Economics, Ph.D.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Economics is offered by the Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). The mission of the graduate program in economics is to provide students with advanced studies in economic theory and research methodology. The department's approach to these degree programs is global, interactive, and innovative.

Program Description

The Ph.D. in Economics requires completion of 64-105 semester hours, including a minimum of 51 hours of formal coursework and 13 hours of dissertation research. Students entering with a master's degree in economics may have up to 12 hours applied toward the 51 hours of formal coursework. Students must demonstrate competency in economic theory by passing the Qualifying Examination in microeconomics and econometrics at the end of the first year of study.

Career Opportunities

An economics Ph.D. is one of the most attractive graduate programs, offering a high chance of landing an impactful research job in academia or policy. Academic economics is one of the best ways of conducting and promoting global priorities research. With a Ph.D. in economics, graduates can choose to become a college professor or work at the Federal Reserve, international agencies, consulting firms, private banks, or other for-profit ventures. Economists are in high demand for more than just their economic knowledge, as their training in strategic thinking, analysis of complex data, and other skills enhanced by their economic training are in need in many organizations and governments.

Career Fields

Career fields that economists can pursue include:

• Professor
• Researcher
• Educator
• Economist
• Banking
• Consulting
• Government
• Higher education
• Insurance
• Law
• Manufacturing
• Private business
• Public service
• Real estate
• Risk management

Employers of MTSU Economics Ph.D. Graduates

Employers of MTSU Economics Ph.D. graduates include:

• Auburn University
• Baldwin Wallace University
• Belmont University
• Black Hills State University
• FedEx
• Marshall University
• Missouri Southern State University
• New York City Department of Finance
• Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University
• Regional Economics Models, Inc.
• Tennessee City/State Government
• Tennessee Department of Revenue
• Tennessee Education Association
• Tennessee Valley Authority
• Tennessee Wesleyan College
• Transylvania University
• U.S. Department of Defense
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• University of California-Berkeley
• University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
• West Virginia University
• Westminster International University at Taschkent
• Wittenberg University

Admission Requirements

For admission to the doctoral program, candidates are expected to attain a GRE score of 302 or better. Candidates must also have completed, at a minimum, one semester of calculus and hold a baccalaureate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4-point scale).

Application Procedures

Applicant must:

1. Submit an application with the appropriate application fee.
2. Submit official scores on the General Record Examination (GRE).
3. Submit official transcripts of all previous college work.

Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy in Economics requires completion of 64-105 semester hours, including a minimum of 51 hours of formal coursework and 13 hours of dissertation research. Of the total 64 hours, at least 43 hours must be at the 7000 level.

Curriculum

The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements:

Required Core Courses (33 hours)

• ECON 7005 - Advanced Mathematical Methods for Economists
• ECON 7010 - Macroeconomics I
• ECON 7020 - Microeconomics I
• ECON 7030 - Macroeconomics II
• ECON 7040 - Microeconomics II
• ECON 7060 - Econometrics I
• ECON 7070 - Econometrics II
• ECON 7080 - Econometrics III
• ECON 7090 - Econometrics IV
• ECON 7660 - History of Economic Thought
• ECON 7950 - Instructional Development and Practice in Economics

Field Courses (Choose 18 hours)

• ECON 7130 - Behavioral Economics
• ECON 7400 - Health Economics
• ECON 7410 - Public Choice I
• ECON 7415 - Public Choice II
• ECON 7430 - Public Finance
• ECON 7470 - Economic Growth and Development
• ECON 7510 - Labor Economics I
• ECON 7520 - Labor Economics II
• ECON 7530 - International Economics I
• ECON 7550 - International Economics II
• ECON 7710 - Monetary Economics I
• ECON 7725 - Asset Pricing
• ECON 7730 - Corporate Finance
• ECON 7810 - Industrial Organization I
• ECON 7820 - Industrial Organization II

Dissertation Research (13-54 hours)

• ECON 7640 - Dissertation Research

Sample Course and Examination Schedule

The following sample schedule outlines the sequence of Ph.D. course requirements:

Fall Semester-Year 1

• ECON 7005 - Advanced Mathematical Methods for Economists
• ECON 7010 - Macroeconomics I
• ECON 7020 - Microeconomics I
• ECON 7060 - Econometrics I
• ECON 7070 - Econometrics II

Spring Semester-Year 1

• ECON 7030 - Macroeconomics II
• ECON 7040 - Microeconomics II
• ECON 7080 - Econometrics III
• ECON 7090 - Econometrics IV
• ECON 7660 - History of Economic Thought

Summer-Year 1

• ECON 7950 - Instructional Development and Practice in Economics
• ECON 7099 - Comprehensive Examination and Preparation
• Qualifying Exam-Microeconomics
• Qualifying Exam-Econometrics

Fall Semester-Year 2 (Choose 4)

• ECON 7130 - Behavioral Economics
• ECON 7400 - Health Economics
• ECON 7410 - Public Choice I
• ECON 7470 - Economic Growth and Development
• ECON 7510 - Labor Economics I
• ECON 7530 - International Economics I
• ECON 7710 - Monetary Economics I
• ECON 7725 - Asset Pricing
• ECON 7810 - Industrial Organization I

Spring Semester-Year 2 (Choose 2)

• ECON 7415 - Public Choice II
• ECON 7430 - Public Finance
• ECON 7520 - Labor Economics II
• ECON 7550 - International Economics II
• ECON 7730 - Corporate Finance
• ECON 7820 - Industrial Organization II
• ECON 7640 - Dissertation Research

Summer-Year 2

• ECON 7640 - Dissertation Research
• Field Paper due by July 1

Fall Semester-Year 3

• ECON 7640 - Dissertation Research
• Dissertation proposal due by October 1
• Dissertation proposal defense

Spring Semester-Year 3

• ECON 7640 - Dissertation Research

Summer-Year 3

• ECON 7640 - Dissertation Research

Fall Semester-Year 4

• ECON 7640 - Dissertation Research

Spring Semester-Year 4

• ECON 7640 - Dissertation Research
• Dissertation Completion

Faculty

The faculty members for the Economics Ph.D. program include:

• Dr. Charles L. Baum
• Dr. Mamit Deme
• Dr. Stuart J. Fowler
• Dr. Keith Jacks Gamble
• Dr. Aaron M. Gamino
• Dr. Adam D. Rennhoff
• Dr. Michael Roach
• Dr. Daniel J. Smith
• Dr. Steven Sprick Schuster
• Dr. Wisarut Suwanprasert

Funding

A limited number of Ph.D. Fellowships are available through graduate assistantships offered through the Department of Economics and Finance and, with a separate application, the Political Economy Research Institute Fellowship Program.

Outline:

The Doctor of Philosophy in Economics is offered by the Jones College of Business at MTSU. The mission of the graduate program in economics is to provide students with advanced studies in economic theory and research methodology. The department's approach to these degree programs is global, interactive, and innovative. The Doctor of Philosophy in Economics requires completion of 64-105 semester hours, including a minimum of 51 hours of formal coursework and 13 hours of dissertation research. Students entering with a master's degree in economics may have up to 12 hours applied toward the 51 hours of formal coursework. Students must demonstrate competency in economic theory by passing the Qualifying Examination in microeconomics and econometrics at the end of the first year of study. The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements.

• Required Core Courses (33 hours)
• ECON 7005 - Advanced Mathematical Methods for Economists
• ECON 7010 - Macroeconomics I
• ECON 7020 - Microeconomics I
• ECON 7030 - Macroeconomics II
• ECON 7040 - Microeconomics II
• ECON 7060 - Econometrics I
• ECON 7070 - Econometrics II
• ECON 7080 - Econometrics III
• ECON 7090 - Econometrics IV
• ECON 7660 - History of Economic Thought
• ECON 7950 - Instructional Development and Practice in Economics
• Field Courses (Choose 18 hours)
• ECON 7130 - Behavioral Economics
• ECON 7400 - Health Economics
• ECON 7410 - Public Choice I
• ECON 7415 - Public Choice II
• ECON 7430 - Public Finance
• ECON 7470 - Economic Growth and Development
• ECON 7510 - Labor Economics I
• ECON 7520 - Labor Economics II
• ECON 7530 - International Economics I
• ECON 7550 - International Economics II
• ECON 7710 - Monetary Economics I
• ECON 7725 - Asset Pricing
• ECON 7730 - Corporate Finance
• ECON 7810 - Industrial Organization I
• ECON 7820 - Industrial Organization II
• Dissertation Research (13-54 hours)
• ECON 7640 - Dissertation Research

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Careers:

• Economist
• Professor
• Researcher
• Educator

Middle Tennessee State University

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Overview:

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a large university with a small-town feel, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is known for its affordability, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life. MTSU is a public university with a diverse student body, including a significant number of first-generation students.

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Services Offered:

MTSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Financial Aid:

83% of students receive financial aid, with over $230 million in assistance available.

Campus Improvements:

The university has invested $1.5 billion in recent campus improvements and renovations.

Academic Support:

MTSU provides academic advising, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed.

Student Life:

The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience.

Career Services:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

MTSU boasts a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can enjoy:

Large Campus with Small-Town Feel:

MTSU's 515-acre campus offers a scenic, park-like setting while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.

Active Student Organizations:

Students can join over 200 student organizations and clubs, catering to diverse interests.

Athletics:

MTSU has 17 Division I sports teams, providing opportunities for both participation and spectator enjoyment.

Campus Events:

The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.

Student Union:

The Student Union serves as a central hub for students, offering dining, a bookstore, a game room, a theater, and more.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordability:

MTSU offers the lowest tuition among Tennessee's three largest universities, making it a highly affordable option.

Strong Academic Programs:

MTSU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate majors and concentrations, including highly ranked programs in areas like Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Audio Engineering.

Diverse Student Body:

MTSU is home to a diverse student population, including a significant number of first-generation students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.

Career Opportunities:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

MTSU offers a wide range of academic programs across eight colleges, including:

Arts and Sciences:

Offers majors in fields like biology, chemistry, English, history, and mathematics.

Business:

Offers majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.

Education:

Offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, and special education.

Engineering and Technology:

Offers majors in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Fine Arts:

Offers majors in music, theater, and art.

Health and Human Sciences:

Offers majors in nursing, health sciences, and human development.

Liberal Arts:

Offers majors in communication, journalism, and political science.

University College:

Offers a variety of general studies programs and interdisciplinary majors.

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Other:

• MTSU is the number 1 producer of college graduates in the greater Nashville area.
• MTSU is home to the first public Honors College in Tennessee.
• MTSU has more than two dozen Fulbright scholars.
• MTSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff have won 47 Grammy Awards since 2001.
• MTSU is known for its flexible programs that emphasize real-world projects and soft skills development.