PhD in Economics - Public Economics in Madison United States | University of Wisconsin-Madison

Public economics analyzes how governments influence economies, focusing on taxation and spending policies. Wisconsin boasts a renowned legacy in public economics education and scholarship. Researchers in this field investigate diverse topics. Wisconsin faculty explore taxation's behavioral impacts, social safety nets, personal savings, charitable behavior, poverty reduction strategies, educational systems, peer influences, income inequality, and healthcare economics.

The public economics specialization mandates two core courses: Economics 741 plus either an applied econometrics or field topics class. These courses explore both theoretical frameworks and empirical approaches within the discipline. While specific subjects may change annually, the curriculum generally includes optimal taxation principles, how taxes affect household decisions regarding employment, spending, savings, donations, and investments, government insurance programs addressing retirement, workplace injuries, joblessness, and disabilities, regional fiscal systems, municipal finances, public resource allocation, and anti-poverty initiatives. The course sequence also examines current research trends, particularly in education and healthcare policy. Similar to other Wisconsin graduate programs, second-year students commence work on original research projects.