PhD Program Info

The University of Delaware Economics Department offers a unique Ph.D. degree that focuses on developing the applied research skills that are increasingly in demand, especially in the non-academic market.  The program draws on the excellent teaching and extensive applied research program of the department faculty.  Classes are small; students can count on receiving the personal attention of our highly qualified faculty.

The Ph.D. degree requires 30 hours of graduate work beyond a master's degree or master's equivalency, and can be realistically completed in four years. The coursework includes 15 credit hours in five required courses (mathematical methods, economic theory, and econometrics),  9 credit hours of economics electives, and a  dissertation. 

Currently, fields of specialization are available in Industrial Economics, Labor Economics, International and Development Economics, Monetary and Financial Economics, Environmental Economics, Regional Economic Development, Public Economics, and Applied Macroeconomics.  Concentrations in Finance and in Agricultural Economics are also available. To read the Graduate Economics Department Guide, click here.

The full academic resources of the University of Delaware are available to students.  Many PhD students choose related courses in the Lerner College of Business and Economics, the College of Marine Studies, the College of Human Services, Education, and Public Policy, and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

We have been thrilled by the many successes of our recent Ph.D. students and their success in finding career employment.  Click here for a listing of jobs accepted recently by our students.  We welcome you to learn more about our department and its unique Ph.D. program.

Please feel free to contact one of the following if you have additional questions:

Deborah Sharpley
Graduate Programs Coordinator
sharpledlerner [dot] udel [dot] edu

Dr. David Black
Graduate Programs Advisor
blackdlerner [dot] udel [dot] edu

Dr. James G. Mulligan
Director of Graduate Programs
mulligajudel [dot] edu