Economics (PHD)

Description

The Ph.D. in economics is designed for students of exceptional ability who wish to do advanced work in preparation for careers in university teaching and research, or as staff specialists in business, government, or research organizations. The course of study is more expansive in scope and is of greater depth than the master’s program, with programs individualized to fit each student’s interest and background. Emphasis in the program is placed on the development of the student’s capacity to analyze economic problems and to do original research.

Minimum Total Credit Hours: 54

Course Requirements

The requirements for the Ph.D. in economics are at least 54 graduate hours beyond the bachelor’s degree or at least 30 approved graduate hours beyond the master’s degree. Each student must meet the core requirements for the M.A. degree and present credit in ECON 6140 Microeconomics II, ECON 6280 Macroeconomics II, ECON 6290 Statistical Methods for Economics, ECON 6300 Econometrics I, and ECON 6310 Econometrics II. A student must take two fields, each of which will consist of at least 9 hours of course work. One field may be in an approved area outside economics. Economics fields include applied microeconomics, applied macroeconomics, and econometrics.

Other Academic Requirements

Each student must successfully complete a written examination in economic theory and econometric methods. This exam is administered during the spring semester of the student’s second year in the program.

After the student has passed the comprehensive examination, a dissertation proposal must be successfully presented to and approved by a dissertation committee. After the dissertation is written, a final oral defense culminates the student’s doctoral program at the university.