Economic Analysis & Policy

Our doctoral program in the field of economic analysis and policy prepares students for research careers in economics. The program offers rigorous training and has several distinct advantages:

Low Student-to-Faculty Ratio

First, enrollment in the program is small. This encourages close faculty-student contact and allows students to become involved in research very early. Students work first as assistants on faculty research projects and, as their interests and skills develop, on their own research. Students often begin their publishing careers before completing their degrees.

Flexible and Innovative Program

Second, the program is flexible and innovative; students can draw on both the school’s and the university’s distinguished faculty. In addition to the faculty in the economics group at Stanford GSB and in the university’s economics department, students have access to faculty in political and behavioral sciences; accounting and finance; mathematics, statistics, and computer science; and many other disciplines.

A Top-Ranked School

Third, the program is part of a top-ranked professional school. This setting allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the actual processes of business decision-making and public policy formulation.

Preparation and Qualifications

Students who enroll in this program have a substantial background in economics and mathematics. They are expected to have, minimally, mathematical skills at the level of one year of advanced calculus and one course each in linear algebra, analysis, probability, optimization, and statistics.

The faculty selects students based on predicted performance in the program. Evidence of substantial background or ability in the use of mathematical reasoning and statistical methods is important. Most successful applicants had quantitative undergraduate majors in economics, mathematics, or related sciences.

In addition to evidence of ability and letters of recommendation, the faculty considers carefully the applicant’s statement of purpose for pursuing the PhD degree. The successful applicant usually has clearly defined career goals that are compatible with those of the program.

Acceptance into the program is extremely competitive. Admitted applicants compare very favorably with students enrolled in the top economics departments of major universities.

Recent Journal Articles in Economic Analysis & Policy

John Ameriks, Joseph Briggs, Andrew Caplin, Matthew Shapiro, Christopher Tonetti
Journal of Political Economy. June
2020, Vol. forthcoming
David M. Kreps, Alejandro Francetich
Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control. February
2020, Vol. 111, Issue 103813
Paul R. Milgrom, Ilya Segal
Journal of Political Economy. January
2020, Vol. 128, Issue 1, Pages 1-31

Insights by Stanford Business

April 16, 2020
Nicholas Bloom’s research has measured the benefits of working from home. But in the current coronavirus crisis, the economist fears productivity will plummet.
Seattle City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda reaches over to check in to a council meeting by phone during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. March 23, 2020. Credit: Reuters/Lindsey WassonSeattle City Councilmember teujkrtdtuktduktykstuyktukt
January 31, 2020
Latinos are launching businesses at an unprecedented pace, but barriers — some long-standing, some brand new — keep them from reaching their potential.
Dolmarie Mendez. Credit: Erika Rodriguez
January 31, 2020
To maximize the potential of big data, firms are looking for employees with a new skill set.
Susan Athey. Credit: Tricia Seibold