Getting a PhD in Econ after MPP/MPA

[socal_kid]

Just wondering if anyone had heard of folks finishing their MPP/MPA and then going on to get a PhD in econ?  Obviously econ PhD programs require much more math, but I'm just curious if it's possible given the math taken during the MPP programs.  

[NGP]

People do PhDs in econ straight out of undergrad -- the only difference I see is having to compress approximately 3 years of econ prereqs into 2 years.

 

I could be wrong, but I think Chris Blattman went from HKS (MPA/ID) to a PhD in econ.

[state_school'12]

Before I came to GSPP I was under the impression that this path was extremely unlikely, but was advised by faculty that infact it was a path well-troden.

 

I personally know three folks from GSPP who went on for a econ Phd (two from Berkeley econ and one now at Michigan econ). Two had mathamatical backgrounds prior to the MPP, and third had little math. It can be done, the problem would be waiting until after your MPP before you decide to apply. If that scenario you've largely squandard your time in the MPP.

 

All three of my examples used all of their electives to take additional math, culminating in very advance math, with near perfect grades. Obviously the purpose of an MPP isn't to prepare you for a PhD, but you can leverage your time getting the MPP to make yourself more competitive.

 

If you check out the econ Phd forum at urich: http://www.urch.com/forums/phd-economics/ if can probaily find some discussion as well.

 

 

Good luck!