Economics (Applied Economics Department)

The PhD in economics gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in research. The program emphasizes applied economic theory and quantitative analysis, and students can focus their studies in environmental and natural resource economics, agricultural economics, or regional economic development.

PhD graduates have had opportunities to work on research projects funded by organizations such as the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Education, among others. Many graduates have published refereed journal articles that stem from their graduate work in scholarly journals.

 

Specialization(s):

• Climate Adaptation Science (Economics PhD): The Climate Adaptation Science specialization provides students with experiences in actionable science through internship and research experiences. Program includes interdisciplinary research to identify adaptive responses to changing climate extremes and two-part internships with agency, NGO, and industry partners. In a first internship, students contribute to projects and learn the workplace cultures and science needs of the host. The internship experiences inform interdisciplinary climate adaptation research by student teams. In a second internship, students share science results and tools with the host organization and help put that science into action.

Prerequisite course work for the PhD in Economics:

M.S. in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Economics, Environmental/Natural Resource Economics, or a closely related degree.

Or at a minimum evidence of the following coursework:

• Microeconomic Principles
• Intermediate Microeconomics
• Calculus
• Statistics
• Basic Econometrics

• Complete the online application
• Pay the $55 application fee
• Score at or above the 40^th percentile on the GRE
• Have a 3.0 or higher GPA on your last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits
• Provide transcripts of all college/university credits
• Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Admission Deadlines

The department has the following application deadline for students wishing to receive funding:

• Fall semesterJanuary 31

The deadline for admission without funding is:

• Fall semester June 30

PhD candidates are accepted in odd years only.

Students must take a qualifying examination at the end of their first year. It is composed of two, four-hour exams covering 1) microeconomics and 2) econometrics and quantitative methods.

Both exams must be passed before moving on to the second year of study.

 

Financial Assistance

The department offers a limited amount of competitive research assistantships and tuition awards. As the availability of these assistantships varies from year to year, students should check with the department for more information.

A variety of additional funding opportunities are available, including fellowships, scholarships, and travel support. Additionally, students may be eligible for subsidized health insurance through qualifying assistantships.

While graduates primarily pursue careers in research and academia, this degree also prepares students for positions in:

• Industry
• Private consulting firms
• Regional and national policy-making agencies
• Private, not-for-profit organizations
• Community/regional economic planning and development agencies

1. Visit Our Website

a. Go to gradschool.usu.edu/apply/ to start the application process.

b. Read all admissions requirements on our website.

c. Click on the “Apply Now” button to create an account to apply.

2. Fill Out Application

a. Fill out the following information:

i. Personal

ii. Demographic

iii. Misdemeanor/Felony information, if necessary

iv. Citizenship

v. Academic History

vi. Intended Program of Study Information

vii. NOTE: You cannot submit supplemental items until you have filled out all personal and demographic information, submitted the application, and paid the application fee.

b. Make sure to select the correct entry term (e.g., Spring 2022, Fall 2022, etc.)

c. Submit the application and pay the fee.

i. If you have a waiver code, use it in the discount code box to waive the fee.

3. Supplemental Items

a. Log back into the USU Recruit Application Portal.

b. Enter your application to submit items.

c. Required supplemental items may include, but are not limited to, the following (Please check with your intended program for specific details):

i. Transcripts

1. USU applicants do not need to send transcripts. We pull them from our system for you.

2. All other applicants, please send your official transcripts to the following address:

a. School of Graduate Studies

Utah State University

0900 Old Main Hill

Logan, UT 84322-0900

b. Please note that in order to be considered official, the transcript must (1) be sent directly from the institution to Utah State University, or (2) be forwarded by the applicant with the transcript remaining in the original, unopened envelope from the institution.

ii. Letters of Recommendation

1. Fill out the recommendation request forms. Recommendations must come from referee, not from applicant, to be considered valid.

iii. Statement of Purpose

iv. Test Scores

1. GRE Scores

a. Send to school code 4857

2. MAT Scores

a. Send to school code 2273

3. NOTE: Expired test scores will not be accepted.

d. International applicants must also include:

i. Proof of English language proficiency through one of the options below.

1.TOEFL Scores – 71 or higher

a. Send to school code 4857

2. IELTS Academic Scores – 6.0 or higher

a. Upload student copy to application, clearly showing TRF number.

b. Our test score processor will upload official scores.

3. Completion of at least 24 credits of post-secondary/university course work taught in the U.S. in English, excluding English as a second language courses. Courses must have been taken at an accredited college or university to be considered for direct admission.

4. NOTE: Expired test scores will not be accepted.

ii. A certified English translation of any transcript originally penned in another language.

1. Due to COVID-19 constraints, Utah State University is temporarily accepting unofficial transcripts from international applicants. Upon admittance, students will be required to submit an official transcript before registering for classes.

iii. Proof of Financial Support

1. Affidavit of Financial Support

2. Bank Statement Copy

iv. Passport Copy

v. International applicants can direct any questions not related to the information above to the Office of Global Engagement.