The Ph.D. in Applied Economics is a joint program of the Department of Applied Economics and Statistics and the John E. Walker Department of Economics. The program is administered by the Chair of the Department of Economics and the degree is granted in the College of Business and Behavioral Sciences. Students study in the department which best matches their research interests.
The Ph.D. program in applied economics is solidly based on economic theory and quantitative methods. It is designed to produce research scientists capable of independent study and research. In addition to acquiring a strong foundation in economic theory, Ph.D. students are expected to develop skills and expertise in the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods for the analysis of economic problems as demonstrated in comprehensive examinations and in dissertation research. Emphasis is placed on empirical applications of economic theory to the analysis and solution of practical problems.
Students studying in the Department of Applied Economics and Statistics may focus on one of the following major areas:
Each student entering the Ph.D. program is unique with regard to background preparation and professional goals. Consequently, it is desirable to maintain considerable flexibility in developing degree curricula. The student, in consultation with his/her major professor and advisory committee, will construct a graduate degree curriculum compatible with the student's goals.
Each Ph.D. student is required to take courses in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and econometrics. In addition, each student must have at least two fields of specialization. A minimum of two courses constitutes a field, but most Ph.D. students take several more field courses as well as courses in mathematics and statistics.
Prospective students must meet the following requirements of the Graduate School and must be accepted by the Graduate Program Coordinator in the Department of Applied Economics & Statistics or in the John E. Walker Department of Economics.
Minimal requirements for full-status admission generally include a Bachelor's degree with a GPR of 3.0, a Master's degree with a GPR of 3.0, acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), three letters of recommendation, a Statement of Purpose, official transcripts of all college work and, in the case of international students, a minimum cumulative score of 550 paper-based (or 220 computer-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination.
Standardized tests should be completed at least 12 weeks prior to registration day for the semester students wish to begin graduate work. Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who are qualified to evaluate the student's ability to perform at athe graduate level. The application form, application fee, official test scores, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts should be sent directly to: Graduate Admissions, 103 Sikes Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634.
Financial Assistance
Graduate students in applied economics and statistics finance their
education in a variety of ways. Some students finance their education without
any external assistance. Loans and fellowships are available from government agencies,
industries, foundations, and other scholarship agencies. Information about
various fellowships is available from the Graduate School and from the Dean
of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences. Graduate students
also many receive teaching/research assistanships from the Department of Applied Economics and Statistics
Students desiring assistantships must apply and qualify for these assistantships. Assistantships are awarded competitively and depend upon the recommendation of the Research Graduate Program Committee and the research budget of the department. Decisions about awarding graduate assistantships are made in March for the Fall Semester and in early October for the Spring Semester.
Graduate assistantship stipends for Ph.D. (for 2007/2008 subject to change) are expected to be $15,000 per year for Teaching/ Research Assistantships requiring 20 hours of work per week. Stipends for M.S. students are expected to be $10,000 for the academic year (August 15 - May 15). Students may receive additional funding when working on specific projects (e.g., grants) or for special responsibilities. Assistantship appointments are for a period of one year and are generally renewed. if the student is making satisfactory progress in the degree program and performing assistantship responsibilities satisfactorily.
All students receiving assistantships are responsible for assisting the faculty of the department in the conduct of teaching, research, and extension programs. The work that graduate assistants do for their assistantships may or may not be directly related to their thesis/dissertation research.
Students receiving assistantships pay tuition of $750 per semester and $348 per summer session (subject to change)--an annual tuition reduction of approximately $6,000 for residents of South Carolina and $14,500 for non-residents. Full time graduate students are required to pay a health fee and are also required to have health insurance coverage. Fees may be payable through payroll deduction. In addition, graduate students may use the facilities at Fike Recreation Center and purchase season tickets for sports events at the faculty-employee rate.
You will find more detailed information in Graduate Study in Applied Economics and Statistics or A Handbook for Graduate Study. Both publications require Adobe Acrobat 8 or higher to view or print. If you do not have Acrobat installed on your computer, you can download a free copy at 
If you have questions about this program, contact ereneke@clemson.edu.
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2008 by the Department of Applied Economics & Statistics, Clemson University, Clemson, SC.