The PhD Fellowship is a competitive, full-time fellowship program for students pursuing a doctoral degree in economics at George Mason University. Our PhD Fellows take courses in market process economics, public choice, and institutional analysis and work on projects that use these lenses to understand global prosperity and social change. Successful PhD Fellows have secured tenure-track positions at colleges and universities throughout the United States and in Europe.
The total award of up to $200,000 (over five years) includes a monthly stipend, full tuition support (nine credits per semester), and experience as a research assistant working closely with Mercatus-affiliated Mason faculty.
Acceptance into the fellowship program is dependent on acceptance into the PhD program in economics at George Mason University. Please complete the standard application for fall admission [1] to the PhD program in Economics at George Mason University, and indicate on the application that you would like to be considered for funding. PhD students at GMU outside the economics department should apply for the Dissertation Fellowship [2].
In order to apply to the PhD Fellowship, please click the “Apply Now” button and complete the online application. The online application includes:
- A 1-2 page cover letter explaining:
- your research and research interests,
- your familiarity with Mason and Mercatus scholars and their research, and
- what you hope to get out of the program.
- A current resume/CV
- A 500-1000 word essay on “Why do some societies prosper, while others remain stagnant and poor?”
- A 10-page writing sample that demonstrates your writing and research skills
- A few short answer questions
2020-2021 applications are now closed. 2021-2022 applications will open in the fall of 2020.
Want to receive emails for the PhD Fellowship and application process? Sign up here! [3]
If you have any questions, please email PhDFellowship@mercatus.gmu.edu [4].
Yes. We accept and review all applications received before our deadline. However, you must ensure that all of your GMU application paperwork has been correctly submitted and received by GMU before their deadlines in order to be accepted into the Mercatus PhD Fellowship Program.
We utilize the writing sample to examine each applicant’s writing style and ability, grasp of language, and clarity of thought. We are not particularly concerned with the specific content of the sample. Therefore you should choose whichever work you feel will give us the best impression of your skills as a writer.
Yes.
Mercatus Center PhD fellows generally attend class and attend seminars hosted at GMU’s main campus in Fairfax.
General questions about the Fellowship – email PhDFellowship@mercatus.gmu.edu [4].
Questions about your application status or application materials – email PhDFellowship@mercatus.gmu.edu [4].
Questions about the Mercatus Center in general or directions – contact Mercatus at (800) 815-5711.
Questions about your application to GMU – Contact the Economics Department at (703) 993-1135