Applied Economics
The Applied Economics Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree program is outcome based. The program will leverage the strength areas of the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics (AAE) in applied risk analysis and institutions (leveraging the graduate certificate in New Institutional Social Science) while maintaining flexibility to provide for a variety of student specializations. The program will offer 15 credits of core classes with the remaining 75 credits being earned through other credit-based academic activity that may or may not include didactic coursework.
Degree Type
Doctoral
Location
On Campus
**This program is not accepting applications for fall 2025 **
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Applied Economics is designed to empower students as independent thinkers and solution-oriented researchers. Our outcome-based program equips students with the essential tools to conduct impactful research across diverse areas of applied economics. As students progress through the program, they will develop the analytical prowess and a holistic skill set needed to address empirical challenges through economic theory and rigorous research. The program offers 15 credits of core classes with the remaining 75 credits being earned through other credit-based academic activity that may or may not include didactic coursework.
Admission Requirements
The program admits new students for the Fall semester of each odd-numbered year. Applications must be submitted by March 1st prior to the Fall semester of intended enrollment. To be considered for admission, applicants must
- have earned a 150 score or above on the quantitative portion of the GRE
- have demonstrated mathematical competency in multivariate calculus, linear (matrix) algebra, and calculus based probability theory
- have completed a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or a related discipline and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
Financial Assistance
Granting assistantships depends on academic performance, departmental needs, and availability of assistantships. To be considered for a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) or Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) applicants must obtain a 155 or above on the quantitative portion of the GRE. Assistantships do not begin until the first semester of full graduate standing when courses that apply for the Ph.D. degree are taken.
Students with an assistantship perform research or teaching duties in the department and are paid a monthly stipend. Most assistantships are full-time (20 hours per week) or half-time (10 hours per week). In addition to the stipend, students may receive a graduate tuition waiver. Tuition waivers cover base tuition for NDSU graduate credits only. Students are responsible for differential tuition, student fees, and tuition for non-graduate level credits taken or Cooperative Education credits.