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The University of Texas at Austin boasts Texas' highest-ranked doctoral program in economics. Nationally, the Economics Department has consistently risen in prominence to rank among the country's elite programs. Current evaluations position the Department within the top 15-20 economics programs nationwide (Coupe, KMS, US News & World Report, Times of London). The Department features numerous distinguished economists and maintains a vibrant, multifaceted research community with seven weekly seminars and exclusive data resources. The doctoral curriculum provides rigorous foundational training alongside specialized courses that incorporate modern economic research methodologies.
During the dissertation phase, students receive continuous faculty guidance tailored to prepare them for career opportunities. This approach has led to successful placements across prestigious academic institutions like Columbia and Princeton, sought-after government research roles, and leading private sector employers including Analysis Group and Amazon. This site includes directories of current students and job market candidates, admission details, departmental award recipients, and placement records. Additional resources feature past qualifying exams, doctoral theses, and information about the graduate student association Economic Graduates Assembled (EGAD).
Applicants who hold bachelor’s degrees are eligible to apply directly to the Ph.D. program.
In addition to the above criteria, international students must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score at least 550 on the paper-and-pencil version or 213 on the computer-assisted exam. The minimum acceptable total score for the new iBT exam is 79. The minimum acceptable score on the IELTS is an overall band of 6.5