Economics PhD

Economics is a science that deals with the allocation of scarce resources to satisfy competing ends. It deals with choices that individuals, corporations, investors and governments make to maximize individual welfare, as well as with the way that efficient markets, trade, and exchange operate to enhance economic growth, and social welfare. Our internationally distinguished faculty provide our students knowledge that will help expand their employment and earning opportunities in the private and public sectors, and apply economic principles in their daily lives.

PhD Degree Guidelines

Upon entry, students are advised by the Director of Graduate Studies. During the third year, the major supervisor of the dissertation will become the student’s advisor

Credit Hours

The minimum credit hour requirement for the PhD track is 72 credit hours. Of these, a minimum of 36 credits must be earned in economics courses. The remaining 36 credit hours may be earned from graduate courses inside or outside the department and from Independent Study, Supervised Research or Thesis Guidance in Economics.

In selecting all outside courses, students must seek advice from their doctoral dissertation committees or from the Director of Graduate Studies (if such committees are not yet in place). Please note: Inappropriate outside course selection against advice may affect a student’s financial aid decision.

All students are expected to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) at all times.

Curriculum

Required Core (21 credits)

ECO 609SEM - Macroeconomic Theory 1 Credits: 3
ECO 610SEM - Macroeconomic Theory 2 Credits: 3
ECO 611SEM - Mathematics for Economists 1 Credits: 3
ECO 613SEM - Introduction to Econometric Theory Credits: 3
ECO 614SEM - Econometric Applications and Methods Credits: 3
ECO 665SEM - Microeconomic Theory 1 Credits: 3
ECO 666SEM - Microeconomic Theory 2 Credits: 3
ECO 794SEM - Topics in Economics Credits: 0
*Math for Economists I is a service course for the Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomic Theory, and Econometrics courses.
*Topics in Economics is mandatory for all PhD students. Participation is required.

Elective Courses (21-30 credits)

All ECO 7XX/8XX (except ECO 797 or ECO 798)
Two courses may be from other departments

Informal Courses (0-6 credits)

ECO 600TUT - Independent Research Credits: 1 - 6

Dissertation (1-24 credits)

ECO 797TUT - Thesis Guidance Credits: 1 - 6
ECO 798TUT - Thesis Guidance Credits: 1 - 6

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1) Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of microeconomic and macroeconomic theories and methods of analysis.

2) To demonstrate mastery of the issues, theories, and latest advances in one of the subfields of economics offered by the program.

3) To demonstrate the ability to conduct independent and original basic and applied research in economics.

4) To achieve a high level of competence understanding the most recent theoretical and quantitative methods in economics.

5) Acquire employable skills (i.e. teaching experience) to further professional endeavors.

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).