The Economics track of the PhD in Public Policy (PPOL) Program provides rigorous disciplinary training, with a focus on applying the tools of economics to the study of major public policy issues.
The program embeds formal economics training within a unique interdisciplinary atmosphere of scholars and practitioners who are working on problems of practice in a wide range of settings. In addition, the program offers teaching and research opportunities with leading scholars at HKS and elsewhere at Harvard.
HKS has a strong core of faculty specializing in a diverse range of subfields of economics, including labor, public and applied microeconomics topics, behavioral economics and decision sciences, environmental economics, international trade, economic development, and other subjects.
Graduates will be prepared for academic teaching and research positions in schools of public policy, economics and other disciplinary departments, as well as policy positions in national governments and international institutions.
Economics Track Prerequisites
To demonstrate that you are prepared for our rigorous curriculum, you must have successfully completed and excelled in the following:
- A university-level course in microeconomic theory
- A university-level course in statistics
- At least two semesters of calculus
- Mathematics courses up to and including multivariable calculus
Economics Track Core Requirements
- Two courses in microeconomics theory (Econ 2020a, Econ 2020b)
- One course in political theory
- One course in analytical methods, or completion of a qualifying exam
- Two courses in empirical methods
- Two doctoral research seminars (API-901 , API-902)
You are required to stay on the declared track while working toward your doctorate and must meet the core requirements above. If your research focus changes to a different track, you are required to speak with the Doctoral Programs Office regarding the procedures to apply to change tracks.