Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Economics

The Ph.D. in Economics degree prepares students for teaching and research positions in the academic world, for positions such as senior economist in private industry and consulting firms, and for government positions requiring advanced economic training.

Course Requirements and Qualifying Exam

In the student's first year (Fall/Spring) of graduate work, they will be required to take the following courses:

• ECON 540A: Microeconomic Theory I
• ECON 540B: Microeconomic Theory II
• ECON 541A: Macroeconomic Theory I
• ECON 541B: Macroeconomic Theory II
• ECON 567A: Econometrics I At the end of the first year (June), the student will take qualifying examinations over microeconomic theory and macroeconomic theory. A student will be allowed at most two attempts at passing each qualifying exam.

Fields of Specialization

A student is required to take two specialized fields in economics. In addition, the student is required to pass a written examination (after completion of the appropriate course work for credit) in one specialized field at the end of the second year. The School of Analytics, Finance, and Economics offers the following fields of specialization:

• Economic development
• International economics
• Monetary theory and policy
• Finance A student will be allowed to take a field exam at most two times.

Other Required Courses

Students are required to pass the following courses:

• ECON 540C: Microeconomic Theory III
• ECON 541C: Macroeconomic Theory III
• ECON 567B: Econometrics II
• ECON 567C: Econometrics III

Dissertation

Upon successful completion of the coursework and passing of the qualifying and field examinations, a student will then be admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. in Economics degree. This will normally occur after the third year of work. Following this, the candidate, in consultation with their dissertation chairperson, will form a dissertation committee and develop a proposal. After the proposal is approved, the student must complete a dissertation based on original research and successfully defend the dissertation before the faculty. The student is required to submit their dissertation electronically. One copy of the dissertation is to be submitted to the School of Analytics, Finance, and Economics prior to graduation.