From Markets to Policy: High-Impact Ph.D. Research Topics in Economics

Blog / October 10, 2024

phd in economicsPhD in economics research ideasPhD in economics dissertation topics

Economics, the study of the allocation of scarce resources among competing ends, is one of the paramount pillars on which human society resides. It undertakes the complex web of interactions, shaping the world, ranging from the swarming metropolis to the far-flung hamlet. In the present interlinked era, the global economy has brimmed as an intricate and dynamic organism, influenced by ample factors, incorporating technological innovations and socio-cultural dynamics.

The Nations’ Interdependency

The advent of globalization has irrevocably revolutionized the economic domain. Nations, once commensurately self—sufficient, are now inextricably tied up, forming a global marketplace where services, information, goods, and capital flow with unprecedented ease. The alliance has profound advantages and significant challenges. It promotes economic growth, cultural exchange, and technological innovation. On the contrary, it exposes economies to external shocks, such as financial crises and trade wars, which can convert into barbaric consequences. If you think that you have an inquisitive mind and are intrigued with international finance, trade wars, macroeconomics, etc., a Ph.D. in Economics would be the right fit. 

What does a Ph.D. in Economics Curriculum Entail?

The curriculum of Ph.D. in Economics typically incorporates a fusion of innovative coursework and independent research, where you can choose a topic as per your preferences. Once clearing the examination, people can begin with their dissertation topics. Some of the potential Ph.D. in Economics research ideas/topics are listed below:

Ph.D. in Economics Dissertation Topics

• Industrial Organization 
• Public Economic
• International Trade 
• Environmental Economics 
• Growth and Inequality
• Individual and Collective Choices 
• Contract Theory 
• Matching and Fair Division 
• Open-Economy Macroeconomics & International Trade
• International Finance 
• Time Series Analysis 
• Social Choice Theory
• Labor Economics 
• Game Theory 
• Behavioral Economics
• Financial Economics
• Development Economics 
• Macro Economics Workshop 
• Political Economy Workshop 
• Politics and Institutions 
• Economics of Discrimination

The Scope after Ph.D. in Economics

A doctoral degree in Economics is not just a road to academic excellence; it opens a myriad of career options, as it equips you with additional qualifications that ameliorate your employability. Hence, you can consider working in various areas. Below is a table showcasing some of the potential career paths. Read on.

Career Path	Roles
Academic Careers
• Professor/Researcher	Teach and conduct research at universities and research institutions.
• Head of Departments/Institutes	Lead and manage academic departments or research institutes.
Government and Policy-Making
• Economic Advisor	Advise governments on economic policies, including fiscal and regulatory issues.
• Policy Analyst	Analyze data to shape and support public policies aimed at economic development.
• Central Banks	Work on monetary policies, inflation control, and financial stability.
International Organizations
• Economist at Global Institutions	Work with institutions like IMF, World Bank, and UN on global economic issues.
• Consultant/Advisor	Provide economic advice to international organizations on economic reform and policy development.
Research and Think Tanks
• Senior Research Fellow	Conduct high-level research on economic issues at think tanks.
• Policy Researcher	Develop reports and recommendations to influence policy decisions.
Non-Profit and Developmental Organizations
• Development Economist	Focus on economic growth and sustainability in developing countries.
• Program Director	Lead programs that address global economic challenges like poverty and inequality.
Media and Journalism
• Economic Analyst/Commentator	Provide expert analysis on economic trends for media outlets.
• Author/Journalist	Write about economic issues for the general public in newspapers, books, or online platforms.
Law and Economics
• Antitrust Economist	Analyze market competition and assess monopolistic practices in legal cases.
• Regulatory Analyst	Ensure industries comply with regulations, focusing on sectors like finance and telecommunications.

Shape the World of Economics with High-impact Ph.D. research @ Shiv Nadar University (Institution of Eminence)

Established in 2011 with a vision and mission of providing quality education to its students, Shiv Nadar University is a top-tier research-based institution in Greater Noida, offering varied programs at all three levels. It clinched the distinction of being the youngest university that has earned the prestigious tag,” Institution of Eminence”, from the Indian Government, which has positioned the university in an idiosyncratic category of higher education institutes. 

The university has four distinct schools including the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, where it offers a world-class Ph.D. in Economics program. Irrespective of being relatively new, the Department of Economics has established itself as a center of excellence for Economics education and research.

A Sneak Peek into the Ph.D. in Economics at Shiv Nadar University

• All admitted full-time Ph.D. scholars will get a doctoral award comprising teaching and research assistantships. 

• This award encircles a tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend according to the Department’s guidelines.

• For the first two years, the stipend is set at ₹40,000, and for the subsequent three years, it increases to ₹45,000, contingent upon meeting performance benchmarks.

• The award continuation is solely based on consistent progress as per the university’s regulations.

• Deserving scholars will receive support to present and publish their research findings via conferences and publications. 

Remember, students with any of the following fellowships (CSIR, UGC, INSPIRE, and ICMR) will be entitled for a 100% fee waiver. 

To Wrap it Up 

In dubiously, the in-depth analytical and quantitative skills developed and polished through the Ph.D. in Economics allow scholars to flourish in multiple fields that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of economic systems. Whether you are passionate about policy-making, research, or stepping into the corporate world, a Ph.D. in Economics can open doors to a fulfilling and impactful career. So, enroll today for a Ph.D. in Economics at Shiv Nadar University.