PhD in Economics in Honolulu United States | University of Hawaii at Manoa

The Economics Ph.D. program equips students with both theoretical and applied research capabilities while immersing them in diverse policy matters to ready them for academic, corporate, or public sector roles. With an intimate cohort size—about ten new doctoral candidates annually working alongside twenty-one dedicated faculty members—the program fosters strong mentor-student relationships.

Our department boasts an international community, with faculty and students representing more than twenty nations worldwide. We enthusiastically welcome applicants from all backgrounds and countries.

Program participants can leverage faculty specialization across numerous economics disciplines, such as: global economics, demographic economics, workforce economics, historical economic analysis, healthcare economics, behavioral economics, microeconomic principles, statistical economics, macroeconomic systems, growth economics, fiscal policy studies, and ecological economics.

Important Update: Beginning Fall 2020, revised program requirements take effect. Candidates admitted before this date may opt for either the updated or previous requirements (see legacy guidelines). Those meeting all prerequisites and adhering to the recommended timeline can complete the program within five years.

Earning the Economics Ph.D. necessitates satisfactory completion of:

Seven foundational courses,
Comprehensive exams in micro and macroeconomic theory,
Beyond core requirements, seven advanced economics courses (600-700 level),
One methodological/theoretical course,
Two specialized concentrations (two courses each),
Two optional courses if selecting Methods/Theory as a concentration (otherwise one elective),
Econ 730,
A third-year research project,
An oral comprehensive examination plus dissertation proposal defense,
A final oral examination including dissertation defense, and
Official submission of the finalized dissertation to the Graduate Division.