Department of Economics

Graduate Studies

Professor teaching in front of a classroom pointing at the screen

The Department of Economics at Syracuse University has a national reputation of excellence in applied microeconomic research and the analysis of public policies, especially in the areas of labor economics, public economics, international trade and urban/regional economics. As a student in the program, you will be well prepared to lead a wide variety of careers in business and government, including management, consulting, research and policy analysis.

Program Overview

The graduate programs in economics at Syracuse University emphasize the simultaneous development of a strong grounding in economic concepts and the rigorous application of theory to applied, policy-oriented settings. They are structured to generate a high ratio of faculty to students, to permit completion of degrees in a timely fashion and to perpetuate an excellent record in hiring outcomes for graduate students.

Economics, M.A.

Built around the department's research strengths in labor economics, public economics, international trade and urban/regional economics, the M.A. program trains students in the rigorous application of theory to policy-oriented settings.

Economics, Ph.D.

A research-oriented degree, the Ph.D. program is designed for those looking to work on applied economics in academia, government agencies, independent research organizations or research-oriented businesses. Many students complete the program having authored publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Explore Your Research Interests

With a low graduate student-to-faculty ratio and a small entering Ph.D. class, students will be immersed in a research culture of close collaboration.

Graduate students conduct meaningful research in Maxwell's 15 research centers, including:

Aging Studies Institute
Autonomous Systems Policy Institute
Campbell Public Affairs Institute
Center for Aging and Policy Research
Center for Environmental Policy and Administration
Center for Policy Design and Governance
Center for Policy Research
Center for Qualitative and Multi-Method Inquiry
Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship
Institute for the Study of the Judiciary, Politics and the Media
Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health
Maxwell X Lab
Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs
PARCC (Conflict and Collaboration)
Institute for Security Policy and Law

Explore Maxwell Research

Interested in hiring Ph.D. or Master's candidates?

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I am Maxwell.

I strive to genuinely support and mentor graduate students in all domains of their professional formation and career regardless of whether the students are working in my area of expertise, my department, or even my university.”

Professor of Economics Alfonso Flores-Lagunes

Recipient of the 2021 Excellence in Graduate Education Faculty Award; President-Elect of the American Society of Hispanic Economists

Visit his faculty profile for more on his teaching and research