PhD in International Economics and Finance

Program Highlights

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.

Global Career Preparation

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

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

Nearly all students accepted into the PhD program receive full tuition scholarships, health insurance and living stipends.

A Close-knit Community

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

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PhD Career Outcomes

Job Market Candidates

“The PhD program at the Brandeis International Business School has a strong reputation for training researchers and practitioners in economics, finance and business. Our size allows students to receive personalized attention in a supportive environment propelling our alumni into prestigious research positions in academia, governmental organizations and the private sector.”

Alice Hsiaw Alice Hsiaw, PhD Program Director

Careers

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.

Lara Loewenstein

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

MA’12, PhD’16 | United States

Vina Nguyen

Economist, IMF

PhD’14 | Vietnam

Raffi Garcia

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

PhD’18 | Dominican Republic

Cecilia Maya

Chief Operating Officer, Markets, XM

MA’00, PhD’04 | Colombia

Rawley Heimer

Boston College

PhD’13 | United States

Satyam Panday

Standard and Poor's Rating Services

PhD’13 | Nepal

Eugene Kiselev

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

PhD’13 | Russia

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.

Core Curriculum

After completing the first year (normally four courses per semester, including Advanced Microeconomics I and II, Advanced Macroeconomics I and II and Econometrics), students then take qualifying examinations in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics.
After completing field courses, usually in one or two years, students take examinations in two fields of specialization. Current areas of specialization are Applied Methods, Finance and International Economics.
In the first year, all PhD students also enroll in ECON 399 PhD Dissertation Workshop. The workshop provides opportunities for advanced students to present papers and define thesis objectives.

Third Year and Beyond

In the third year, the PhD candidates begin to 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.

Real World Experiences

PhD students are required to work as either a teaching or research assistant at Brandeis International Business School in years 1-5 of the program.
Students receive the Master of Science degree upon successful completion of 13 courses, passing their 2nd year qualifying exams, and at least one of two field exams.

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Admissions

Candidates are considered for admission every other year. The next intake will be Fall 2026.

Class Profile

157 / 170

Median
Verbal GRE / Quantitative GRE

3.8

Median GPA

43% / 57%

Male / Female

30

Average Age

42% / 58%

Domestic / International

Countries Represented in the Incoming Brandeis International Business School Class

Albania ● Azerbaijan ● Cambodia ● Chile ● China ● Colombia ●
El Salvador ● Ghana ● Hungary ● India ● Indonesia ● Kosovo ● Mongolia ● Namibia ●
Nepal ● South Korea ● Taiwan ● Togo ● Ukraine ● United States ● Vietnam ● Yemen