PhD in Economics
Brigitta Jones, 2026
Degree: PhD in Economics
I chose to attend George Mason for their well-known economics department that focuses on the interaction of private markets and government policy. In hindsight I could not have made a better choice.
My PhD is in Economics, specializing in the fields of Austrian Economics and Economic Sociology. Ever since the first economics course I took in high school, I have been excited about using the tools of economics to better understand the world around us. Upon coming to George Mason and pursuing my graduate course work, I have found the insights of Austrian economists to be invaluable and have learned to think more across disciplines, blending the insights of economics with politics, philosophy, and sociology. The economics department at George Mason is very unique in allowing me to specialize in these fields.
My dissertation was on the political economy of rules, looking at how different rules and institutions shape different outcomes. Drawing much from the work of the economist James Buchanan, I explored how rules can be crafted to reach more preferred outcomes. Specifically, I looked at how this logic applies to the design of private and public aid programs, and how rules can be crafted to overcome issues such as welfare dependency.
Most impactful course:
The first year PhD course, Microeconomics, taught by Professor Coyne, had a huge impact on my journey as a scholar. I learned a different way of studying economics. In that course we were introduced to great thinkers like F.A. Hayek who practiced economics with humility, acknowledging the creativity and intelligence of the people in the models we study. I strive to be an economist who will, as Hayek put it, “use what knowledge [I] can achieve, not to shape the results as the craftsman shapes his handiwork, but rather to cultivate a growth by providing the appropriate environment, in the manner in which the gardener does this for his plants.”
Favorite George Mason memories:
My favorite memories of my time at George Mason are from teaching my first undergraduate classes. It was really fulfilling to see when lightbulbs go off in students’ heads and ideas click for them. It was also always rewarding to hear from students at the end of each semester that they enjoyed my classes and the way the ideas were conveyed. Encouragement and gratitude from my first students gave me the confidence and excitement to pursue a career in higher education.
Advice for future George Mason graduate students:
A piece of advice that helped me a lot in graduate school to write papers and ultimately my dissertation is, “Make it exist first, you can make it good later.” I think it is important to not get paralyzed in the writing process worrying about making the first draft perfect, or even good.
Future plans:
Beginning in the fall, I have accepted a position as an Assistant Professor of Economics at Westminster University in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is a dream job, and I am so excited to be able to share my passion for using the tools of economics to better understand the world around us with my future students.