College of Business
Economic Development (Ph.D.)
College of Business
Economic Development (Ph.D.)
Lead Real-World Growth
NMSU’s Doctor of Economic Development (DED) is the first professional doctorate of its kind in the U.S. — designed for leaders who navigate the fine line between theory and practice. Tailored for economic development professionals, this practitioner-focused doctoral degree combines rigorous economic foundations with hands-on solutions to community and regional challenges.
Admission Deadlines
For Fall Consideration, apply by January.
- Total credits: 57
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
Earning your DED prepares you to excel in high-impact leadership roles spanning both public and private sectors. Graduates find opportunities as regional development directors, policy advisors, economic consultants, and program strategists in government, utility, nonprofit, and global development organizations. Armed with advanced modeling, finance, and strategic planning skills, you’ll spearhead initiatives — from urban revitalization and rural innovation to workforce development and international trade — enabling sustainable economic outcomes and equitable growth.
- Economic development director or manager
- Community or regional development planner
- Policy analyst or advisor
- Director of business and industry relations
- Urban or regional economist
- Public affairs or government relations specialist
- Executive director of a development authority or chamber of commerce
- Consultant in economic or workforce development
- Research director in public policy or economic strategy
- Professor or academic researcher in economic development
- International development or trade specialist
- Nonprofit program administrator
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Doctor of Philosophy in Economic Development? Fill out our inquiry form.
Bridge Policy and Practice — Earn the Doctorate in Economic Development
The Doctor of Economic Development (DED) is a professional doctorate designed to provide advanced training for economic development professionals. Through core training in economics, customized electives, real-world internships, and a culminating doctoral project, you'll gain the tools to drive sustainable growth, shape policy, and transform economies at every level.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
First of its kind
NMSU is the first university in the country to offer a Doctorate of Economic Development program.
To receive a DED, students must successfully complete 42 ECDV credits. Successfully passing two comprehensive exams (offered twice each summer) is required to register for ECDV courses. The five courses covered by the two exams represent 15 credit hours of course work, which the student may complete at another program or at NMSU.
Take classes like:
- ECDV 550 - Introduction to Local and Regional Development
- ECDV 661 - Regional Economic Modeling
- ECDV 671 - Sustainable Economic Development
- ECDV 682 - Rural Development
Deadlines: For Fall Consideration, Apply by January.
Application Requirements
DED minimum admission requirements:
All students must meet the requirements specified in the general regulations and requirements for admission to the Graduate School and to candidacy, and in addition the following:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- Minimum undergraduate GPA: 3.0/4.0
- GRE or GMAT score is recommended (not required)
- Completion of one undergraduate courses in intermediate microeconomic (ECON 311 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory or equivalent) and intermediate macroeconomic (ECON 312 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory or equivalent) both with grades of B or better
- Completion of one course in college-level calculus (MATH 1430G Applications of Calculus I or equivalent) and one course in statistics including regression analysis (ECON 405 Introductory Econometrics or equivalent), with grades of B or better in both courses
- Additional coursework in matrix algebra is recommended
- One course in mathematical economics ECON 457 Mathematical Economics or equivalent), with a grade of B or better
- International students must meet graduate school admission requirements for English proficiency
Ready to take the next step?
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Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.