Program Overview
Doctor of Philosophy in Economics
Program Overview
The University at Albany doctoral program in economics balances a rigorous core curriculum with deep specialization. Students focus on at least two concentrations, which give them a close view of the most relevant topics in modern economics. The program culminates in faculty-supervised dissertation research, drawing on professors' knowledge to pursue a chosen subject within the field.
Program of Study
The program of study brings new depth to econometrics and economic theory through a comprehensive core curriculum. Concentrations available include:
- Advanced macroeconomics
- Advanced microeconomics
- Econometrics
- Health economics
- Industrial organization
- International economics
- Labor and income distribution
- Public economics
By focusing on a minimum of two of these concepts, students receive an education that is both tailored to their interests and all-pervading. They learn to use mathematical and statistical models to address real-world problems, harnessing cost/benefit analysis, optimization theory, economic modeling, forecasting, pricing theory, and more.
Core Courses
- Economic Theory:
- Microeconomics I and II
- Macroeconomics I and II
- Econometrics:
- Econometrics I, II, and III
- Advanced Research Topics:
- Eco 798
Fields of Concentration
Preparation for a field of concentration normally requires a year of coursework at the 700 level or above. With the approval of the Department's Graduate Studies Committee, one of the two fields may be replaced by another appropriate discipline or by a specialization combining economics with a related field. Advanced doctoral students are required to participate in at least one of the three workshops of the department (Workshop in Microeconomics, Workshop in Macroeconomics, or Workshop in Econometrics).
Other Requirements
- Research Tool Requirement
- Departmental Qualifying Examinations
- Doctoral Dissertation and Oral Defense
Career Outcomes
The UAlbany PhD in Economics program prepares students to confidently pursue a career as a professional economist. Other potential job titles for an Economics PhD include:
- Tenure-track faculty at international universities and colleges
- Research economist with public-sector agencies, governmental and international
- Private-sector economist and advisor positions in banking, communications, health care, consulting, and finance
Financial Aid
Most PhD students receive financial support from the University at Albany in the form of a graduate assistantship or fellowship. For the academic year, the graduate assistantships for first-year students provide full tuition relief with the waiver of comprehensive university fees and a stipend of $21,000. For the academic year, the stipend will be increased to $22,000.
Senior graduate students receive funding through teaching or internships. Through the university's location in the capital of New York State, the economics department offers several internship opportunities with government agencies and other institutions. In addition, there are various opportunities to work closely with faculty on funded research projects.
Special MA Option in Economics
If students are enrolled in the PhD Economics program, a master's degree may be awarded after the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 graduate credits, of which 24 credits are in economics.
Required Courses:
- Microeconomics I and II
- Macroeconomics I and II
- Econometrics I, II, and III
- Graduate Research Seminar in Economics
- Supporting courses (0-6 credits) as advised
Admissions Requirements
Deadlines:
- Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
- Fall: February 15
- Spring: Not Available
- Summer: Not Available
- No Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
- Fall: August 1
- Spring: Not Available
- Summer: Not Available
Required Application Materials:
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- GRE
Prerequisites:
It is not necessary to have an undergraduate degree in economics to apply to the program. However, applicants are expected to have completed a one-year sequence in intermediate economic theory, three semesters of calculus, and one semester of linear algebra. While not required, some training in mathematical statistics is highly recommended.
Student Learning Objectives
- Understand the fundamental principles and models of modern economics in depth, and be able to apply them to economic and social issues.
- Be able to use mathematical models to analyze behavior.
- Be able to apply advanced, modern econometric methods to the analysis of data.
- Have a deep mastery of the subject area in two fields of concentration.
- Be able to conduct scholarly research.
- Be able to describe and critique economic research to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Be able to explain economic principles, models, and methods to others.
- Be prepared for employment in academic and/or non-academic institutions.
