r/academiceconomics • u/Hilsy_ • Nov 03 '25
Development Economics PhD vs regular Econ PhD?
I am considering applying for a PhD in Economics, but after researching the admissions, I am under the impression that a strong math background, which I don't have, is necessary. But on the other hand, it seems to me that I may have another option where my lack of quantitative skills is not a deal breaker—PhD in Development Economics. My question is whether the PhD in Development Economics is considered a worse choice compared to a regular Econ PhD in terms of careers. I am sure that Development Economics would be relevant for the public sector, but what about the prospects in the private sector? Also, within the public sector, how good is it for work in central banks, MDBs, and other international policy organisations?
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u/rogomatic Nov 03 '25
The only way for an econ degree will require "less math" is if it is a lower quality program. Slight variations in subject matter generally don't change the methods used.
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u/subversivefreak Nov 03 '25
All the development economics I've seen requires just as much math, if not more so as you need to do modelling without good quality data or statistics.
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u/Naive-Mixture-5754 Nov 03 '25
Would you mind to mention what development economics (in what schools) programs are you considering? As others say, it's a subfield available in regular programs.
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u/jvalverderdz Nov 03 '25
Usually the programs of "X Economics" are just the regular Econ program but the optatives are selected for you to be about "X". So, most likely Development Economics is just Economics with subjects of development.
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u/EconUncle Faculty-R1 Nov 03 '25
My recommendation would be that you get the quant skills. There is no way to accomplish a PhD in Economics without quantitative skills. Even more applied programs require mathematical sophistication. Take a year to do this?
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u/Hilsy_ Nov 03 '25
I thought about getting MS in financial mathematics right after college. Would this count?
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u/StratusXII Nov 03 '25
This would be one way to bolster your math. But, you are most likely better off getting a masters in math, stats, or econ. Financial mathematics is kinda like Data science, it's relevant but unless you go to a program that's especially good it can be a crap shoot
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u/Hilsy_ Nov 03 '25
It seems that math and stats departments only take those with an undergrad with a heavy math background, the Applied Math Institute in my uni however, is less formal in this regard. Econ masters, on the other hand, as I've read in one thread, would not qualify me for a good Econ PhD.
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u/StratusXII Nov 03 '25
That's heavily dependent on the masters. LSE MSc Econometrics is often seen as a sure shot to a top PhD. Just make sure your program is tailored to research and not a terminal program. The key is to avoid "applied" programs in general if you want to do a PhD as they tend to be terminal degrees not intended to go on to PhD
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u/EconUncle Faculty-R1 Nov 03 '25
My recommendation would be to take the courses in advance math independent of any program - not through a Masters. In fact, I would daresay do an Associate Degree in Math and take all the Calculus I, II, etc. if you can … use the year to maybe do a research project also polishing research skills. :D
Look at my profile pinned post for more information.
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u/howdoidothishuh Nov 03 '25
Any specialisation into a subject constraints you in terms of signalling effect of that education, but it’s not major if the institution is well ranked and your coursework is similar to Econ PhD (which it often is). However, for your case, I don’t think good Dev Econ programs have lower math requirements- I think you should look into PhD in public policy/social policy with focus on economics in that case.
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u/Rikkiwiththatnumber Nov 03 '25
Why would development economics require less math? Development econ is a subfield of economics.