Economics, PhD

Program Description

The PhD program in Economics develops students who are well trained in economic theory and its empirical application to a variety of fields. Applicants to the program should have a strong economics and quantitative background.

Students must demonstrate competence by passing core course sequences in the initial year of study and subsequent qualifying exams in economic theory and econometrics. In their second and third years, students choose two specialization areas from the fields of economic growth, environmental economics, financial economics, industrial organization, international economics, labor economics, monetary economics, and public economics, among others. Students begin developing a research program by writing and submitting papers in their second and third years of study. In addition, all students beyond the first year must attend a weekly workshop in their chosen field(s), where they have the opportunity to present and receive feedback from the faculty and other graduate students on their research. Successful students choose a main PhD advisor no later than the start of their fourth year, and write and defend their dissertation within four or five years.

Summary of Degree Requirements

The PhD in Economics requires 60 hours of coursework: 42 hours of graded coursework, plus 18 thesis hours, culminating in the writing and defense of a PhD dissertation.