Department of Economics at PUC-Rio: Excellence in Teaching and Research

Founded in 1963, the Department of Economics at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) is today one of the most respected centers for teaching and research in Economics in Latin America. Since the 1970s, it has become both a national and international reference, standing out for its contributions to academia and to the formulation of public policy in Brazil.

Its contribution to Brazil’s economic development is remarkable. Former faculty members played a fundamental role in the conception and implementation of the Plano Real, which put an end to the country’s hyperinflation. Moreover, research carried out within the Department has generated concrete public policy proposals that influenced the design of major social programs such as Bolsa-Escola and Bolsa-Família.

The Department’s scientific output is widely recognized, with publications in leading international journals, active participation in public policy debates, and strong engagement in research networks.

Throughout its history, the Department of Economics at PUC-Rio has trained generations of economists who have excelled in leadership positions in government, academia, the financial sector, and international organizations. Its history is marked by a commitment to excellence, intellectual independence, and an enduring contribution to Brazil’s economic and social development.

Undergraduate Program in Economics

The Undergraduate Program in Economics at PUC-Rio provides a solid education that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing professionals to work across different sectors of the economy. Recognized for its contribution to the design of public policies in Brazil, the program is taught by distinguished faculty members and has alumni who have excelled in the economic sector both in Brazil and abroad.

In 2023, the program underwent a curriculum reform based on feedback from more than 1,200 students, interviews with faculty and market professionals, as well as the analysis of leading national and international curricula. The result is a program more closely aligned with contemporary demands and the ongoing transformations of the labor market.

Master’s Program in Economics

Created in 1978, the Master’s Program in Economics at PUC-Rio offers rigorous theoretical and empirical training, essential for those pursuing academic careers or positions in the public and private sectors. The program also serves as a key stepping stone for students aiming to enter Ph.D. programs in Brazil or abroad, advancing their path in academic research.

Ph.D. Program in Economics

Since 1993, the Ph.D. Program in Economics at PUC-Rio has been committed to training researchers of international standing, capable of developing independent research agendas, conducting public policy analysis, and working as critical and analytical professionals across a variety of fields. In doing so, the program contributes both to the advancement of economic knowledge and to the preparation of highly qualified professionals.