Georgia State University

PhD in Economics

Atlanta, United States Taught in English Open to international students

Introduction

Georgia State University in downtown Atlanta is a large, dynamic public research university with a strong commitment to student success. With a wide range of programs across business, arts, sciences, education and health fields, GSU combines academic rigor with practical, career-oriented opportunities. Its urban campus places students at the heart of a major metropolitan economy, offering unparalleled access to internships, industry partners and cultural institutions.

International students benefit from comprehensive support services, personalized advising and numerous scholarship and financial-aid options that help make study more accessible. GSU’s faculty are active researchers and practitioners who integrate real-world projects into the curriculum, while the city’s business ecosystem supports hands-on learning and networking. Student life is lively, with multicultural organizations, career fairs and experiential learning embedded across disciplines.

Graduates from Georgia State enter the workforce with practical experience, professional connections and industry-relevant skills. The university’s emphasis on community engagement and social impact also prepares students to lead change locally and globally. For students seeking an affordable, well-connected urban university with broad program choices and strong career pathways, GSU presents a compelling option.

About the Program

The PhD in Economics at Georgia State University is a 4-year degree that prepares students for careers as researchers or university instructors. This program takes a pioneering approach to economics, emphasizing public policy and empirical evaluation.

The curriculum covers advanced econometrics, experimental methods, and economic theory, as well as research methodology and empirical techniques. You will develop skills like data analysis, research design, and policy evaluation, and learn from internationally renowned faculty and research centers.

Graduates can pursue careers as Economic Researchers, University Professors, Policy Analysts, or Public Economists, working in universities, research institutions, government agencies, or private companies. They can help address complex economic challenges and educate the next generation of public economics experts.

Tuition in Context

This program's tuition is 10% above the typical PhD in the United States.

Median tuition for that cohort is 29,822 USD, across 2,296 programs in our catalog.

Compare United States PhD programs

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 5.5-6.0. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

TOEFL iBT
46–59
PTE Academic
42–49
Duolingo
85–95
CEFR level
B1/B2
Convert your own score

Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

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