| |
|
|
|
|
|
2010-2011 University Catalog
Economics, PhD
|
|
Banner Code: LA-PHD-ECON
Web: economics.gmu.edu
The PhD in economics prepares students for careers in academia, business, and government. Core courses train students in modern theory and quantitative techniques, while field courses stress the application of theory to relevant economic problems. Dissertation work requires students to master and apply the skills of original research. The department emphasizes publishing; many students have had articles accepted for publication in professional journals while in the graduate program. Research in the Department of Economics covers a broad spectrum, from problems of immediate policy importance to fundamental questions of economic and social organization.
This program of study is offered by the Department of Economics .
For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. |
Application Requirements
Applicants to the PhD in economics must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admission chapter of this catalog. In addition to holding an undergraduate degree, not necessarily in economics, applicants should have satisfactorily completed intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, one year of calculus, one year of statistics, and one semester each of matrix algebra and econometrics. Applicants should have earned a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the last two years of undergraduate coursework and in all economics courses, as well as received satisfactory scores on the GRE (subject exam is optional).
Applicants should submit two letters of recommendation and a brief personal statement explaining their interest in the program. The department accepts doctoral students for the fall semester only. Reduction of Credit
Students who enter with a master’s degree in economics may have their credit requirement reduced by up to 30 credits at the discretion of the department with approval of the dean. Credit is not given for comprehensive and field exams from other universities. Degree Requirements
Students must earn a minimum GPA of 3.00 in coursework applied to the degree. No more than two courses with a grade of 2.00 may be applied toward the degree. Six required core courses (18 credits)
Six to ten elective courses (18 to 30 credits)
Two courses in two different fields (12 credits)
Subject to course availability, the department offers courses in the following fields of study on which the knowledge area field exams will be based. Consult the department for the required courses for each field.
- Austrian economics
- Constitutional economics
- Economic history
- Economics and religion
- Experimental economics
- Industrial organization
- Institutions and Development
- Law and economics
- Monetary theory
- Public choice
- Public finance
Comprehensive exams and field exams
Students must successfully pass comprehensive exams in microeconomics and macroeconomics and field exams in two knowledge areas. See the list of possible knowledge areas under the field requirement above. Dissertation (12 to 24 credits)
Students must have at least 3 credits in 998 and 3 credits in 999. Once enrolled in 998, students in the economics doctoral program must maintain continuous registration in 998 or 999 each semester until the dissertation is submitted to and accepted by the University Library. The university continuous registration policy is specified in the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. Advancement to Candidacy
To advance to candidacy, students must complete all course work required on their approved program of study and all exams. In addition, students must have a dissertation committee appointed by the dean as well as an approved proposal. Evidence of the approved proposal must be on file in the Dean’s Office before a student can advance to candidacy. |
|
|
Print-Friendly Page