Neubauer Family Program in Economics and Public Policy

The Neubauer Family Program in Economics and Public Policy is a joint PhD program between the Department of Economics and The Fletcher School at Tufts University. Our students combine rigorous coursework in economics with their public policy studies. Our faculty is dedicated to training students to address critical issues centered on economic development and the environmental and climate consequences of development. The program blends training in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics with an understanding of institutional detail and political economy, giving students the tools necessary to address questions in economic development, energy and environmental policy within an interdisciplinary framework that is needed for policy effectiveness. We seek candidates with an interest in applied economics, focused on issues related to environment and development. A background in economics coursework is essential, and experience with applied research on one of the focal topics is an asset. We encourage applications from students interested in pursuing both academic and policy jobs following graduation.

Thanks to generous support from the Neubauer Family Foundation, all of our doctoral students receive five years of funding contingent on satisfactory performance. The funding covers tuition, a stipend, and health insurance. In some cases, graduate level coursework in economics may be accepted for credit enabling students to complete the program in a shorter period. Apart from coursework, program training includes research assistantships, teaching, mandatory seminar attendance and a second-year paper course. We aim to produce graduates who bring the most rigorous tools of economics to bear on critical public policy questions.

Learn more about our curriculum and structure >

Apply through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences’ website >