As a part of the regular sequence in the Economics Ph.D. program, students are required to pass a qualifying examination, which is administered at the end of their first year of study. The exam is normally offered in May.
The exam is comprised of two parts: microeconomics and macroeconomics. To be eligible to continue in the Ph.D. program, a student must pass both parts of the exam. If a student has successfully passed both parts of the exam by the end of August, the student will be allowed to continue in the Ph.D. program.
During the third year, students are expected to commence work on the dissertation. Students are transferred from the program committee to a dissertation committee and formally begin work on their thesis defense.
Writing a dissertation is the final test of research skills. It requires an understanding of relevant literature and methodology, as well as the ability to think independently. Ph.D. candidates must find an original topic, plan a test of hypotheses, and write and defend at a final oral examination a document acceptable to the dissertation committee and to the Graduate School.
Fall Term - July 1
Spring Term - November 1
Summer - April 1
Fall Term - Outside the United States - January 15
Fall Term - Inside the United States - April 15
Spring Term - Outside the United States - June 1
Spring Term - Inside the United States - September 15
To be considered for funding for the fall term, your application should be submitted no later than January 15.
Finance elective (fall)
During the fourth year, the student should enroll in EC 698 and at least six hours of dissertation research each semester. It is anticipated that each student will enter the job market during the fall semester. By this point, the student should have written at least two journal-length papers for the seminar courses described above. Students who expect to succeed in the job market should have successfully defended their dissertation proposal by the end of the fall semester.