PhD in Economics
This program offers advanced study in theoretical and applied economics and econometrics.
It prepares students for careers at college and university teaching, and for research positions in government,
non-profit agencies and business.
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Admission Information
The Ph.D. degree requires at least 104 hours beyond the bachelor's degree and 72 hours beyond the master's degree.
Course Requirements
1. Economics Core - 24 hours
The economics core consists of two courses each in microeconomic theory,
macroeconomic theory and econometrics (Econ 501, 502, 511, 512, 534 and 535).
2. Areas of Concentration - 16 hours
A student must select two areas of concentration within economics and take at least two
courses in each area of concentration. The Department offers areas of concentration in econometrics and time
series analysis, health economics, international economics, labor economics, public economics and
urban and regional economics.
3. Electives- 12 hours
Students must take at least one additional 500-level course in economics and two graduate courses
related to their field of study in either economics or in a business or social science discipline
out side of economics.
4. Dissertation Workshop - 4 hours
All students must participate in the dissertation workshop (Economics 592)
and present an original research paper.
Examinations
1. Qualifying Examination
Students must pass written examinations in microeconomic and macro- economic theory.
Each examination is 4 hours and is offered twice a year. Students who have not passed
both examinations by the end of their third year of study will not be allowed to continue
in the program. Students are expected to take their qualifying examinations at the
beginning of their second year.
2. Preliminary Examination
Students must pass an examination on their two areas of concentration.
The examination must have a written component and may also have an oral component.
The preliminary examination is normally taken upon completion of coursework.
A student is allowed a maximum of two attempts to pass the examination.
Dissertation
A dissertation which represents an original contribution to economics must
be defended before a faculty committee. A minimum of 24 semester hours is required
to prepare a dissertation The Dissertation may address theoretical or applied problems.
It is expected that no later than the end of the semester following passage of preliminary
examination a written statement of the dissertation plans will be submitted to the
dissertation committee. This prospectus should contain an analysis of the relevant literature,
the theoretical issues to be pursued, the data to be used and methods of analysis, and a statement
of the anticipated significance of the research project. the prospectus must be defended before
the committee. Until this prospectus has been approved, the student will not be authorized to
proceed with dissertation research. The final version of the dissertation will incorporate any
changes recommended by the committee.
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