Top 4 Part-Time PhD in Economics Degree Programs 2025

You may have a strong desire to earn a doctorate in economics, but you cannot find the time to attend graduate school on a full-time basis. Fortunately, there are a handful of flexible options available for pursuing an advanced degree without compromising the educational experience. This article will highlight a few schools that allow you to obtain a part-time PhD in economics.

Can You Earn a PhD in Economics Part-Time?

Many universities now offer a way to earn a PhD in economics part-time with flexible scheduling and course offerings. Some future economists complete their degree requirements at their own pace by taking classes in the evening, on weekends, or through distance learning options. Although there are not as many part-time economics doctoral programs in the U.S., we have identified a few institutions that offer non-traditional paths to a doctorate.

Can I Earn My Part-Time PhD in Economics Online?

Yes, you can earn your doctoral degree by enrolling in a part-time economics PhD program at an accredited university. While some colleges prefer graduate students to attend face-to-face seminars, others cater to working professionals with experience in economics-related fields. That's why some will admit part-time students to study online and train for higher positions in the field.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Part-Time Economics PhD?

You can complete part-time PhD programs in economics by taking one or two classes at a time, and finishing within six to 10 years. Some students may take longer depending on their pace and whether they request a temporary leave of absence. Be aware that some institutions require graduate students to complete their doctoral degrees within a maximum time allotment.

Best Part-Time PhD Programs in Economics

Consider this list of part-time doctoral programs in economics. This covers degree costs, accreditation status, course options, and economics specializations.

1. George Mason University

George Mason University offers primarily evening courses for its PhD in economics, which the department mentions can accommodate part-time graduate students. This program consists of two curricular components: a focus on core economic theories with their applications and a specialization in an economics subfield.

George Mason encourages graduates to specialize in areas such as monetary theory, Austrian economics, constitutional economics, and economic history. The degree program requires 72 credit hours, covering course topics like macroeconomic theory, mathematical economics, and several other electives.

• Estimated tuition cost: $18,060 per year
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Liberty University

Liberty University offers part-time enrollment for almost all its online degree programs, including its PhD in economics curriculum. It's common for Liberty graduate students to take one course at a time with its convenient eight-week sessions.

This program charges slightly more for part-time attendance, but there are plenty of financial aid resources, especially discount tuition rates for former military personnel. This graduate degree prepares future economists for roles such as professor, economic policy researcher, and senior public policy analyst.

• Estimated tuition cost: $645 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of Buffalo

The University of Buffalo typically admits full-time students to its economics PhD program, but will consider part-time students on a limited basis. The curriculum involves a face-to-face learning format and requires 72 credit hours to graduate.

PhD students should expect to fulfill five program learning outcomes, including an in-depth understanding of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, important issues in modern economics, and sophisticated quantitative methods.

• Estimated tuition cost: $609.00 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

4. The George Washington University

The George Washington University focuses more on full-time enrollment, but the school sometimes admits highly qualified part-time applicants. This program has several quantitative core requirements and prerequisite courses, such as multivariable calculus, matrix/linear algebra, and advanced coursework in differential equations.

Although the program does not require GRE scores for admission, it will consider them as part of a holistic review of each applicant. Program graduates can prepare to find academic employment by finishing a dissertation and writing a ''job market paper'' for showcasing research accomplishments.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,195 per credit hour
• Accreditation: MSCHE

How We Rank Schools

This is our rankings methodology for the schools listed above. We consider important factors like accreditation, program flexibility, and program reputation.

• Accreditation: This ensures you are attending a university that has undergone a thorough review process by independent, third-party review groups.
• Program flexibility: Degree programs must include a part-time option for enrollment.
• Program reputation: These are well-respected institutions with faculty members that produce original economics research and teach advanced courses.

FAQs About Flexible PhD in Economics Programs

Check out a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to economics PhD programs. This section explores program costs and whether these programs are worth attending part-time.

How Much Does a Part-Time Economics PhD Program Cost?

The cost of an economics PhD depends on how long it takes you to graduate. We included per-credit-hour tuition rates, but there are other fees involved as well.

The total tuition rate ranges between $10,000 and $50,000; however, public universities are generally more affordable. You can reduce some or all of this cost burden by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which awards graduate and undergraduate students with resources like grants, loans, and scholarships.

Is It Worth Doing a PhD in Economics Part-Time?

Yes, it is worth it to earn a doctorate in a flexible degree program because you can still use it to obtain employment as an economics professor or find jobs in several public and private sectors. If you get a part-time PhD in health economics, you can find work doing research on the many financial aspects of operating hospitals, clinics, and other large medical centers across the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), economists earn an annual median salary of over $115,000.

Can You Get a PhD in Economics Without a Dissertation?

Yes, there are universities that offer non-dissertation paths to earning a doctorate in this field. Some of the online PhD programs make this requirement optional, allowing students to focus on smaller field projects instead. Most of the programs on our rankings list require a dissertation, however.

How Many Days a Week Is a Part-Time PhD?

Most part-time graduate courses meet once a week, whereas some classes are bi-weekly. Face-to-face courses are in the afternoons more often, but part-time students may prefer to take classes during the evenings or weekends. Some programs also offer asynchronous classes, which do not require a specific meeting schedule.

Are There Any Part-Time PhDs in Economics in New York?

Yes, there are part-time PhD programs at the University of Buffalo. This is one of the few part-time doctoral degrees in economics, especially in the northeast U.S.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

We invite you to discover much more about online doctoral degrees in every academic discipline. Learn.org has resources for finding accredited PhD programs in economics, engineering, computer science, psychology, and more.