Obtain a bachelor's degree in economics, finance, math, statistics, accounting or some other business-related field. Pursuing a minor in one of these fields can also provide some of the necessary background to get accepted into an economics doctoral program. Ph.D. applicants need to have a strong background in math and statistics regardless of which undergraduate degree path they choose.
Determine your primary research interests. Knowing these will help you determine to which schools you should apply. Avoid applying to programs randomly. Instead, create a list of scholars who work in the field you intend to conduct research in, and contact those scholars to inquire about their current work and discuss your research interests. Determine whether or not each scholar would be willing to play the role of your adviser should you get accepted to the Ph.D. program. Some professors only advise Ph.D. students occasionally, and others not at all.
Apply to programs that will offer you opportunities to study with scholars in your field of research. Most Ph.D. programs will require that you submit an application along with reference letters, a personal statement, undergraduate transcripts from all colleges and universities attended and scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Some schools require one exam while others may give you the option of submitting one or the other. Check with each graduate school's admission department to ensure that you meet all of the necessary requirements.
Complete your Ph.D. coursework. Most Ph.D. programs will require you to complete core coursework during your first 2 years of study. Core coursework can vary by institution, but most economics programs will at least require courses in economic history, econometrics and economic theory. Other coursework that you take will be related to your fields of specialization within the larger field of economics.
Pass your preliminary qualifying examinations. These are usually taken at the end of your second or third year of study, depending upon how quickly you pass through your program. The comprehensive exams can test your knowledge of nearly every area of economics. Extensive reading in economic theory and history will be necessary to pass these examinations. Once you have passed them, you can then qualify to complete the dissertation.
Complete your dissertation. The dissertation is an original piece of research that makes a contribution to the scholarly literature in the economics field. The length of time that it takes to complete the dissertation can vary depending upon the research. Most programs require you to provide an oral defense of your work once it is completed.