Wharton's PhD program in Applied Economics gives students the tools and training to get jobs in business schools, public policy programs, and applied-oriented economics departments. Drawing on a large faculty of applied economists across multiple Wharton departments and the Law School, the program allows specialization in a number of areas, including:

• Behavioral Economics
• Economics of Risk Management
• Industrial Economics and Business Regulation
• Public Economics and Political Economy
• Urban Economics and Real Estate

The program is designed to admit and train a cohort of exceptionally able doctoral students who show promise for academic careers in fundamental and applied research and teaching. The program is highly analytical and quantitative. Entering students need a strong undergraduate preparation in both mathematics and microeconomics and an aptitude for analytical thinking. Students begin with courses in economic theory and econometrics, then specialize in areas related to our core of Wharton faculty (see below).

The program provides a variety of opportunities to conduct research. Students are encouraged to write at least one publication-quality paper during the first two and one-half years in the program. Often these papers are co-authored with faculty, providing a transition from coursework into the dissertation phase of the program. The program sponsors a research seminar series where speakers from Wharton and other universities present original research. Students are encouraged to attend and participate in the seminar series.

Note: the Applied Economics program integrates and supplants the programs of Business & Public Policy, Insurance & Risk Management, and Real Estate.

Faculty