Business Economics Track

Program overview
The MIT Sloan School's Applied Economics Group and the MIT Department of Economics are offering a Business Economics track within the Ph.D. program in Economics. This track is specifically designed for students who aspire to leverage rigorous economic analysis to address complex business and policy issues. By integrating the theoretical depth of economics with practical business applications, our graduates are equipped to become influential scholars, researchers, and policymakers in academia and public service.

Why choose the business economics track?
The business economics track combines the renowned expertise of MIT’s Department of Economics with the innovative research environment at MIT Sloan, providing students with unparalleled access to leading scholars across economic theory, empirical research, and applied economics. Students benefit from extensive resources, vibrant intellectual exchanges, and a supportive community dedicated to groundbreaking research and real-world impact.

Curriculum and coursework
Students complete the same first-year coursework as the standard Ph.D. track and are expected to complete two major fields and one minor field in the Department of Economics. Additionally, students are required to complete two Applied Economics (AE) elective courses. These courses typically include specialized six-week modules taught by AE faculty, covering topics such as Organizational Economics, Health Economics, Industrial Organization, Environmental Economics, and Mechanism Design.

Research and faculty collaboration
The hallmark of the Business Economics track is extensive collaboration between students and internationally recognized faculty from both the Department of Economics and MIT Sloan. Faculty members maintain active research agendas, publish in top academic journals, and hold prominent roles in economic policymaking. 

Dissertation and job market preparation
Students undertake original research culminating in a dissertation that contributes significant knowledge to the field of business economics. Each student's dissertation committee must include one main advisor from the Department of Economics and one from the Applied Economics Group at MIT Sloan. Throughout the dissertation process, students receive personalized guidance from these faculty advisors and dissertation committees.
Preparation for the academic job market is a critical component of our program. Students participate in seminars, job market workshops, mock interviews, and presentation training sessions, ensuring they are well-prepared for academic careers in economics departments, business schools, and policy schools, as well as positions at leading research institutions and governmental agencies. 

Research and teaching assistant requirements 
Students fulfill research assistant (RA) and teaching assistant (TA) roles as part of their training. For a five-year program, students typically spend two terms as RAs within Sloan and one term as a TA in the Economics Department. For a six-year program, students spend two terms as RAs within Sloan, two terms as TAs in Economics, and two terms as TAs for Sloan MBA or EMBA classes, providing important pedagogical training for future business school faculty. 

Admissions and application
The program seeks intellectually curious individuals eager to contribute to the vibrant academic environment at MIT. Prospective applicants should demonstrate strong quantitative skills, proficiency in economic theory and econometrics, and a clear research interest aligning with the program’s areas of specialization. Students interested in this track should indicate their preference during the Economics Department's application process. An admissions committee comprised of faculty from the Applied Economics Group and the Economics Department will review these applications.  

To apply, please visit the Department of Economics admissions webpage, where you will be able to express interest in the Business Economics track. Note: expressing interest in Business Economics does not change the likelihood of being admitted to the standard Economics PhD program.

Program Size and Community
The Business Economics track aims for cohorts of 3-4 students, providing a strong sense of community and enhancing the academic experience. Initial cohorts may be smaller to ensure optimal student experience and program refinement. Social and community activities are integrated between the Business Economics Track and the standard Economics PhD program