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Ph.D. Program in Economics

Wayne Gray teaching

Why apply to Clark’s doctoral program in economics?

Since the 1930s, Clark’s doctoral program in economics has prepared students to address some of the day’s most critical issues from the unique environment of a liberal arts and research university. Our intimate size fosters both a community of scholars and a robust department of supportive, field-leading faculty committed to academically innovative work in the areas of spatial analysis, development, and environment. Backed by the department’s resources as well as those of Clark’s George Perkins Marsh Institute, students use empirical and analytical skills to engage in research that not only advances knowledge in their fields, but also addresses policy issues in the areas of environmental economics, development, urban economics, and international economics.

Our Community

The program welcomes talented, dedicated students with a strong work ethic to contribute to our diverse community of scholars. The approximately 40 students in our economics doctoral program bring a wealth of experience and knowledge from across the world. In the past five years, our department also has hosted three Fulbright Scholars. As such, our program creates an intellectual environment at a small urban university where differences in disciplinary approaches enhance learning, and close faculty-student relationships — including the opportunity to participate in a teaching mentorship program — foster collegiality.

Meet Our Faculty

Key Details

Our program emphasizes the development of the theoretical understanding and empirical skills required to carry out research in applied economic analysis. Economic theory and econometrics, coupled with an early emphasis on research — students in their second year have opportunities to conduct and present original research — helps students progress quickly after reaching the dissertation stage and assists with their job searches.

Our program offers these specializations:

  • International economics
  • Environmental economics
  • Urban economics applications
  • Applied economics
  • Development economics

Other electives are offered occasionally and it’s possible to combine and cross electives and research. For example, students have combined environmental economics and economic development, using insights and techniques in both areas for their research.

Explore Courses in the Economics Ph.D. Program

Students discussing research poster

Doctoral Research

The congenial size of the program and the emphasis at Clark on high-quality teaching offer students opportunities to cross boundaries in their own research, such as combining trade and industrial organization or environmental economics and economic development.

Graphic of statistical data

Alumni Careers

Clark’s economics Ph.D. program prepares students to work in academic and professional fields across the world. Our graduates have accepted positions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Social Security Administration, U.S. Department of the Treasury, United Nations World Food Program, Oklahoma State University, Universita Di Roma La Sapienze, and World Bank.

Professor meeting with student

Faculty Mentors

While rigorous and focused on fostering independent research, our program’s size allows for supportive faculty-student relationships that start during the first year of study. Our faculty strives to help students throughout each stage of the program and beyond with resources for job opportunities, labor market advice, writing tips, and data sources.

Contact Information

Department of Economics

Office Location
  • Jonas Clark Hall, Room 124
    950 Main Street
    Worcester, MA 01610

  • 1-508-793-7226
  • 1-508-793-8849 Fax
Additional Contact Information
  • Computer Lab
    1-508-793-7229

  • Graduate Lounge
    1-508-793-7238