Ph.D. Program in Law & Economics

The law and economics movement has been the most important innovation in legal scholarship over the past quarter century. In recognition of the increasing importance of economics in a number of legal fields, in Fall 2007 Vanderbilt University launched a Ph.D. program that offers students unique training in law and economics.

Designed for students who wish to pursue careers in universities, research institutions, or government, the program offers a specialized interdisciplinary approach within a rigorous curriculum. The program is based in the Law School. Courses are taught by faculty from the Law School, the Department of Economics, and the Owen Graduate School of Management. Students receive a solid grounding in microeconomic theory, econometrics, and law and economics theory. Our principal fields include behavioral law and economics, risk and environmental regulation, and labor and human resources.

The program has admitted three exceptional classes to date. On September 1, the program will begin to accept applications for Fall 2010. To be considered, applicants must have a strong mathematics background commensurate with the standards of leading Ph.D. programs in economics. Students admitted to the program must either hold a J.D. or work on the requirements for both the Ph.D. in Law and Economics and the J.D. concurrently. For application instructions, see Law & Economics Admissions.

If you have further questions after reviewing our website, please contact us at phd.lawecon@vanderbilt.edu.