phd in economics asu

Department of Economics

Ranked No. 36 in the nation (U.S. News & World Report), the Department of Economics in ASU's W. P. Carey School of Business teaches and conducts research ranging from public finance to environmental economics and microeconomic theory.

Students have a wide range of opportunities, including internships , that set them up for careers in business, industry and government or prepare them for graduate study or law school.

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Alexander Hill

• [email protected]
• Mail code: 9801 Campus: Tempe

Professor Alexander Hill joined the Economics faculty at Arizona State as Clinical Assistant Professor in Fall 2017 after receiving his PhD in Economics from the University of Colorado at Boulder. His research focuses on the intersection of Industrial Organization and Environmental Economics, using a blend of theory and empirical methods to answer a wide range of questions about the dynamics of market entry and exit, optimal government regulatory policy, and the associated environmental impacts. His particular focus is energy markets, with a background in both the electricity and natural gas sectors. Professor Hill currently teaches courses in applied econometrics, energy and environmental economics, managerial economics and money and banking.

Prior to pursuing his PhD, Professor Hill was a Research Analyst at the Seidman Research Institute, largely working in the areas of electricity and natural resources.

Ph.D. University of Colorado-Boulder, 2017

M.A. University of Colorado-Boulder, 2014

M.A. Boston University, 2011

B.A. Claremont McKenna College, 2008

Environmental and Energy Economics, Industrial Organization

“Excessive Entry and Investment in Deregulated Markets: Evidence from the Electricity Industry” Journal of Environmental Economics and Management , 110: 102543, 2021

“ Smoothing the Curve: An Estimation of the Cost of Demand Variation and the Impact of Solar ” Resource and Energy Economics , 70: 101328, 2022

“ Price Freezes and Gas Sensitivity: An Estimation of the Price Impact of Electricity Restructuring ” (Accepted for publication at the Journal of Regulatory Economics )

2024 Summer

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Economics PhD

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• PhD in Economics

PhD in Economics

At the edge of your field — and at the top of your game.

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If your dream is to become an established academic or to bring cutting-edge economics to the private sector, you’ve come to the right place.

In our economics PhD program, you’ll have access to top research labs, excellent research opportunities and publication-worthy collaboration with the department’s outstanding faculty.

Graduate Program Coordinator [email protected]

The Program

Program essentials.

The first and second year are devoted to coursework on concepts and techniques in economic theory and econometrics. The preliminary exam for the PhD occurs at the end of the first year. During the second and third years, students work closely with the faculty and make the transition to doing their own research.

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Areas of Specialization

The program allows you to specialize in behavioral economics, econometrics, economic history, environmental and energy economics, experimental economics, health economics, industrial organization, labor economics, law and economics or microeconomic theory.

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I am truly indebted to the Eller Department of Economics. I received a first-class training in economics, and I was encouraged from the very beginning to pursue an ambitious academic career.

Natalia Lazzati ’11 PhD (Economics), Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of California Santa Cruz

Economics Faculty Research

Associate Professor of Economics Mo Xiao is one of many Eller Economics professors undertaking outstanding research and collaborating with PhD students. Meet Professor Xao, and learn about her research:  

Doctoral Admissions Process

Requirements include a bachelor’s degree or equivalent where you’ve completed and performed well in certain courses. Your application will also require current GRE scores, three letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee.

View Admissions PRocess

Tuition is waived for Economics PhD students. Most students are also funded with a living stipend of approximately $21,000 for serving as a graduate associate.

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Application Deadline

January 15, 2024 :  Next Application Deadline for Fall 2024 Admission (Domestic and International)

Doctoral students are admitted only in the fall semester, and all application materials must be submitted online.

Research Labs

The Institute for Behavioral Economics promotes research in behavioral economics while the Economic Science Laboratory is home of cutting-edge experimental research and teaching in social science.

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Our faculty work with PhD students to find placement in positions that match their skills. Almost all graduates obtain an academic appointment—if  that's the student's objective. Recent graduates are working as fellows and professors at universities worldwide, including Indiana University, University of Southern Denmark and University of Michigan.

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Economics Faculty

We’re focused but expert. We’re world leaders in experimental economics and economic history, plus have top faculty in industrial organization and labor economics. Our relatively small faculty has published hundreds of research papers, and that research consistently earns national and international awards.

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Start Your Journey to the Top of Your Field

Small class sizes. A great faculty-to-doctoral-student ratio. Incredible research resources. A stellar track record. And you.

Contact us with any questions , or if you're ready to apply to the Eller Doctoral Program in Economics, just click below. We look forward to making breakthroughs together.

Doctor of Philosophy in sustainable energy

About the doctor of philosophy degree.

Today’s global energy transitions demand leaders who can seamlessly navigate interwoven technical, societal, and environmental challenges. The newly established PhD in sustainable energy, offered on ASU’s Tempe campus, transcends the boundaries of traditional methodologies and disciplinary viewpoints to achieve a sustainable energy future.

Students in the degree program will conduct collaborative cross-disciplinary research integrating energy science with societal and policy insights. Drawing upon emerging knowledge and deep historical insights, and integrating information from the physical, biological, and social sciences, students will explore and contribute to sustainable solutions that address urgent energy challenges now and in the future.

Graduates will be prepared to bridge diverse domains and communities, fostering socio-technical innovation and developing sustainable energy solutions and policies.

Admission requirements

Students may be admitted to the PhD in sustainable energy program with either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree from an international institution officially recognized by that country. Applicants from diverse educational and professional backgrounds are encouraged.

Learning outcomes

PhD in sustainable energy graduates will have an advanced understanding of the dynamics and complexity of global energy systems and will be able to lead others in research providing adaptive solutions to specific sustainable energy challenges. In addition to the common learning outcomes, PhD in sustainable energy students will be able to:

• Use their analytical and theoretical knowledge to elucidate and contextualize complex, transdisciplinary issues surrounding energy.
• Contribute to the body of knowledge of complex energy systems through transdisciplinary research.
• Function within the science-policy nexus with a unique understanding of issues and proposing innovative solutions.
• Produce a portfolio of research accomplishments in complex energy systems that will position them to be competitive for employment opportunities in academia, industry, and government.

If admitted with a bachelor’s degree, students must complete a minimum of 84 semester hours. If admitted with a master’s degree, they must complete a minimum of 54 hours.

Requirements and electives

Courses and electives, core courses.

SOS 571: Sustainable Energy I: Technologies and Systems (3 credits) This is the first in a sequence of foundational courses (571, 572, and 573) in the graduate program for sustainable energy. This course provides a primer on the scientific, technological, and social aspects of energy. It has three core modules: (1) primer on the physics of energy, (2) a review of power systems and electricity generation technologies, and (3) a review of transportation systems and fuel/vehicle technologies. Although the class focuses on energy technology, it also incorporates discussions of the human dimensions of energy systems.

SOS 572: Sustainable Energy II: Transitions (3 credits) This course follows the thread of energy transitions through every aspect of our lives. It stresses the technological, economic, social, and political contexts of energy transitions. It addresses energy use throughout history, the influence of energy on quality of life, how energy use has influenced the process of urbanization and how considerations of access to and control of energy sources shapes geopolitical strategies.

SOS 573: Sustainable Energy III: Futures Analysis, Negotiation and Governance (3 credits) This course provides a basis for understanding the intersection of social, political, cultural, economic, and technical dynamics of existing and emerging energy system possibilities, emphasizing the roles of human decision-making as well as new scientific and technological developments. It emphasizes the development of sophisticated competency in several broad thematic capacities that are required to understand, engage with, and provide thought leadership in the ongoing challenge of creating and cultivating sustainable energy systems.

SOS 574: Sustainable Energy Analytics in Context (3 credits) This course will address the primary metrics, data sources, and methodologies used to measure sustainable energy, including how they are used to track progress toward sustainability goals and shape public policies. It covers the metrics for comparing the cost, efficiency, social equity and environmental impacts of various energy sources, and issues pertaining to product life cycle evaluation. These metrics provide the foundation for assessing the relative merits of various energy and production options based on a variety of possible criteria. In addition to imparting factual knowledge for quantitatively evaluating a multiplicity of energy sources and systems and their impact on the environment, it will build skills in research, comparative analysis and critical thinking that will catalyze a lifetime of engagement with the complex and evolving issues surrounding sustainability.

SOS 575: Sustainable Energy Research Seminar (1 credit) This is a seminar-based course for Sustainable Energy doctoral students focusing on research skills for transdisciplinary energy research. The seminar has a different focus in the Fall and Spring. In the Fall, the course focuses on research methods. In the Spring, the course focuses on the process of generating research ideas and writing effective research proposals.

SOS 589: Community of Scholars (1 credit) This seminar provides the opportunity to develop new skills, to foster cohort building, to interact with other students and faculty in the School of Sustainability, and to network and build support with the alumni network.

Have a question about the PhD in sustainable energy?

Ask us about sustainability at ASU and the diverse environmental, social, and economic focused degrees offered by the School of Sustainability!

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Public Administration and Policy, PhD

Phd program.

Select Section

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration and Policy is a cohort-based program that prepares students to conduct theoretically informed research through the application of social science methods that build knowledge and inform public action. Most students in the PhD program are interested in academic careers, although some find work as researchers at think tanks, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. The PhD degree is designed for students who are committed to a four-year, full-time degree.

The PhD program supports all full-time students financially during the first three years of study – funding includes tuition, benefits and stipend. Students have many options to fund their final year of study through teaching, fellowships or research projects. Throughout their degree, students work directly with nationally distinguished faculty on research activity with the expectation that students contribute intellectually both to the PhD program and to the academic community through presentations at national conferences and publication of journal articles. 

Our goal is to provide a stimulating and collegial academic environment where students learn to formulate compelling research questions, develop analytical skills to rigorously address them and produce high-quality academic work that contributes to the field.  All students gain nationally recognized qualifications in core knowledge in public administration and policy as well as in an area of research specialization. In their fourth year, students also have opportunities to teach in the undergraduate programs, if desired. PhD graduates are able to compete nationally and internationally for coveted entry positions that require both teaching and research experience.

Applicants are admitted for the fall only and should generally have a Master’s degree before enrollment, though exceptional applicants with only a Bachelor’s degree may also be considered. 

Specializations include:

• Civil Society & Civic Engagement 
• Energy and Environment Policy & Management
• Governance & Urban Affairs
• Information Technology & Policy Informatics
• Public Finance, Budgeting, & Economics
• Public Management
• Science, Technology & Innovation
• Social & Education Policy

Application

The application deadline is January 6, 2025.

Applicants are admitted for fall only.   More on the application process .

View our PhD Promotional Video

View the phd new student guide.

Peer tutoring program makes a difference for ASU economics students

The ASU Department of Economics at the W. P. Carey School of Business is pleased to announce the Undergraduate Economics Instructional Scholars (UEIS) for Spring 2023 — current W. P. Carey economics students who are nominated by professors to serve as tutors for 300-level and 400-level economics courses. Each scholar works with the professor who nominated them, serving as a tutor for that faculty member’s courses.

Delivering tutoring services online and on campus , the UEIS program provides economics students with consistent access to student leaders who have already excelled in their courses. Students selected as scholars receive a unique opportunity to mentor fellow students while being mentored by an economics professor.

Meet the scholars for Spring 2023

Sadie Hoberman

Question: How did you end up in economics?

Answer: I took ECN 312 my first year on a whim because one of my friends was taking it. I enjoyed the class so much that I decided to pursue economics as a second major!

Q: What do you like most about economics so far in your academic career?

A: I like being able to understand more of what is behind people’s thought process. People usually apply economics to financial decisions, but economic theories can be applied to almost any situation.

Q: What are your future career aspirations?

A: I’m currently thinking about consulting. Both my majors, business data analytics and economics, could be applied to this role. This would allow me to travel, meet different people, and fix problems, which are all things I am looking for in a job. I am currently interning for a startup, and I really like working with them, so I would like to specialize in startup consulting.

Caleb Jones

Answer: I was initially a political science major but switched over to economics. I believe that economics provides a quantitative study of human behavior with applications in business. I am fascinated by how individuals’ decisions influence the world around us, so this seemed like the perfect degree for me.

A: I really enjoy the versatility of economics and its ability to tackle problems with varying magnitudes. It helps me analyze individual welfare programs at my current job and break down the causes and effects of current global events.

A: I am currently debating between two professions: a consultant and a professor. As a consultant, I could challenge myself daily with new projects and problems in different industries. As a professor, I could give back to my community and educate the rising generation and future leaders of tomorrow.

Raghav Warrier

Answer: I started off as solely computer science, and realized I didn’t want to go into software development. Since I enjoyed economics in high school, I decided to add an economics minor and a math major to my degree so that I could apply my CS knowledge to solve quantitative economic problems.

A: So far, I have particularly enjoyed learning about how individuals make economic decisions, particularly when they do not have complete information or when they do not know the exact outcome. The mathematical and theoretical models that explain this are fascinating.

A: My goal is to pursue a PhD in Economics from a top program, and become an economist and conduct academic research in welfare and poverty or financial economics.

Jeremy Olenyn

Answer: I chose economics as my major after taking a macroeconomics class during my senior year of high school. I thought that the subject was interesting and that it applied to a lot of the real world. I've been an economics major since I first entered college, and have grown even more fascinated with the subject over the years.

A: What I like most about economics is how much of it applies to the real world (e.g., politics, business/financial decisions, nationwide trends, etc.). I especially enjoy the study of monetary policy and central banks.

A: My future career aspiration is to end up in the front office of a sports franchise (preferably in baseball). If not that, then I would like to work for a regional bank such as the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis or San Francisco.

Adam Malaki

Answer: For me, economics was really love at first sight. I took an introductory class to economics in 8th grade, and quickly became interested in the questions the field looked to answer. This was only further cemented after AP and dual enrollment courses, with the additional complexity being a welcome challenge. So, when I applied to ASU, economics was the natural choice, as I had been dead set on the field since middle school.

A: I really love the challenge of modelling in economics. Predicting real world outcomes through a set of assumptions and operations is daunting, which makes the many substantive models in the field all the more awe-inspiring. Even when these models fall short, they spawn a series of rabbit holes on how to improve or specify them that are always interesting to explore. Through this process of modelling, economics really works to remove the mystery on why certain behaviors happen, which is very satisfying.

A: After I graduate from ASU, I intend to pursue a PhD in economics, as I want to continue delving into the field until I have the mastery demonstrated by my excellent professors. Being able to quickly and expertly command the logic of economics to analyze a variety of issues is an aspiration of mine. Beyond a PhD, the plan is more open, as I am determined to explore the opportunities that arise from my work.

Nithya Raman

Answer: I did not have the traditional path to studying economics. I was solely a political science major for my first semester at ASU but felt something was missing from my undergraduate experience. I really wanted to pursue a major that allowed me to explore a more analytical way of thinking while gaining a quantitative skill set. With this in mind, I chose the additional economics major.

A: I love how diverse economics is as a field and how applicable it is in every sector. I have had the opportunity to explore a range of topics from econometrics to education to development policy. This is not characteristic of many majors but has made the study of economics incredibly special to me.

Furthermore, economics has allowed me to have informed conversations with individuals in public, private, and non-profit sectors. In this way, I don’t just appreciate the wide range of topics I have learned about, but the type of student I have become as a result.

A: I would like to pursue policy consulting as a future career. I am currently working on an internship in this space and have found it very fulfilling. It perfectly combines my undergraduate studies and allows me to serve the public sector with actionable solutions.

Bisma Warsi

Answer: Economics was actually my second choice, with computer science being my first choice. I am good at math and enjoy working on math related subjects, which is why I selected economics as my second choice. At first, my plan was to resolve the issue that did not get me into my first choice but after taking two classes, I ended up loving economics and decided to keep it as my major.

A: I like being able to understand the wellbeing of our country and the rest of the world. I am not a political person, but I enjoy learning about the economic state of different countries. Economics tells you how the market works, not just as a producer but as a consumer as well. Every decision I make now is based on my learnings.

A: I am still exploring my future career path, although I do like teaching a lot. I am confused because I have many interests. This is why I added a psychology minor and applied business data analytics certificate to my degree, so I can keep my options open. I also took the global tech experience web development program this summer, and next summer I plan on taking the digital marketing one. Hopefully, by the time I graduate I will be able to figure it out.

Alicia Lewis

Answer: I first became interested in economics while sitting in Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. My twins were born three months before their due date, and my daughter was transferred to the children’s hospital for surgery when she was five days old. The next three and a half months I spent traveling between the NICUs in the community and children’s hospitals to be with my twins.

During this time, I became curious about the two hospitals’ differences. Why were two physicians recommending different standards for my very similar babies? In trying to make the best medical care decisions for my children, I read and spoke with physicians about probabilities and severity of risks. The literature on risk and physician behavior led me to economics, and I fell in love.

Applying mathematical thinking to organization and behavior provided a clear, useful way to describe the world. Once my family’s medical complications were resolved, I enrolled at ASU to study economics.

A: My favorite part of economics thus far has been applying what I have learned in my core coursework to explain the real world. I am working on a research project that uses risk aversion and expected utility maximization to model physician decision making behavior for kidney transplants. Using economic theory and large datasets to model how and why resources are allocated has been challenging, exciting, and has the possibility of improving policy making decisions.

A: My career aspiration is to become an economics professor. My time as an Undergraduate Economics Instructional Scholar has solidified my desire to teach economics, and my time working as a research assistant has only increased my excitement to use data, math, and economic modeling to study the choices humans make.

Ally Finkbeiner

Answer: I added economics as a second major during my freshman year because I wanted to study something that would be employable in numerous different sectors. I had taken an econ class in high school and really enjoyed it, and I also thought it would be useful in understanding global news and politics.

A: The thing I like most about economics is that it is truly interdisciplinary and has so many applications. I've met people in the econ department who are interested in everything from housing markets to the role of women in economics, and it's great to see the way different students engage with econ and apply it to whatever they're most passionate about.

A: My ideal career would be something that combines economics with my other major, conservation biology and ecology. I'm very interested in species conservation and environmental protection, and economics plays a significant part in how the world is going to move forward with this mission. I'd like to work in ecological economics and find ways to contribute to and analyze various environmental policies in order to be as successful as possible in combating climate change and protecting the planet.

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Ocean Futures, PhD

• Program description
• At a glance
• Degree requirements
• Admission requirements
• Tuition information
• Application deadlines
• Global opportunities
• Career opportunities
• Contact information

Biology, Climate, Community, Conservation, Ocean, Planning, Sustainability, approved for STEM-OPT extension, ecosystem, resources, stewardship

Advance your knowledge and skills, conduct impactful research with leading scientists, and work collaboratively with coastal communities and organizations to develop innovative solutions that will help shape a healthy ocean and thriving global future.

The PhD program in ocean futures offers advanced doctoral training focused on comprehensively understanding intricate processes that govern our planet's global ocean, including threats to ecosystems and the human populations it supports. Students will have the opportunity to learn from and work with leading scientists and conduct use-inspired research that works towards culturally appropriate solutions for local to global stewardship for our future ocean.

The adaptable nature of the curriculum allows students to customize their electives based on their academic and professional goals. The flexibility enables them to leverage research and training opportunities by collaborating with scientific, professional and local communities, as well as stakeholders and rights holders. Students build skills in context-specific and solutions-oriented research, data analysis and communication, in turn supporting societal needs and the university's mission to enhance local impact and social embeddedness.

One of the benefits of the program is the opportunity for students to gain additional experience through course offerings and engagement opportunities at the ASU Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and the Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science in Hawai'i.

GI Bill® benefits This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/ .

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

• College/school: College of Global Futures
• Location: Tempe

Required core (6 credit hours) SEA 501 Exploring Ocean Futures (3) SEA 585 Graduate Ocean Futures Workshop (3)

Electives (54 credit hours)

Research (12 credit hours) SEA 792 Research (12)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) SEA 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Students complete 54 credit hours of electives, nine of which are 500- and 600-level SEA courses and three of which are quantitative and modeling coursework. Electives should be selected in consultation with the program advisor.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in biological sciences, ecology, environmental sciences, environmental studies, geography, marine science, natural resource management, oceanography, sustainability, urban planning, geography or a related discipline or related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants are required to submit:

• graduate admissions application and application fee
• official transcripts
• personal statement
• professional resume
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Admission Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.

The personal statement should not exceed 600 words and should describe how the applicant's research and other background will contribute to success in the program and describe how completion of the degree will support long-term career goals. The statement should elaborate on key research questions the applicant wishes to address or problems to solve as part of the program, and it should identify potential faculty advisors.

Letters of recommendation must be from three people who can attest to the applicant's academic and professional achievements.

Students in the doctorate program have opportunities to develop their research with faculty who are working in a diverse array of locations, local and international. In particular, long-standing ASU research centers in Bermuda and Hawai'i offer faculty and logistical support for research projects in the Atlantic and Pacific regions.

Students can find additional internships, and short course programs specific to their interests on the College of Global Futures Study Abroad webpage, and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website. These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.

Graduate students are also encouraged to apply for funding for international research, study and professional development through the Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarships Advisement .

With the increasing recognition that global oceans and coastal communities play a critical role in protecting future human and planetary well-being, graduates of the program find employment in universities, industry, and governmental and nongovernmental organizations that require a marine science background and relevant research experience.

Career possibilities for program graduates include:

• community development director
• environmental consultant
• marine biologist
• policy advisor
• program manager or director
• research scientist

School of Ocean Futures | WCPH 4th floor [email protected] 480-727-6963 Admission deadlines

Advice to spring 2024 grads: 'Spend your time creating new things'

Nearly 20,700 asu students honored in graduate, undergraduate ceremonies.

W. P. Carey School of Business executive MBA Chinese graduates toss their caps following ASU’s Graduate Commencement on Monday, May 6, at the Desert Financial Arena. Nearly 20,700 undergraduate and graduate students are earning their degrees this May — the largest graduating class in ASU history. Photo by Charlie Leight/ASU News

The largest graduating class in the history of Arizona State University celebrated their new degrees with “Pomp and Circumstance” during spring 2024 commencement ceremonies on Monday.

Of the nearly 20,700 ASU students graduating this semester, about 13,800 are undergraduates and 6,900 are graduate students.

Video by EJ Hernandez/ASU News

ASU President Michael Crow addressed the crowd during Undergraduate Commencement Monday night at Mountain America Stadium. He said that ASU’s charter sets it apart from other universities.

A spotlight on outstanding May grads

We take a look some of the remarkable achievements of this spring's cohort 

“We don’t decide what you can learn. You decide, and we offer as many pathways to that as possible,” he said.

“We’re not an abstract institution that lives in an ivory tower barely connected to reality. We take responsibility.”

Crow told the graduates that as an eighth grader, he was forever impacted by the words of the Greek philosopher Cicero.

“He said two things that stuck with me. The first impacted me forever: ‘To live is to think.’

“The second, ‘I criticize by what I create.’

“Spend your time creating new things and spend less time criticizing.”

Walter F. Parkes received an honorary degree at the undergraduate ceremony. Parkes is a screenwriter, producer and former studio head. Parkes saw the value of storytelling in education and co-founded Dreamscape Learn, an education technology company that has partnered with ASU for extended-reality biology labs.

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17-Year-Old Chicago Girl Graduates with Doctoral Degree: ‘The World Is My Oyster’

"I feel like that urge to learn something new just never didn't exist for me," Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman said of her desire for education

Courtesy of Arizona State University/W Scott Mitchell

A 17-year-old from Chicago has graduated from university after achieving an enormous accomplishment — obtaining her doctoral degree.

Dorothy Jean Tillman graduated from Arizona State University (ASU) on Monday, May 6, after earning her doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health, according to Good Morning America . 

It’s the latest in a long line of educational achievements for the graduate, who started dual enrollment for high school courses at just 8-years-old before earning her associate’s degree in psychology from the College of Lake County at age 10 and her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Excelsior College at age 12.

Tillman, who can now be called Dr. Tillman, told GMA that her family, and in particular her grandmother who was “part of the Civil Rights movement” had encouraged her to gain knowledge and “harped on the importance of education and consistently learning something always.” 

Courtesy Tillman Family

However, she also noted that she herself had sought out achieving her own educational goals. 

"But the way I always held education so high on my own, aside from being raised that way, was [by] finding different things to be educated about," she shared. "I feel like that urge to learn something new just never didn't exist for me."

Tillman earned her master’s degree at the age of 14, and a year later, was accepted into the Doctorate of Behavioral Health Management program at ASU. In December 2023, she successfully defended her dissertation to finally earn her doctorate’s degree — becoming the youngest person to do so at the school, per GMA .

Courtesy of Jimalita Tillman

Dr. Lesley Manson, a clinical associate professor at ASU, who oversaw Tillman’s dissertation, described her to the outlet as "inquisitive" and "innovative," and noted that the student’s achievement at such a young age is a big one. 

"It's a wonderful celebration ... but this is still something so rare and unique," Manson said. "She has innovative ideas and motivation, which is wonderful, and truly, I think what is inspiring is that she embodies that meaning of being a true leader."

As for what Tillman wants to do next, she told GMA that she’s still “figuring out what my specific dreams and goals are" just like “any other teenager."

Never miss a story — sign up for  PEOPLE's free daily newsletter  to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

"I'm really just grateful that the world is my oyster, and that I've done so much so young," she added. "And I have time to kind of think that through."

As for what's next, the teen tells PEOPLE she's looking forward to the future, which hopefully includes plenty fundraising and partnerships for her DorothyJeanius STEAM leadership Institute .

She also hopes to pass on a very important message to kids and families.

"I want to encourage parents to pour into the dreams of their children and for children to give themselves space to pivot when needed," the graduate says, adding that it's important "not to be so locked in that they don’t get an opportunity to explore other options."

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The Chicago School of Economics. It all started here at the University of Chicago.

Fields of specialization in the Micro-Economics Stevens Doctoral Program include price theory, market design, industrial organization, labor economics, public economics, health economics, and financial economics. While the research community at Chicago Booth is multidisciplinary and collaborative, the majority of Stevens Doctoral Program students produce scholarship in micro-economics. Doctoral students can take advantage of a wide range of course offerings in the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics at the University of Chicago and at Chicago Booth.

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Milena Almagro

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Roman Family University Professor of Computation and Behavioral Science

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Elisa Rubbo

Assistant Professor of Economics and Liew Family Junior Faculty Fellow

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Alumni have written dissertations in industrial organization, labor economics, microeconomics, and other related areas. Upon graduation, they go onto Career Outcomes in academics, government, and industry.

Nick Tsivanidis, PhD '18

Assistant Professor in the Real Estate Group Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley Nick researches topics related to urbanization in developing countries. His current interests center on policy issues around transport and housing, with projects in India, Nigeria, Colombia and Brazil. He earned his PhD in economics.

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Doctoral students at Booth have access to the resources of several high-powered research centers that offer funding for student work, host workshops and conferences, and foster a strong research community.

Becker Friedman Institute for Economics Bringing together researchers from the entire Chicago economics community, the Becker Friedman Institute fosters novel insights on the world’s most difficult economic problems.

George J. Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State Dedicated to examining issues at the intersection of politics and the economy, the Stigler Center supports research by PhD students and others who are interested in the political, economic, and cultural obstacles to better working markets.

Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation Committed to making the world more equitable and sustainable, the Rustandy Center works to solve complex social and environmental problems. The center’s student support includes fellowships, research funding, and networking opportunities.

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Spotlight on Research

Our faculty and PhD students continually produce high-level research. The Chicago Booth Review frequently highlights their contributions in economics.

Why Medical Tourism Could Be Good Policy

Rather than investing in putting more medical facilities in remote areas, it could be more effective for the government and private health-insurance companies to pay for patients to visit healthcare facilities.

Benedict Guttman-Kenney's National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) Dissertation Fellowship on Consumer Financial Management 

The NBER fellowship will primarily support Guttman-Kenney's research in the economics of credit information.

How Should Economics Shape Policy?

Chicago Booth and the University of Chicago’s Lars Peter Hansen and Kevin M. Murphy discuss the challenges of translating academic research into policy advice.

Inside the Booth PhD Experience

Nick Tsivanidis, PhD ’18, talks about the culture of interdisciplinary study he found at Booth.

Video Transcript

Nick Tsivanidis, ’18: 00:03 My PhD thesis was about how commute costs shape economic organization in cities. Billions of people over the next 50, 100 years, they're going to be moving into mostly developing cities. Governments are going to spend huge amounts of money on providing new infrastructure to try and accommodate them. My project had both macro and applied micro elements. One of the benefits of Booth is that you have access to people from a wide range of areas who are very happy to encourage you to work on interdisciplinary topics.

Nick Tsivanidis, ’18: 00:38 I've always been interested in development and in particular how cities and countries can use evidence-based policy to try and improve welfare of their citizens. I've decided that pursuing a PhD would allow me to research and help translate that research into policy. What attracted me to the PhD program here at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business was this culture of interdisciplinary study. People at Chicago certainly aren't scared or will shy away from trying to think at the intersection of different areas. This is where a lot of very fruitful and productive new research actually takes place, which is at the border of frontiers. That really attracted me to come here.

Current Economics Students

From the effects of government regulation on economies to the impact of urban transit infrastructures, our PhD students examine a wide range of economic issues. When they graduate, they go on to positions at some of the top universities and companies in the world.

Current Students

Olivia Bordeu

Franco Calle

William Cockriel

Emily Crawford Arshia Hashemi

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Camille Hillion

Benedict Guttman-Kenney

Tyler Jacobson

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Pauline Mourot

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The Stevens Program at Booth is a full-time program. Students generally complete the majority of coursework and examination requirements within the first two years of studies and begin work on their dissertation during the third year. For details, see General Examination Requirements by Area in the Stevens Program Guidebook below.

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