PhD in International Economics and Finance

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

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.

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

See Details on Career Outcomes

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 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 (required), International Economics, Finance, International Business, and International Development.
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.

View Courses & Timeline

Admissions

Candidates are considered for admission every other year. The next intake will be Fall 2022 and the application will be available in September 2021.

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:

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

Brandeis International Business School