Economics
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
School of Social Science, Urban Affairs & Public Policy
Northeastern University
360 Huntington Avenue
301 Lake Hall
Boston, MA 02115-5000
phone: 617.373.2882
fax: 617.373.3640
econ@neu.edu
Maps/Directions
Developed byPh.D. in Applied Economics
Graduate Coordinator - Professor Gregory Wassall
Please direct email inquiries to econ@neu.edu.
Whether we are in periods of economic growth or decline, periods of increasing regulation or deregulation, or in Republican or Democratic administrations, public and private sector employers are looking for Ph.D.-trained economists in applied areas. The doctoral program in applied economics at Northeastern University is small and focused, with specialization in two fields: Industrial Organization and Labor Economics. Both fields blend theory, practice and policy to prepare students for work in business and government positions concerned with product and labor market operations and with policies to address market problems.
The field of Industrial Organization economics analyzes and evaluates the performance of markets and devises appropriate policy responses where markets are not performing well. By developing techniques for examining the structure, conduct, and performance of markets, it bridges economic theory and the real world. In addition, it helps to develop and implement antitrust and regulatory policies to remedy failures of those markets. Students specializing in Industrial Organization may further elect a second field in Transportation Economics.
Meet the industrial organization faculty >>
The field of Labor Economics analyzes the neoclassical labor market, covering such topics as the supply of labor from the perspective of the individual and the family, human capital. the demand for labor, market equilibrium, and the determination and distribution of wages and earnings. Theoretical and empirical issues surrounding current topics in labor economics are examined, and may include discrimination, efficiency wage theory, labor legislation, life cycle analysis and the use of microdata (panel studies), search behavior, intergenerational earnings mobility, and employment and training policies.
Meet the labor economics faculty >>
Curriculum
Students may enter the doctoral program with a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Students entering with a Master's degree will take seven courses, or 28 semester hours of credit. Students entering with a Bachelor's degree will take six master's-level courses before beginning their doctoral coursework, for a total of 52 semester hours of credit. Core courses at the master's and doctoral level are focused on developing an advanced theoretical and quantitative foundation (Macroeconomic, Theory, Microeconomic Theory, and Applied Econometrics). The remainder of the coursework is focused on the sophisticated application of analytical tools in the chosen field of concentration. A capstone seminar course is included in the curriculum.
View the complete curriculum >>
Course Scheduling
Most graduate classes meet two days per week for 1-1/2 hours. Some meet one day per week for 3 hours. Most classes are scheduled Monday through Friday, between the hours of 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Students may attend on a full-time (8 SH) or part-time (<8 SH) basis.
Graduate Brochure for prospective students >>