Graduate
Ph.D. Program
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is based on satisfactory performance in courses, comprehensive exams, a single-authored research paper submitted in the summer following the student's second year, and the successful completion of a dissertation.
The program of study emphasizes rigorous training in the core courses to provide the necessary skills for independent creative research in the student's chosen fields. The student's program must include at least twenty-four semester hours of approved work taken in residence.
Ph.D. Program in detail...
Master's Program
While the department does not run a separate master's program, it offers two master's degrees to students enrolled in the PhD program: an M.A., which requires a thesis, and an M.S., which does not require a thesis but does require additional courses.
Most people in the Ph.D. program qualify for an M.S. along the way but to actually receive it you'll need to file a form with the Graduate School (see the Graduate Coordinator for a copy). Those students who fail to pass the microeconomics and macroeconomics core examinations or the second year paper requirement can always choose this option. We recommend that you file the form after completion of the second year.
Master's Program in detail...