Program Overview

Program Overview

The graduate program in economics at Rice University offers a Major Concentration in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. All students earning MA or PhD degrees in the field of Economics additionally earn this Major Concentration.

Requirements for the Major Concentration

Econometrics and quantitative economics are integral parts of the curriculum for the graduate program in economics.

Admission Preparation for PhD Program

Applicants to the PhD program should have a strong background in mathematics and statistics. All applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Transfer Credit

For Rice University's policy regarding transfer credit, some departments and programs have additional restrictions on transfer credit. Requests for transfer credit must be approved for Rice equivalency by the appropriate academic department offering the Rice equivalent course and by the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS).

Opportunities for the PhD Degree

Students pursuing the PhD degree in the field of Economics and a Major Concentration in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, or a PhD degree in the field of Statistics, have the opportunity to also earn a Master of Arts (MA) degree in either the fields of Economics or Statistics, respectively.

Requirements for the PhD Degree with a Master of Arts (MA) Degree

Students pursuing the PhD degree in the field of Economics and a Major Concentration in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics with a Master of Arts (MA) degree in the field of Statistics must complete:

• 5 courses from departmental (ECON or BUSI) course offerings that have a strong statistics content
• 5 courses from departmental (STAT) course offerings that are significantly different in content to courses in economics
• Qualifier in Econometrics at the comparable level of an MA degree in Statistics
• A Major Project Total Credit Hours: 30