Economics PhD Requirements

To be awarded a Ph.D. degree in Economics a student must:

• Successfully complete a minimum of 52 credit hours of work in core courses and field sequences, consisting of (Click here for sample schedules of courses):

  • 18 credit hours in economic theory (including a qualifying examination covering material in these courses).

  • 10 credit hours in econometrics (including a qualifying examination).

  • 6 credit hours in a methodological area, 6 credit hours in a primary field offered in the Economics Department, 6 credit hours in a secondary field, and 6 elective credit hours. The student must pass a primary field examination.

• Attend one of the departmental workshops each semester beginning in the second year of residence.

• Write and successfully defend a dissertation of scholarly content and scope that demonstrates ability to carry out a substantial independent research project.