2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 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 all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admission chapter of this catalog. For information specific to the PhD in economics, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental web site.

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.

Program of Study


All students must have an approved program of study as specified in the section Requirements for Doctoral Degrees 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.

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.

Elective courses (30-42 credits)


Students choose their electives from economics courses in any of the fields offered by the department. Students may substitute up to 6 credits of courses outside economics in closely related fields with prior written approval of the director of the graduate program.

Comprehensive exams


Students must successfully pass comprehensive exams in microeconomics and macroeconomics.

Field exams


Students must successfully pass field exams in two knowledge areas.  Subject to course availability, the department offers courses in the following fields of study on which the knowledge area field exams will be based. Because the specific courses offered each year vary, students should consult the department for the courses that can be used for each field.

  • Austrian economics
  • Constitutional economics
  • Economic history
  • Experimental economics
  • Industrial organization
  • Institutions and development
  • Law and economics
  • Monetary theory
  • Public choice
  • Public finance

Dissertation (12 to 24 credits)


Once enrolled in 998, students in the economics doctoral program must maintain continuous registration in 998 or 999 each semester (excluding summers) until the dissertation is submitted to and accepted by the University Libraries. Once enrolled in 999, students must follow the university’s continuous registration policy as specified in the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog. Students who defend in the summer must be registered for at least 1 credit of 999.

Students complete a minimum of 3 credits of 999. They may apply a mimimum of 12 and a maximum of 24 dissertation credits (998 and 999 combined) to the degree.

Total: 72 credits