Cornell Ph.D. in AEM
Deepen your economics expertise
Prepare for a research-rich career in academia, industry or the nonprofit sector through Cornell’s fully funded Ph.D. in Applied Economics and Management. Combining rigorous coursework, faculty mentorship and hands-on research, the program equips you to tackle complex economic challenges and make meaningful contributions to your field.
- Schedule
- Full-time
- Format
- In person
- Location
- Ithaca, NY
- Degree Awarded
- Ph.D.
- This program is part of
- Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
Why pursue your Ph.D. at Cornell?
Considered one of the best applied economics Ph.D. programs in the nation for research output, we combine Ivy League rigor, experiential learning and faculty mentorship. Here are just a few ways our program stands out:
Fully funded
Receive full tuition assistance, plus health insurance and a stipend for all five years.
STEM-designated
Develop research skills for today’s technologically advanced, big-data-focused landscape.
Flexible and focused
Choose an industry-focused concentration, such as food and agricultural economics.
Experience-rich
Access unprecedented teaching and research opportunities through partnerships across the university.
Coursework and dissertation
The first two years of the Ph.D. in applied economics and management includes foundational coursework, followed by general and concentration electives. The heart of the program is your dissertation. In addition to receiving individual mentorship, you’ll get to build your own special faculty committee — an advisory group that will guide you through every step of your dissertation.
Research with industry-leading scholars
As a Ph.D. student at the Dyson School, you’ll work alongside some of the most brilliant minds in economics and management. We’re known for our breadth and depth of knowledge in many areas, but perhaps most notably for consulting, consumer packaged goods, financial services, technology and agribusiness.
Develop your expertise: Ph.D. concentration areas
As part of your Ph.D. program, you’ll choose one of four concentrations. As you take electives and engage with faculty, you’ll develop your dissertation idea and form your special advising committee.
Student research and outcomes
A senior data scientist at Citibank. A research agricultural economist at the US Department of Agriculture. An assistant professor at Hong Kong University of Technology. Equipped with deep industry knowledge and keen research skills, our alumni pursue meaningful work.
Your dissertation: Putting ideas into action
Intellectual curiosity at the Dyson School is strong. Our Ph.D. students devote their research to economics and management topics spanning sectors and industries. Recent dissertations tackle issues such as the impact of fintech in agricultural economics and business process innovation in commercial firms.
After the Ph.D.: Careers in academia and industry
As scholars, Ph.D. in AEM graduates teach and continue their research at institutions across the US and abroad. They also serve in high-profile economist, data scientist, advisor and related roles in federal agencies, global financial services and nongovernmental organizations.
The Ph.D. student experience
Become part of a vibrant, collaborative learning community dedicated to positively impacting people around the world through economic and management research.
Our beautiful Ithaca campus
With historic buildings, modern learning spaces, beautiful scenery and plenty of amenities, Cornell is an amazing place to live and learn. We’d love to show you around campus.
A welcoming academic community
Make meaningful connections across Cornell and beyond. Learn from a world-class faculty, engage with ambitious peers and access academic and career support services.
Application requirements
The ideal candidate for the Dyson School’s applied economics Ph.D. program will have a thorough knowledge of economic theory and quantitative methods, as well as a background in calculus and real analysis. Our admissions page has more details about admissions criteria and the application process.
Your path forward
Ready to apply to our highly selective, fully funded Ph.D. in Applied Economics and Management? We encourage you to officially start the application process today at the Cornell Graduate Admissions website.