Curriculum

Year 1: Core Training in Economic Theory and Methods

Students begin with a rigorous methods-based core curriculum that emphasizes analytical foundations required for frontier research. Core coursework spans three major areas:

• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Econometrics

Incoming students also participate in a quantitative bootcamp offered prior to the start of the first semester.

During the first year, students complete two semesters of core coursework (ECO 600, 601, 602, 620, 621, 633) and must maintain a minimum 3.3 GPA.

Qualifying Examinations

At the end of Year 1, students take qualifying exams in all three core subjects. Passing all exams is required for continuation in the program.

Years 2–3: Field Specialization and Elective Study

After completing the core, students select two fields of specialization, choosing among annually offered sequences such as:

• Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics
  
  • Applied Microeconomics
  • Industrial Organization
  • Behavioral Economics
  • Labor Economics
  • Financial Economics
• Students also complete one minor-field course in an approved cognate area and one elective drawn from graduate offerings in Mathematics, Finance, Management Science, Business Technology, or related departments

A minimum 3.3 GPA must be maintained across all field and elective coursework.

Field Paper Requirement (End of Year 2)

During the summer after Year 2, students submit an original research paper in one of their fields. The paper is evaluated by a three-faculty committee and must be presented in an internal seminar. A second attempt is permitted in early Year 3 if needed. All students must pass the field paper requirement to continue in the program.

Students are also required to attend weekly departmental workshops with internal and external speakers beginning in Year 2.

Admission to Candidacy

Students apply for PhD candidacy upon passing all qualifying exams, completing field requirements, and passing the field paper requirement

This typically occurs in Year 3 and must occur no later than the beginning of Year 4.

Dissertation Proposal

Students must present a dissertation proposal—based on a complete research paper—by the end of Year 3 or early Year 4. The proposal must clearly articulate the intended job-market contribution. A second attempt is allowed if the first receives an unsatisfactory evaluation.

Job Market Paper and Fifth-Year Timeline

Students normally go on the job market in Year 5. A complete job market paper must be submitted and presented before faculty by the start of the fifth-year fall semester, with advisor approval confirming readiness.

Final Dissertation Defense

A final oral defense is required, evaluating both the scholarly contribution and the student’s readiness for independent research. A majority-pass vote is required to graduate.