PhD in International Economics and Finance

“The PhD program at Brandeis IBS is distinguished by its international economics and finance orientation as well as its corresponding focus on practical applications in policy and business.”

Nidhiya Menon Nidhiya Menon, PhD Program Director

Brandeis Advantage

Ranked among the best U.S. universities by U.S. News and World Report. Located close to Boston, a multicultural hub of finance, technology and innovation.

International Economics and Finance

Our doctoral program focuses on research, teaching, high-level policy making and consulting.

Global Career Preparation

Students can conduct research abroad and participate in research projects and seminars.

Renowned Faculty

Work with faculty experts who are leaders in academic research or seasoned financial professionals.

STEM-Designated

International students are eligible for up to 36 months of practical training in the U.S. after graduation. Learn more.

Scholarships

Partial- to full-tuition waivers are frequently issued to students accepted into the PhD program.

A Close-knit Community

Learn more about our multi-cultural and supportive campus environment.

PhD candidates develop the analytical and technical background required for research, teaching, high-level policy making and consulting in international economics and finance. They pursue jobs in education as well as in the public and private sectors.

Career Opportunities

PhD alumni have joined leading policy, business and academic institutions.

Rawley Heimer

Boston College

PhD '13 | United States

Satyam Panday

Standard & Poor's Rating Services

PhD '13 | Nepal

Eugene Kiselev

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

PhD '13 | Russia

Cecilia Maya

Energy Market Manager, XM Filial de ISA

MA ’00, PhD ’04 | Colombia

Olaf Unteroberdoerster

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

PhD '98 | Germany

Curriculum

The PhD program's core courses are similar to those of a rigorous economics doctorate, but electives target practical skills rather than theory. The program is designed to be completed on average in five years.

Core Curriculum

After completing the first year (normally four courses per semester, including Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics and Econometrics), students then take preliminary examinations in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics.
After completing field courses, usually in one or two years, students take examinations in two areas of specialization. Current areas of specialization are Applied Methods (required), International Economics, Finance, International Business, International Development and International Trade.
After the first year, all PhD students in residence enroll in PhD Dissertation Workshop (Topics in International Economics and Finance). The workshop provides opportunities for advanced students to present papers and define thesis objectives.
PhD students begin the transition to research in the second year when they are required to take part in the PhD seminar.
PhD students may enroll in the internship course (ECON 297a) that corresponds to outside research activities, but are limited to taking this course up to three times within the first two years.

Third Year and Beyond

By the third year, the PhD candidates should begin work on the dissertation, prepare initial work on the thesis, and submit a 3rd year paper.
In the third year and beyond, the thesis takes shape and a formal committee is assembled. Once a thesis defense date is scheduled, the student presents the core of the thesis work, and once completed, the degree is awarded during the next degree period.
In years 3-5, students are required to take 2 credits of independent research and attend internal and outside research seminars. Many students also engage in other outside experiences, either doing research, teaching a course, or spending a summer or semester working full or part-time at a government institution or firm. This gives Brandeis IBS PhD candidates important real world experience. Students enroll in either an internship course (ECON 297a) or as an independent study (ECON 298a) with a Brandeis IBS faculty member as an advisor.

Real World Experiences

PhD students are required to work as either a teaching or research assistant at Brandeis IBS in years 1-5 of the program.
Students receive the Master of Science degree upon successful completion of two years of study in the PhD program.

View Courses & Timeline

Admissions

Candidates are considered for admission every other year. The next intake will be Fall 2020 and applications will be due by January 15, 2020.

Are you ready to get started? Request more information or begin applying today.

Looking for more information on admissions? Contact us or explore the links below:

Brandeis International Business School