PhD in Business Administration - Economics

Shape Economic Policy and Research with a PhD in Business Administration — Economics

Build Expertise. Conduct Impactful Research. Lead in Academia, Government, or Industry.

The PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Economics at UNC Greensboro’s Bryan School of Business and Economics equips you with advanced theoretical, quantitative, and statistical skills to analyze and interpret complex economic issues. This flexible, online doctoral program is ideal for high-achieving applicants seeking careers in academia, research institutions, financial organizations, and government agencies.

Why Choose UNCG for Your PhD in Economics?

• Ranked among the Top 10 Best Online Colleges.
• Named a “Best College for Money” by College Factual.
• Recognized as “Best for Vets” by Military Times.
• UNCG’s Bryan School is among only 1% of business schools worldwide to hold prestigious dual AACSB accreditation in Business and Accounting.
• Strong focus on applied research and faculty collaboration.

PHD in Business Administration — economics Program Highlights

• 45–66 credit hour program.
• Flexible online format with no need to relocate and only three required campus visits.
• Personalized mentorship and collaborative research opportunities.
• Emphasis on empirical analysis and economic modeling.
• Career development funding and job placement support.

Opportunities to Publish and Present Your Research 

The research-intensive focus of the PhD in Business Administration — Economics includes opportunities to collaborate with faculty on grant-funded research, and co-author papers with them for presentation at regional and national conferences. You’ll boost your applied research talents while further developing your professional credentials and standing in the field. 

Fully Online Flexibility, The Bryan School Quality 

UNCG’s PhD in Business Administration — Economics is offered exclusively online, designed for those seeking a high-quality, research-based doctoral degree. The program is particularly suited to business school faculty without a PhD, or professionals looking to advance their current career or transition to academia — candidates who need greater flexibility than a traditional PhD program. That means you can earn your PhD without disrupting your career or relocating.  

The PhD in Economics requires only three visits to UNCG’s campus: 

• Before your first semester to meet your cohort and faculty, and learn about the resources available to you as an online student with The Bryan School. 

• To complete qualifying exams. 

• A third, flexible visit — for example, to defend your dissertation proposal or the dissertation itself. 

The Bryan School’s online degree programs are top-ranked nationally, offering you the flexibility to earn a quality PhD without the need to change careers or relocate. You’ll also benefit from our full suite of powerful career development and student support resources. 

A Research-Intensive PhD for Economists, Academics, and Professionals 

UNCG’s PhD in Business Administration — Economics is a research-focused doctoral program designed for a range of career orientations — from academia, to policy, to private-sector roles working for major corporations. We produce top-quality policy-oriented researchers thanks to a rigorous curriculum of advanced empirical analysis and economic modeling. Graduates of our Economics concentration are highly skilled analysts with deep talents in performing and interpreting cutting-edge economic analyses across a range of sectors, including education, environmental policy, health, labor, public economics, macroeconomics and banking, and technology and innovation. 

Recent PhD graduates from our Economics department have found rewarding careers including: 

• Lead Economist, The MITRE Corporation 
  Washington, DC Area 
• Assistant Professor, University of Maine 
• Lead Data Scientist, ADP 
• Senior Research Economist, RTI International 
  Durham, NC 
• Lecturer (U.K. AP equivalent), University of Strathclyde 
  Glasgow, Scotland 
• Consultant, The Lewin Group 
  Washington, DC Area 
• Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Northeastern University 
• Economist, Amazon 
• Research Fellow, Ankara University 
  Ankara, Turkey 
• Economist, U.S. Department of Agriculture 
  Washington, DC Area 

Typically, the PhD in Economics consists of: 

• 6–9 credit hours of common core courses 
• 18 credit hours of economics concentration courses 
• Up to 9 credit hours of electives 
• 12 credit hours of supervised independent research 
• 12–18 hours of dissertation work 

Find Your Community with Business Administration Student Organizations 

As a PhD in Business Administration — Economics student, you can connect with your peers and start developing your professional networks with a range of Bryan School student organizations and honors societies devoted to different aspects of the business field. 

Ranked, Recognized, Respected 

UNCG’s Bryan School of Business and Economics is an elite business school — among the top 1% worldwide to enjoy prestigious dual accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for our excellence in business and accounting education. In addition to our many top state and national rankings, our online programs are highly ranked by The Princeton Review, Fortune, and many other prestigious academic and business publications. 

phd in business administration — economics Curriculum Overview

• Core courses include Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics,
• Specialized topics include Applied Economics, Advanced Econometrics, Economic Research Seminars, and more.
• Supervised independent research and dissertation.
• Optional electives to tailor your focus.
• Comprehensive exams and dissertation defense.

PHD in BuSINESS ADMINIstration — economics Program Structure

• Year 1–3: Core and concentration courses, research seminars, and electives
• Year 4–5: Dissertation research and defense
• Comprehensive exams after coursework completion

Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission to The Bryan School’s PhD in Business Administration — Economics, you’ll need the following, along with the required application documents: 

• A completed bachelor’s degree with coursework in intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, regression analysis, and mathematical economics (or an equivalent course). 
• One official transcript from all colleges and universities previously attended  .
• Personal statement.
• Resume or CV. 
• Three letters of recommendation from former professors, employers, or others well acquainted with your academic potential.
• GRE test scores.
• A course-by-course NACES credential evaluation for all degrees from any college or university you’ve attended outside the United States. This evaluation must be submitted for the application to be considered complete. Make sure you acquire the evaluation well in advance.  
• Non-native speakers of English must certify proficiency in the English language. Contact the Graduate School for details.  

Application Deadlines

• Priority Deadline: January 15 (for fellowships and assistantships)
• Final Deadline: April 1 (rolling admissions until filled)

Tuition & Financial Support

UNCG’s PhD in Business Administration offers tremendous value, with highly competitive tuition and fees. For the latest details on tuition and fees, visit UNCG’S graduate fee schedule. Students in the PhD program may apply for one of several competitive scholarships offered by The Graduate School, and funding may be available for student travel to present at academic conferences. You may also be eligible for a graduate assistantship or fellowship, or one of a limited number of tuition waivers for qualified in-state students. Find more information on available financial supports from UNCG’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.