Program of Study

The Department of Economics Ph.D. program follows a conventional structure.

As a first year student, you will take core classes in Micro Theory, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics. You won't have any teaching or research responsibilities during this year. At the end of the first year, you must pass comprehensive exams, which are administered in each subject. Please see our handbook for passing requirements.

You will take specialized field classes in you second and third years, and begin to work as research or teaching assistants. You must write and present a third-year paper by the middle of the third year to continue in the program.

The last years of the program are focused on dissertation research, with you registering for seminars and workshops in your specific fields of interest.

The program is designed to be completed in five years and students in good standing are guaranteed five years of funding, but there is a competitive application process for sixth-year funding for promising students. This application process takes place in the fourth year.

Standard program sequence

First year

• Take core classes in Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics
• June: comprehensive exams administered
• July: comprehensive exams makeup

Second year

• Take field classes
• Enroll in Research & Writing Seminar I in the spring
• Serve as a teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA)
• May 1: formally designate advisor for third-year paper

Third year

• Take field classes
• Serve as a teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA)
• Enroll in Research & Writing Seminar II in the fall
• Present a third-year paper by the end of the fall semester
• February 1: formally designate principal faculty advisor
• May 1: formally designate a second committee member
• May 1: submit dissertation plan

Fourth year

• Serve as a teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA)
• December 1: confirm three members of the dissertation committee
• December 20: schedule oral candidacy exam
• March 15: applications for sixth-year funding are due

Fifth and/or Sixth year

• Serve as a teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA)
• Students going on the job market should have a completed job market paper by the start of classes
• Students should present a job market paper in an appropriate field seminar by the end of October
• Students work closely with the graduate placement director
• Job application materials should be submitted by the middle of October