Course and Exam Schedule

During the fall semester of the first year, the Ph.D. candidate takes Macroeconomics I, Microeconomics I, and Econometrics I (as well as Mathematics for Economists). In the following spring, candidates take Macroeconomics II, Microeconomics II, and Econometrics II (as well as History of Economic Thought). Competency in economic theory is tested by qualifying examinations in macroeconomics and microeconomics. The two qualifying exams are given in May of the first summer after the core courses have been completed. Those who fail any of the two May qualifying exams are given the opportunity to re-take the failed exam in August.

At the beginning of the second year, each Ph.D. candidate chooses one major and one minor field. The department offers fields of specialization that include labor economics and monetary economics. The second year is comprised of courses in the candidate's major and minor fields, as well as seminars in Applied Microeconomic Theory and Applied Econometrics. Field exams are given in May of the second summer with re-tests in August.

The third and fourth years should be primarily spent writing the dissertation. During these years, the candidate presents their research in a workshop and at an outside conference. Candidates begin this process by first selecting a dissertation committee and beginning to develop a dissertation topic. Once the topic is developed, students prepare a defense of their proposal. To remain in good standing, full-time students must successfully defend a dissertation proposal by the end of their third year in the program. The approved proposal is then developed into a dissertation with the close supervision of the candidate's committee. Upon completion of the dissertation, the student makes a formal defense. The diligent student will successfully defend their dissertation to complete the degree by the end of the fourth academic year.

Summer - Year 1

Fall - Year 1


Spring - Year 1


Summer - Year 1


Fall - Year 2


Spring - Year 2


Summer - Year 2


Fall - Year 3

Spring - Year 3

Econ 7640 - Dissertation Research


Summer - Year 3

Prospectus - Dissertation Proposal


Fall - Year 4

Econ 7640 - Dissertation Research


Spring - Year 4

Econ 7640 - Dissertation Research


Summer - Year 4

Defense - Dissertation Defense