The Virginia Tech Economics program was established September 1, 1961, and since then, has awarded more than 200 doctoral degrees in economics. From 2000 onwards, the program has taken a new direction - while students still earn a doctorate in Economics, the program is jointly administered by the Department of Economics and the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, giving students access to a greater number of courses.
1. Curriculum - The Ph.D. program is designed to be completed in 4-5 years, with the first 2 years focused on coursework and the remaining years on research and completion of the dissertation. Following a set of compulsory core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics in the first two years, the students take more advanced and specialized field courses in areas like applied microeconomics (health, labor, and development economics), microeconomic theory, experimental and behavioral economics, econometrics, and macroeconomics. They must pass a Qualifying Exam at the end of the first year and before the end of their third year, students must complete a Third Year Research Paper. Each student is expected to successfully defend a doctoral dissertation by the end of the fourth or fifth year in the program.
2. Career - The doctoral program in economics prepares students for research and teaching careers, as well as careers in the public and private sectors that require knowledge and understanding of the most advanced economic theory and methods. Our recent graduates have found jobs as successful professionals worldwide in a variety of academic institutions, in the finance and investment industry, other large business corporations, and both the non-government and the government sectors.
Students seeking the Ph.D. must complete 90 total credit hours of work, consisting of 24 credit hours of core requirements, 21 credit hours of field courses, 30 credit hours of research & dissertation, and an additional 15 credit hours of research & dissertation or other Graduate level courses with the permission of the Graduate Director.
September 2025
Virginia Tech
925 Prices Fork Road,
BLACKSBURG,
Virginia,
24061, United States
Admission to the Graduate School is contingent upon receipt of a four year (or 3 year degree recognized by the Bologna process) bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and the presentation of evidence of potential to pursue graduate work.
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Testing Requirements:
TOEFL Paper 600.0
Computer 250.0
iBT 90.0
A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required for admission.
Application Deadlines: Fall: Feb 01.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.