Economic history is the study of the long-term development of economies. The field uses empirical evidence, the tools of economics and econometrics, and appreciation of institutional context to understand how economies functioned in different times and places, and how present-day economic problems reflect earlier development.

The Program in Economic History exists within the Economic Growth Center to foster research in the field of economic history. The links at the top of this page will take you to information on weekly events, mini-conferences, and other program activities. 

The Director of the Program is Gerald Jaynes (gerald.jaynes@yale.edu).

Yale does not offer graduate programs in economic history per se. Students who participate in the activities of the Program in Economic History are working toward a PhD in economics, history, or another discipline. They fulfill the degree requirements for their respective department; there are no separate requirements for economic history. (For information on the economics PhD program, see http://economics.yale.edu/graduate/requirements; for the history PhD program, http://history.yale.edu/academics/graduate-programs; for other programs, consult the relevant departmental website, or the website for Yale Graduate school, http://gsas.yale.edu).

Admission to graduate programs at Yale is handled by the graduate school; interested prospective students should check the graduate school website for forms, deadlines, and other information.