Program Overview

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Economics, PhD

The Department of Economics offers graduate programs of study designed to prepare students for careers in education and for careers in administrative and research positions in government, industry, and labor. The programs are built upon a solid core of training in economic theory and in quantitative analysis, with area concentrations in econometrics, economic growth and development, industrial organization, international economics, labor economics and human resources, mathematical economics, monetary theory and policy, and urban and regional economics.

Program Type

Doctoral

Program Format

On Campus

Admission Requirements

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary by program.

Admission

An applicant must meet Graduate School requirements plus these departmental requirements to be considered for admission to the program. A master's degree is not a prerequisite for admission to the PhD program in economics.

• An undergraduate major in economics with a grade point average (both overall and in economics) of 3.0 (4.0 scale) and one semester of calculus or adequate preparation at the undergraduate level equivalent to two semesters of coursework in intermediate economic theory, one semester of statistics, and one semester of calculus.
• An applicant having a master's degree in economics or graduate coursework in economic theory must have a graduate grade point average of at least 3.33 (4.0 scale).
• Submission of scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test and Subject Test or equivalent quantitative courses is recommended.
• Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's scholastic achievement and potential.
• Reason statement. A personal statement that describes research interests, qualifications, and career goals.

Credits and Courses

Minimum degree requirement is 54 credits beyond the bachelor's degree, at least 27 of which must be earned in residence at UWM. Of the total credits required, a minimum of 42 must be taken in the field of economics.

• Course List:
  • ECON 801 | Advanced Microeconomic Theory I | 3
  • ECON 802 | Advanced Macroeconomic Theory I | 3
  • ECON 803 | Advanced Microeconomic Theory II | 3
  • ECON 804 | Advanced Macroeconomic Theory II | 3
  • Select 12 credits in quantitative theory | 12
  • Select 15 credits in two areas of concentration | 15
  • Select 3 credits of research skills | 3
  • Select one of the following: | 9-12
    • Minor Field
    • Electives

Additional Requirements

Major Professor as Advisor

The student must have a major professor to advise and supervise the student's studies.

Research Skill

Research skill requirements are individually assigned by the graduate study advisor.

Residence

The student must meet minimum Graduate School residence requirements.

Doctoral Preliminary Examination

The student must pass doctoral preliminary examinations for formal admission to candidacy for the degree.

Dissertation

The candidate must write a dissertation which demonstrates ability to formulate a research topic and pursue independent and original investigation.

Dissertation Defense

The candidate must pass an oral examination in defense of the dissertation.

Time Limit

All degree requirements must be completed within ten years from the date of initial enrollment in the doctoral program.

Financial Support

Teaching and Research Assistantships are the primary form of financial support for a limited number of graduate students. These positions provide a salary and tuition remission. Some small scholarships are also available.