Program Requirements
To earn the Ph.D. in economics, students must take a minimum of 51 hours of formal course work, a one-credit hour economics workshop (requiring two presentations), and 12 hours of dissertation research. Of these 64 hours, 43 hours must be at the 7000 level. Students entering with an MA in economics may apply up to 12 semester hours of formal course work toward the minimum of 51 hours of formal course work. In consultation with the graduate advisor, the student must file a candidacy form prior to the completion of 24 credit hours.
Competency in economic theory is tested by qualifying examinations in both macroeconomics and microeconomics at the end of the student's first year of study. A major field exam and either a minor field exam or an econometrics exam will test a candidate's competency in two applied fields. These field examinations will be taken after completion of all the course requirements for the specific field have been completed (typically after the second year of study). A field consists of a minimum of two doctoral-level (7000-level) courses.
In addition, to remain in good standing, full-time students must successfully defend a dissertation proposal by the end of their third year in the program. Prior to this proposal (during the third year), the student is responsible for contacting a Ph.D. faculty member about becoming the chair of the student's dissertation committee. The chair will suggest other potential committee members.
Upon approval of the candidate's dissertation proposal by the dissertation committee, the student begins preparing the dissertation. After completion of the dissertation, the candidate is given an oral examination dealing with the structure and content of the dissertation, and the candidate will be notified in writing of the committee's approval of the dissertation.
Full-time students are expected to complete all formal course work within two years of entering the program. Given the faculty's demonstrated commitment to student success, it is anticipated that full-time students finish all degree requirements within four years of starting the program. The time limit for completing all Ph.D. degree requirements is 10 years after the first semester of enrollment.