Each year, students in both programs are evaluated to ensure they are making sufficient progress. Failure to maintain sufficient progress may result in the withdrawal of assistantships or removal from the program.
M.A. Degree Program
Students in their first year should complete core coursework in Microeconomic Theory (ECON 660), Macroeconomic Theory (ECON 661), Statistics and Probability (ECON 590), and Math for Economists (ECON 591) with a grade of B or better. If a student does not pass these theory courses with a B or better, they must sit for the M.A. Comprehensive Exam held the first full week of August between their first and second year.
Students should complete their M.A. research paper by the end of their second year. Once approved by a faculty member, the M.A. degree is awarded.
Ph.D. Degree Program
Students should complete all requirements for their degree within five years. Some deviations from the typical timeline may be allowed in extreme situations.
The department outlines a general timeline to help Ph.D. students stay on track.
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1
Year One
Students complete the Core Theory Sequence (ECON 660, 661), Econometrics (ECON 690, 692), plus any prerequisites (ECON 590, 591, 691).
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2
Year Two
After completing advanced theory courses (ECON 760, 761) in the fall, students attempt the theory exams in January. Failure requires a retake in August before year three. Students begin field courses and develop ideas for their Ph.D. research papers. A GPA of at least 3.0 is required for sufficient progress.
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3
Year Three
Students failing both theory exams by the second attempt transfer to the M.A. program. Graduate assistantships continue at the M.A. rate through the fall semester. Successful exam passers complete field courses in the fall and begin the Ph.D. research paper (ECON 796) in the spring. This original research is presented in the seminar series (ECON 798) and evaluated by a three-member faculty committee. Students cannot enroll in ECON 799 until the paper is approved. Delays beyond year four’s fall semester lead to probation and reduced funding; extended delays result in dismissal.
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4-5
Years Four and Five
Students focus on dissertation research and preparing for the job market. The dissertation typically consists of three essays related to the chosen fields. Annual evaluations by the dissertation chair measure progress. Students are expected to defend successfully by the end of the fifth year.