Welcome 

The graduate program at the University of California Merced prepares students for positions in universities, in the private sector, and in government and non-profit organizations.

Faculty

The UC-Merced Faculty is internationally known for its research in Economic History, Labor Economics, Industrial Organization, Political Economy and Public Economics. Faculty research has appeared in leading economics journals such as the Journal of Economic History, Journal of Law & Economics, Journal of Political Economy, and Quarterly Journal of Economics. Faculty also present their research at leading international conferences such as the American Economics Association, the Economic History Association, the National Bureau of Economic Research and universities such as the London School of Economics, Harvard University, and the University of Chicago.

Faculty-Student Interaction

UC-Merced’s Ph.D. program in Economics offers individualized training in preparation for a career as a professional economist. A distinguishing feature of the Economics program at UC-Merced is that students work closely with faculty on research related to applied microeconomics. This distinguishing feature of the UC-Merced approach is due to both the small size of the program and the expertise of the faculty in applied microeconomics research. The Economics group also hosts visiting speakers in a seminar series so that students can remain up to date on the latest findings in the field.

Ph.D. Program Structure

As a new campus in the University of California system, the Economics Ph.D. program at UC-Merced is currently based on a unique individualized graduate study model. There are currently two paths to complete the program based on whether the student has already completed the required Ph.D. coursework elsewhere or not.

Path A -- for a student who has not completed the required Ph.D. course work -- is to complete the typical first year Economics Ph.D. coursework at another UC campus before starting on Path B. UC Merced has an intercampus exchange program to allow the student to pursue this option. Path B – for a student who has already completed the required coursework – is to complete a second year paper and the dissertation under the supervision of a faculty member.

To complete a dissertation the student must complete a piece of individual research which contributes to knowledge under the close supervision of a faculty member. UC-Merced does not currently offer a Masters program in Economics.

Great Location

Merced offers a friendly small town atmosphere in the central valley of California close to scenic Yosemite National Park. Many sporting and recreational opportunities are available within close reach. Merced also affords easy access to cultural and academic offerings in San Francisco.

Profile of a Competitive Applicant

The usual profile of a competitive applicant to study for a Ph.D. in the Economics group: (1) an undergraduate record strong in economics, mathematics, engineering or physical science; (2) a score on the quantitative section of the GRE above the 80th percentile; (3) mathematical skills including multi-variable calculus, linear algebra, and introductory statistics and probability; (4) a GPA of 3.5 or better; (5) letters from individuals which confirm the intellectual strength of the candidate; (6) experience relevant to conducting research in applied economics.

Apply

Application information may be obtained from the UC-Merced Graduate Studies website.  Further question about the Ph.D. program can be addressed to Professor Alexander Whalley.