Why Choose Kelley?
The Business Economics and Public Policy (BEPP) PhD program at Kelley is an economics-based doctoral program designed to place graduates in research-focused positions at top business schools, economics departments, and policy institutions. What makes Kelley distinctive is our focus on applied microeconomics—the tools, frameworks, and insights that help us understand how firms, people, and industries make decisions and interact. This emphasis appeals to students eager to explore questions that matter for both business strategy and public policy.
Our program is intentionally small, admitting only one to two students each year. With nearly 20 research-active faculty, that translates into a 2:1 faculty-to-student ratio. The result is highly personalized mentoring, frequent opportunities for research collaboration, and strong support for co-authoring articles early in your career. Just as importantly, our faculty are internationally recognized scholars who publish in the profession’s most respected journals, including the American Economic Review, Econometrica, the Journal of Political Economy, Management Science, RAND Journal of Economics, and the Review of Economic Studies.
Your Path
Our training is rigorous and individually tailored. You’ll gain strong foundations in microeconomics and econometrics while developing the skills to tackle complex questions in business and policy. We welcome intellectually curious, motivated students who bring analytical strength, quantitative preparation, and a genuine passion for discovery.
If you enjoy asking thought-provoking questions, analyzing data, and uncovering insights that can drive meaningful change, you’ll find a collaborative, challenging, and supportive home here.
Take the next steps in your academic career.