Industry
  • Private consulting firms
  • Regional and national policy-making agencies
  • Private, not-for-profit organizations
  • Community/regional economic planning and development agencies

Job Outlook

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

Advising

Man-Keun Kim

Professor, Director of Graduate Studies
Email: mk.kim@usu.edu
Office: AGRS 220A
Phone: (435) 797-2359

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USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

Admission

Admission Requirements

Prerequisite course work for the PhD in Economics:

M.S. in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Economics, Environmental/Natural Resource Economics, or a closely related degree.

Or at a minimum evidence of the following coursework:

  • Microeconomic Principles
  • Intermediate Microeconomics
  • Calculus
  • Statistics
  • Basic Econometrics

Application Requirements:

  • Complete the online application
  • Pay the $55 application fee
  • Score at or above the 40th percentile on the GRE
  • Have a 3.0 or higher GPA on your last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits
  • Provide transcripts of all college/university credits
  • Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Deadlines

The department has the following application deadline for students wishing to receive funding:

  • Fall semester –January 31

The deadline for admission without funding is:

  • Fall semester – June 30

PhD candidates are accepted in odd years only.

Program Requirements

Students must take a qualifying examination at the end of their first year. It is composed of two, four-hour exams covering 1) microeconomics and 2) econometrics and quantitative methods.

Both exams must be passed before moving on to the second year of study.

 

Financial Aid

The department offers a limited amount of competitive research assistantships and tuition awards. As the availability of these assistantships varies from year to year, students should check with the department for more information.

A variety of funding opportunities are available on the graduate school website.

Take The Next Step

How to Apply

View our step-by-step guide on how to become an Aggie.

Request Information

Contact the School of Graduate Studies to ask questions or receive more information.

Cost and Funding

Calculate the cost of graduate school and learn about funding opportunities.