The Department of Economics offers a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.), and it offers a master of arts (M.A.) degree only for continuing Ph.D. students and students who do not complete the doctoral program. All programs are full time. Entering students are expected to have knowledge of calculus, linear algebra, and statistics, which are used in the first-year curriculum.
For M.A. degrees, students take 30 credits (10 courses), including two semester courses in microeconomic theory and macroeconomic theory, one course in statistical methods, and two courses in econometrics. Students complete the M.A. by either passing the
qualifying examinations in microeconomics and macroeconomics or by writing a
master's essay with an oral defense.
The Ph.D. program consists of
coursework, qualifying examinations, and the dissertation. The Ph.D.
requires 48 credits of coursework (16 courses) and takes at least two academic years to complete. Ph.D. students take one course in
mathematical methods, two courses in microeconomic theory, two courses
in macroeconomic theory, two courses in statistical methods and
econometrics, one course in economic history, and one course in either
applied microeconometrics or macroeconometrics.
The first part of the Ph.D.
qualifying examination consists of written tests in
microeconomic theory and macroeconomic theory. Students are expected to
take these written tests after one year of coursework. The second part
of the qualifying examination requires successful completion of two
elective fields. Students complete
each elective field by obtaining a B+ or better in two courses in each field. Available elective fields include economic theory,
econometrics, economic history, financial economics, macroeconomics, public economics,
development economics, international economics, labor and human resources, and
industrial organization.
Doctoral
students also are required to complete a second-year research paper
over the summer of their second year and write a dissertation proposal by the end of the summer of their third year. The dissertation, which is written
under the supervision of a faculty committee, must be defended in a
final examination before the student's committee.
For further information, please see the department's Graduate Program Handbook.
Programs, Faculty, and Courses 
