proposal phd economics

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Course info, instructors.

• Prof. Esther Duflo
• Prof. Benjamin Olken

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As taught in.

• Developmental Economics
• Microeconomics

Learning Resource Types

Development economics, research proposal.

The maximum length of the write-up should be 3 pages single-spaced (but less is fine). The goal of this research proposal is to give you a “jump start” on working on a topic that you could (ideally) work on for your second-year paper (or a future paper for your dissertation). If you are in the second year, it is okay for you to talk about the topic that you will be working on for your second-year paper. It should be development though… (but as you know development is a big tent). 

You can co-author the proposal with any student(s) in the program. However, we would like to  see as many proposals as people in the class. 

Note that the deadline is the last possible date that we are allowed to accept assignments under end  of term regulations, so we will not be able to provide extensions. Please therefore budget your time wisely. 

The proposal should include 

•  A clear statement of your research question       
• Brief motivation of your research question       a. Why is this question important?        b. What is the policy implication?        c. What (if any) economic theory it is testing? 
• (Short) Review of the relevant theoretical and/or empirical literature. 
• Description of your proposed empirical strategy and proposed (realistic) data sources.        a. You can propose an RCT where you’d collect the data, as long as it is realistic for a PhD student (not necessarily in the scope of a second year paper).        b. If you project is empirical, write-out clearly and in detail what are the proposed        regression specifications.  
• Clear discussion of your contribution to the prior literature.       
• Clear discussion of what challenges you expect to encounter. 

Think of this project as the shell of a research paper that contains everything but your findings: you will motivate the question; place it in the literature; and lay out your data sources (if any) and your research design. We do not expect to see any preliminary results (for empirical papers) or fully fledged model (for theory paper).

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School of Economics

Writing a research proposal.

Developing a research proposal is a necessary part of the application process it:

• provides a basis for decision-making;
• helps to make sure that you get the most appropriate supervisor for your research.

Your research proposal does not commit you to researching in a specific area if your application is successful. 

Following a successful application, you need to provide a more comprehensive proposal which will be useful reference as your research develops.

How to write a research proposal

Organise your proposal should around a small set of ideas or hypotheses that you would like to investigate. Provide some evidence of relevant background reading if possible.

A typical research proposal might look something like this:

• Rationale for the research project, including: a description of the phenomenon of interest, and the context(s) and situation in which you think the research will take place; an explanation of why the topic is of interest to the author; and an outline of the reasons why the topic should be of interest to research and/ or practice (the 'so what?' question); a statement of how the research fits in with that of potential supervisor(s) in the School of Economics.
• Issues and initial research question. Within the phenomenon of interest: what issue(s) do you intend to investigate? (This may be quite imprecise at the application stage); what might be some of the key literatures that might inform the issues (again, indicative at the application stage); and, as precisely as you can, what is the question you are trying to answer?
• Intended methodology: How do you think you might go about answering the question? Do you have a preference for using quantitative methods such as survey based research, or for qualitative methods such as interviews and observation?
• Expected outcomes: how do you think the research might add to existing knowledge; what might it enable organisations or interested parties to do differently?
• Timetable: What is your initial estimation of the timetable of the dissertation? When will each of the key stages start and finish (refining proposal; literature review; developing research methods; fieldwork; analysis; writing the draft; final submission). There are likely to overlaps between the stages.

An initial research proposal that forms part of a PhD application should be between 600 and 1,000 words in length.

• How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal | FindAPhD.com

How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal

Written by Mark Bennett

You'll need to write a research proposal if you're submitting your own project plan as part of a PhD application. A good PhD proposal outlines the scope and significance of your topic and explains how you plan to research it.

It's helpful to think about the proposal like this: if the rest of your application explains your ability to do a PhD, the proposal demonstrates the actual PhD you plan to do. Of course, being able to effectively plan and explain a research project is one of the key qualifications for being able to complete one, which is why the proposal is such an important part of the PhD application process.

Thankfully, the secret to writing a good research proposal isn't complicated. It's simply a case of understanding what the proposal is for, what it needs to do and how it needs to be put together.

On this page

What is a phd research proposal.

First things first, do you need a research proposal for your PhD? It depends on the kind of project you want to do:

• If your PhD is advertised by a university, you probably won't need to submit a research proposal for it. The broad aims and objectives for your PhD will already be defined: you just need to prove you're the right person to do it.
• But, if you're proposing your own research topic to research within a university's PhD programme, you will need to write a proposal for it (the clue is in the word "proposing")

As a rule, advertised PhDs are very common in STEM subjects, whereas Arts, Humanities and Social Science students are more likely to propose their own PhDs.

Some PhD programmes actually wait and ask students to develop their research proposal during the degree (usually after they've completed some initial training). This is normal in the USA , but it's becoming more common for some UKRI-funded UK PhDs.

For the purposes of this guide we're going to assume that you do need to write a good research proposal for your PhD application. So let's explore what's involved in that.

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What should a research proposal for PhD admission include?

It's natural to be a little intimidated at the thought of structuring a PhD proposal, particularly if you've never written anything like this before.

But here's the thing: a research proposal isn't a fiendish test designed to catch you out and stop you ever doing a PhD. It's actually much more boring than that.

All a research proposal really is is a document that demonstrates three things:

• Your PhD is worthwhile
• Your PhD is feasible
• You are capable of completing it at this university

Or to put it even more simply: the PhD is worth doing, it's doable and you can do it.

Demonstrate your PhD is worthwhile (the what and the why)

A successful PhD project has to make a significant original contribution to knowledge. If it doesn't, it won't meet the criteria for a doctoral degree and will probably fail the viva exam .

Your PhD proposal itself doesn't have to meet those criteria (or pass a viva!) but it does need to indicate that your PhD project eventually will.

It does that by first demonstrating that your research topic is original. That means nobody else has studied this same topic (or one very similar) before.

There are all sorts of ways a PhD can be original. You might examine new data or primary sources, to look at existing material from a fresh perspective, or deal with the impact of new events. It doesn't matter how your project is original, so long as your proposal is really specific about what makes it original.

You also need to explain why your proposed research will be academically significant. To do this properly, you'll need to acknowledge relevant existing scholarship and explain how your research will relate to it. You don't need to be exhaustive at this point, but you should be able to show how your PhD will contribute to its field and – ideally – indicate some of the gaps in knowledge it will aim to fill.

The final step in demonstrating your PhD is worthwhile is to suggest what will become possible as a result of your research. How could other researchers use or build upon your results? What might closing those gaps in academic knowledge mean for audiences outside the unviversity?

Demonstrate your PhD is feasible (the how)

It isn't enough just to show that your research is worth doing; it also needs to actually be doable.

The length of a full-time PhD is around three to four years in most countries (it's longer in for a PhD in the USA , but you don't spend all that time doing research).

Three years may seem like a long time, but researching a PhD is a lot of work and you'll probably spend at least some of your time on other activities like teaching, conference presentations or even publication.

So, one of the things your proposal needs to do is demonstrate that your project is feasible: that it fits within the scope of a PhD.

The most important criteria for this is to be clear about what you plan to do. It should be obvious from your proposal what the scope of your project is – what is and isn't included within it.

You also need to outline how you plan to go about your research. Where will you start and what order do you expect to proceed in? Is the logic for that obvious? If not, it's probably a good idea to explain it.

Finally, you need to explain the methodology you plan to use. This could include techniques for collecting data and sources, theoretical perspectives for analysing them – or both. You may also need to detail specific equipment you expect to use or fieldwork you'll need to undertake (including trips to archives or other external resources).

None of this needs to be exact or completely final. The key word here is 'plan' – but you do need to have one.

Demonstrate that you can complete it at this university (the who and the where)

So far we've thought about the project itself: what makes it worth doing and how it's going to get done. But your proposal also needs to address the who and the where: why are you the right person to carry out this research, and why do you want to do it at this particular university?

The first part of this is easier than it probably looks. Writing a good research proposal demonstrates enthusiasm for your project much more convincingly than simply saying you're very interested in it (a classic case of 'show, don't tell').

You also don't need to repeat your grades and academic achievements (other parts of your PhD application will cover those). Instead, try to underline experiences that relate to this project. Has a particular module or Masters dissertation topic prepared you with useful subject knowledge or methodological skills? If so, highlight it.

It's also fine, within reason, to be honest about the skills you don't have and to identify your training needs. This shows you're being practical about your project and thinking seriously about what it will require. Just make sure you can realistically acquire the skills and training you need within the time available (this goes back to the feasibility).

Showing your project is a good fit for the university is also relatively simple. There should already be some reasons why you've chosen this university for your PhD so make sure you explain what they are. Perhaps there's a particular supervisor you'd like to work with , or facilities and resources your research could use. The key is to emphasise the fit between the project and the university – so don't just say you want to research there because it's highly ranked .

PhD research proposal structure

Hopefully the above sections have given you a few ideas for the things your proposal needs to include. Let's be honest though, the scariest thing about a proposal isn't deciding what to include: it's actually writing it.

But, if we flip that on its head, we remember that all a research proposal really is is a piece of writing that follows a pretty standard format. And that's a lot less scary.

Research proposal structure

Because proposals for PhD all have to do the same things, they mostly follow a similar structure. Yours will probably go something like this:

• Title – Keep it simple and descriptive: the clever alliteration and quotes can come later when you write up your thesis. For now, you just want the person reading this to know exactly what your research is about and, perhaps, which prospective supervisor to send it to.
• Overview – Start by defining your research question (the what) and explaining how it contributes to current work in your field (the why). This is also a good place to reference one or two pieces of scholarship: the full literature review can wait until your PhD begins, but you should show that you have some understanding of relevant academic research.
• Methodology – Make sure the reader understands the practical and / or theoretical approaches you'll take to your research. What data will you collect, how will you collect it and how will you analyse it? Ideally refer to relevant research methods and models. It's also a good idea to provide some sort of roadmap for how you'll go about things. Don't worry, you can change it later (and you will).
• Outcomes and impact – What will exist as a result of your research (other than just another PhD on a library shelf) and what will it make possible? You don't need to identify every specific outcome from your project (blue sky research is fine) but you should think about what some potential outcomes might be.

You probably won't need to include a specific conclusion - it should be obvious, by now, what your project is doing, how you're going to do it and why that matters. A quick summary sentence is fine though, if you think it will help.

Writing tips

Being able to effectively communicate academic concepts, ideas and results is a key skill for PhD research in all subjects . Think of your proposal as a chance to demonstrate this.

The good news is that the key principles of good proposal writing aren't that different from other work you've probably done as a Bachelors or Masters student:

• Be clear – The person reading your research proposal should know exactly what it is you're proposing to research, with no room for ambiguity and confusion. This is important on a practical level (they need to know where to send it) but it's also important to the success of your application: a confusing proposal suggests a confused project. Try having a friend read it and ask them "do you know what it is I'm proposing to do here?" (even if they don't understand the details).
• Be concise – You will have more ideas than you can include in your proposal. That's fine. Choose the best ones and leave the others for your interview .
• be coherent – Follow something like the structure above. Don't start with your methodology, then say what it is you want to research.

How long should a PhD research proposal be?

Honestly? As long as the university asks for it to be. Most will have guidelines and you should follow them closely if so.

If you honestly can't find a suggested word count for your proposal, then consider asking a prospective supervisor . If you still aren't sure, aim for somewhere between 1,000-2,000 words .

As a very general rule, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences are a bit longer than STEM proposals (and a lot of STEM students don't have to write one anyway, as we've explained).

Research proposal for PhD admission - dos and don'ts

Research proposals are a popular topic over on the FindAPhD blog , where we've shared stories of how students wrote theirs , along with mistakes to avoid and a counter-intuitive look at the things a PhD proposal doesn't actually need to do .

Here are a few general tips and mistakes to avoid:

#1 Give yourself enough time to do a good job

Preparing to write a PhD proposal takes time and effort. None of this is wasted as the process of evaluating and framing your ideas for a proposal will improve your project plan immensely. So will the need to decide which ideas to include.

But you need time and space to do that, so make sure you get it. How long it will take to write your PhD proposal is heavily dependent on your personal working style, but you'll likely need to give yourself at least a few weeks to do a good job.

#2 Set out to impress

A good proposal isn't a begging letter. You're approaching the university with a great idea that's going to contribute to and enhance their research. Be honest, be realistic, but don't be unnecessarily humble. They should want you and your project.

#3 Demonstrate original thinking!

You may not need to present original research findings yet, but your proposal does need to present original ideas – and it should be clear why and how those ideas are original.

Make sure you indicate how your project is going to expand, enhance or even correct existing work in your field. Remember that making an "original contribution to knowledge" is a key part of what a PhD is .

#1 Send the same proposal to several universities

A good proposal needs to explain why you want to do your research at a particular university. That's a big part of the feasibility (the fit between project, person and place) and methodology (how are you going to use this university's equipment and archives; when and where will you need to travel).

It's OK to apply to more than one university in parallel, but, in that case, you're writing research proposals .

#2 Use online proposal templates (without evaluating them first!)

It can be tempting to search for PhD proposal samples on the internet, but make sure you evaluate what you find. Some websites may host old proposals from previous PhD students, but there's no way of knowing how relevant these are to your subject and university – or if they were even successful! More 'generic' research proposal examples can offer guidance, but they won't be tailored to your specific project.

The best place to look for a PhD proposal sample is your university. Consider asking your supervisor if they can share a good proposal from a previous student in your subject – or put you in touch with a current student you can ask.

#3 Confuse the proposal with the PhD

We've covered this on the blog , but it's simple enough to include here too.

You're setting out to do a PhD, but you (probably!) haven't done one yet. So you don't need to include research findings, in-depth analysis or a comprehesive literature review. You need to make a case for the research and analysis you want to do.

#4 Ignore your university's help and guidance

The advice on this page is necessarily quite general. We're considering adding guides to writing PhD proposals in specific subjects in future but, for now, the best place to get specific advice for your academic field is probably the university you're applying to.

See if you can get some subject-specific tips by contacting a supervisor , or just checking with the admissions team for your department.

And remember: if they give you a structure and a word count, stick to it.

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We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about PhDs, covering course types, applications, funding and the benefits of further study.

Getting ready to apply for a PhD? Our guides explain research proposals, references and entry tests for doctoral programmes.

Our guide explains how to contact a potential PhD supervisor to discuss your proposal or ideas with them before applying.

A checklist of the things you'll need to do when making an international PhD application, from meeting the entry requirements to sorting out your visa.

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PhD in Economics

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This is the most advanced programme of graduate studies in Economics at Cambridge. Upon its completion, candidates are awarded a PhD degree for producing a thesis of high-quality, original, and publishable research over a period of four years (full-time) and seven years (part-time).

A good number of our PhD students receive full or partial funding for their studies, from a variety of funding bodies, such as the ESRC and the Gates Foundation .

Our PhD students receive high quality training on a variety of research methods and are exposed to cutting edge research conducted by our own Faculty members, as well visitors to the Faculty (via the Cambridge-INET Institute , seminars, PhD workshops, locally organised conferences, etc.). Faculty members can supervise a wide range of topics from six broadly defined research areas: microeconomic theory, macroeconomics, econometrics, applied microeconomics, economic history and alternative approaches to economics.

PhD students in Cambridge benefit from a high faculty-to-student ratio and therefore form close relationships with many Faculty members. They also forge strong links with our post-doctoral researchers, and they actively participate in the Faculty’s vibrant research life. They have access to a wide range of facilities, such as their own desk/office space in the same building as regular Faculty members, computing equipment, a variety of software and access to a wide range of databases.

PhD students are encouraged to attend academic conferences and showcase their research work in a variety of ways. Upon completions of their studies, many of our PhD students become academics, or researchers at international or government research institutions (see recent job market placements here ).

Explore here the profiles of our current PhD students.

To obtain the degree of PhD in Economics, students need to:

1. Obtain the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) . If accepted for the PhD degree, you will be registered initially for the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) in Economics. Students registered for the CPGS are required to:

• Attend the 'How to do Economics' lecture course. Other postgraduate courses in research methods are organised by the Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Physical Sciences, and are available to all PhD students.  
• Undertake a minimum of four courses from PhD or MPhil Modules from at least two subject areas. You must achieve a pass mark (60%) on each component of the coursework. Students who fail any examinations will be called for a viva on the coursework.

• Write a research proposal (maximum length 10,000 words) that should include a review of the relevant literature, a research question, and outline of a research design and methods. The expectation is that this proposal will be for a piece of research that could form the basis of one chapter of a PhD dissertation. You will be given an oral examination on this piece of work and must perform to a satisfactory standard.  
• Attend (a) one of the three research workshops (on microeconomics, macroeconomics or econometrics) at which research students present both their own work and recent papers in the literature - assessment of workshops will be arranged by course organisers; (b) attend at least one of the Faculty's general seminars in which papers are given both by outside speakers and Faculty members;  
• To be registered for the PhD submit an acceptable piece of research (first year chapter) of not more than 20,000 words. The piece of research submitted must be of a standard that would enable it to form the basis of one-third of your eventual PhD thesis. This means that it must contain research that could be expanded upon to constitute one-third of the PhD thesis.

2. Once upgraded to PhD status, a student concentrates on her or his PhD dissertation. In general the thesis format is either in the form of a book divided into chapters, or of three or more connected articles; in either case, the Faculty has a strict limit of 60,000 words. As research progresses, there will be opportunities to present work in progress at research workshops attended by Faculty members and research students. PhD students will also be required to attend research seminars given by outside speakers and Faculty members. 

Upon completion and submission of the PhD thesis, students do an oral examination (viva) with two examiners, one internal to the University of Cambridge (not the supervisor or research advisor), and one external (from any other University in the UK or the rest of the world).

After a successful thesis defence, the examiners recommend awarding the degree of PhD.

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The Ph.D. Program in the Department of Economics at Harvard is addressed to students of high promise who wish to prepare themselves in teaching and research in academia or for responsible positions in government, research organizations, or business enterprises. Students are expected to devote themselves full-time to their programs of study.

The program prepares students for productive and stimulating careers as economists. Courses and seminars offered by the department foster an intellectually active and stimulating environment. Each week, the department sponsors more than 15 different seminars on such topics as environmental economics, economic growth and development, monetary and fiscal policy, international economics, industrial organization, law and economics, behavioral economics, labor economics, and economic history. Top scholars from both domestic and international communities are often invited speakers at the seminars.  The Harvard community outside of the department functions as a strong and diverse resource. Students in the department are free to pursue research interests with scholars throughout the University. Faculty of the Harvard Law School, Kennedy School of Government, and Harvard Business School, for example, are available to students for consultation, instruction, and research guidance. As a member of the Harvard community, students in the department can register for courses in the various schools and have access to the enormous library resources available through the University. There are over 90 separate library units at Harvard, with the total collections of books and pamphlets numbering over 13 million.  Both the department and the wider University draw some of the brightest students from around the world, which makes for a student body that is culturally diverse and likely unequaled in the range of intellectual interests of its members. These factors combine to add an important dimension to the educational process. Students are able to learn from one another, collaborate on research projects and publications, and form bonds that are not broken by distance once the degree is completed and professional responsibilities lead them in different directions.

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Writing your economics research proposal

If you are applying to the Economics postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit a research proposal with your application.

The nature of your proposal will depend on when you apply.

The role of the proposal

For entry into Year 1 of the programme, the proposal is used to:

• identify your broad areas of interest;
• see if you have consulted relevant literature beyond the standard textbooks;
• obtain an impression of your ability to think critically;
• assess what motivates you to pursue a research degree in economics.

Proposal guidelines

For entry into Year 1 of the programme, the research proposal is expected to include the following:

• The  research area  with which you would expect to be affiliated;
• The member(s) of staff you would like to provide supervision (this information is also requested in the online application form under ‘Proposed research supervisor’); You are strongly encouraged to contact a preferred supervisor in advance of submitting an application to get their input into developing your research proposal.
• A description of the area in which you expect your eventual research to be. This should describe possible research questions you might address, and describe why you find them interesting and relevant. In so doing, you should relate the possible research questions to the extant literature in this area of economics;
• You should identify and address any potential ethical considerations in relation to your proposed research. Please discuss your research with your proposed supervisor to see how best to progress your ideas in line with University of Manchester ethics guidance, and ensure that your proposed supervisor is happy for you to proceed with your application;
• A bibliography of any journal articles and books to which you have referred;
• No more than 1500 words.

If you are seeking entry into Year 2 you are expected to have more developed research ideas. Your proposal will be used to assess:

• the quality and originality of your ideas;
• whether you are able to think critically;
• if you have a grasp of the relevant literature.

It will also give us:

• important information about the perspectives you intend to take in your research area;
• how you fit into the Economic department’s research profile;
• an idea how to allocate a supervisory team.

For entry into Year 2 of the programme, the research proposal is expected to include the following:

• The member(s) of staff you would like to provide supervision (this information is also requested in the online application form under ‘Proposed research supervisor’); You are strongly encouraged to contact a preferred supervisor prior to submitting your application to get their input into your research proposal.
• A detailed description of the area in which you expect your eventual research to be. This should describe the specific research questions you plan to address, the research methods you expect to use, and the expected data source for any empirical work planned.

The proposal should also:

• Describe why you find these research questions interesting and relevant, and relate the specific research questions to the extant literature in this area of economics;
• You should identify and address any potential ethical considerations in relation to your proposed research. Please discuss your research with your proposed supervisor to see how best to progress your ideas in line with University of Manchester ethics guidance, and ensure that your proposed supervisor is happy for you to proceed with your application.
• Around 1500 words. In exceptional cases proposals significantly exceeding the word limit will be accepted.

The University uses electronic systems to detect plagiarism and other forms of academic malpractice and for assessment. All Humanities PhD programmes require the submission of a research proposal as part of the application process. The Doctoral Academy upholds the principle that where a candidate approaches the University with a project of study, this should be original. While it is understandable that research may arise out of previous studies, it is vital that your research proposal is not the subject of plagiarism.

Allocation of supervisors

For Year 1 entrants, the proposal is used to allocate a preliminary supervisor to act as mentor during the first year of study. This person will normally also act as a supervisor and may also become your MSc-dissertation supervisor. The exact composition of your supervisory team will be decided by the end of Year 1.

You will not be forced to follow the proposal exactly once you have started to study. It is normal for students to refine their original proposal over time.

With this in mind, the composition of your supervisory team may also change. Please note that members of staff are only expected to provide supervision in areas that are of interest to them and admittance to the programme does not imply the provision of supervision on any topic devised by the student.

Further information

• How to write a personal statement
• Economics research area groups
• Find an economics supervisor

If you need help and advice about your application, contact the Postgraduate Admissions Team.

Admissions contacts

University guidelines

You may also find it useful to read the advice and guidance on the University website about writing a proposal for your research degree application.

Visit the University website

PhD in Applied Economics

1. introduction.

These guidelines are designed to help students plan.  Because requirements change over time, these guidelines are most accurate for students most recently admitted to the program. 

The PhD degree is a combination of coursework and dissertation writing.  In economics, the coursework is roughly a year in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics training, followed by a year in field training. At Northeastern, we formally support fields in labor economics and industrial organization, and informally support a field in development.  Students must satisfy grade requirements in two fields.  Students may write their dissertation in any field of economics provided they have a dissertation committee that supports them.

2. Learning Goals of the PhD in Economics

Upon completion of our Ph.D. program in Applied Economics students will be able to:

• Apply modern micro and macro-economic theory to formally describe economic problems and to make discipline-based policy evaluations and recommendations, including being able to explain the links between economic decision making at the individual and firm level and policy recommendations at the market and macro-economic level.
• Describe and apply the formal tools in the economics discipline for evaluating the social welfare of economic policies, including Pareto optimality, economic efficiency, social justice and inequality, and to describe the fundamental tradeoffs between these objectives.
• Evaluate existing and potential market failures and to evaluate and recommend private and public sector economic policies that increase economic efficiency and social welfare by mitigating or solving market failures, including government policies for regulating and limiting the market power of firms.
• Apply the analytic econometric and statistical skills required to frame and implement hypothesis testing and conduct data analysis, including the ability to use modern economic datasets, to combine datasets, and to choose appropriate methods and techniques to generate economic forecasts and to establish causality with non-experimental data.
• Explain, critique, and replicate empirical findings in economics research, including the methodology for the econometric estimation, the theoretical foundations of the hypotheses, and the broader economic relevance of the result. 
• Produce and write original economic research and to prepare their economic research for submission and publication in peer-reviewed academic journals, as well as for submission and presentation to research conferences.
• Communicate knowledge of economics effectively both within and outside of academia, including the classroom, conferences, and professional meetings.

Apply these tools in diverse economic and social policy contexts, including labor markets, firm behavior, the environment, inequality, and social and racial justice, and in a variety of career settings, including academia, research, consulting, management, and policy making.

3. Overview of the Program

Throughout the PhD program, each student will have a faculty advisor who will be the student’s point of contact and who also will be responsible for an annual assessment of whether the student is making satisfactory progress in the program.  In their first year, this advisor will be the PhD Graduate Program Director.  In the second and third year, each student will normally choose a faculty member in the student’s chosen research field to be their advisor.  At the appropriate time, typically in the student’s third year, each student will choose their dissertation chair who will then be their advisor.

At all points in the program the student must be making satisfactory progress.  Satisfactory progress will depend in part on the precise point at which the student is working, but minimum requirements are that the student be in regular communication with their faculty advisor, attend department seminars and workshops in their field, take required coursework, maintain a 3.5 grade point average, pass required exams, and meet deadlines for proposing and defending their dissertation.  Failure to achieve satisfactory progress will result, after consultation with the PhD Graduate Program Director, in a written recommendation for corrective action or termination from the program.

The PhD program for each student has two phases: The Coursework/Exam phase followed by the Dissertation phase.  The Coursework/Exam phase consists of taking required and elective courses (described separately) and passing the qualifying exams.  This phase should be completed within two-and-one-half years of entry into the program (one-and-one-half years for students entering with a master’s degree in economics).  Beginning with students entering in the fall of 2022, this phase will take two years for required coursework for all students (these students may need to take additional courses in their 3rd year if needed to satisfy course load minimums).

The student moves into the Dissertation phase upon successful completion of required course work, the comprehensive examinations, and the field exam.  The comprehensive exams are normally taken at the end of the second year (at the end of the first year for students entering with a master’s degree in economics).  The field exam is normally taken after the student has completed all of his or her required coursework.  The field exam is not required of students entering in 2020 or beyond.  Instead, those students must earn a grade of B or above in each of their four field courses.

In the Dissertation Phase, the student must:

• Present and defend the proposal before a Proposal Review Committee
• Write a dissertation based on that proposal demonstrating the ability to do original research
• Successfully defend the dissertation.

Each student should also regularly attend the department’s PhD workshops and plan to informally present his or her research in one of the workshops.

4. Required Coursework

A. Core Courses

The PhD program emphasizes a foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics followed by field coursework. Students must take PhD coursework in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics followed by qualifying exams all three areas.  Students will be given two attempts to pass these exams, and may appeal for a third attempt.  Students who enter the program in 2020 and beyond will also be required to take and pass a qualifying exam in econometrics.

B. Field Courses

The department currently offers two two-course field sequences every academic year. The first sequence in labor economics, and the second sequence is in industrial organization. Students are required to take four field courses, which would normally consist of these two two-course field sequences. In the future, the field sequences offerings may be extended to include fields in addition to labor and industrial organization.

When the department offers only one PhD course in a field (as is currently the case with health economics and development economics) students may request permission from the PhD program director and the relevant instructors to satisfy one of their two two-course field sequences with a customized sequence. For example, a student may request to have a field exam based on one course in labor and one in development. This course could also be a masters level course if the instructor appropriately modifies the content and requirements for the PhD student. A substitution will only be permitted when it improves the student’s training, not just to relax the requirements of the program.  In no case will PhD students be allowed to take less than four PhD level field courses and take fewer than one of the program’s standard two-course field sequence.

For students required to take field exams (this requirement has been eliminated for students starting in Fall 2020 and beyond) customized field exams can be taken with the permission of the PhD program director and the relevant instructors. Customize field exams are offered so that students can focus their dissertation research in additional fields. They are not offered in order to in any way reduce the PhD program’s standards or requirements, or to reduce the number of field courses students take. Students always benefit from being exposed to as many field courses as possible. Students who plan to focus their research in a field for which a standard two-course sequence is available are always best served by taking the field exam in that field.

Students who are not required to take the field exam must receive a B grade or better in each of their four field courses.

5. The Dissertation

PhD dissertations in economics typically consist of three essays or chapters on related research topics.  Each of the essays or chapters is written to conform to the norms for submission and publication in research journals in economics or related social sciences. 

PhD proposals must be held, reviewed and approved within one year of entry into the Dissertation Phase, which is normally by the end of the third year. Students must also complete the proposal review within two years of finishing their coursework. Students who have not completed the proposal review within one year of passing their field exam must submit a status report and timetable for their proposal for approval by their dissertation advisor and the Graduate Chair. Students who have not completed the proposal review within two years of finishing their coursework, and who do not have an extension granted by the university, will not be eligible to continue in the program.

Students must complete their dissertation defense within five years of finishing their coursework. Postponing the proposal review does not alter this requirement.

Each student will have a dissertation committee chaired by a faculty member affiliated with the economics department, and at least two other faculty members (at most one of whom may be from outside of the economics department or the university). The dissertation committee chairperson should be identified within the first year of the Dissertation phase, and the entire committee should be identified before the proposal review and defense.

B. Proposal Format

A PhD dissertation proposal is a written document between 20 and 30 pages, written in 11-point font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins. It should describe and motivate the research questions, explain their relationship and importance to the literature, outline the content of the dissertation (model, data sources, specific hypotheses, econometric issues, etc.), and indicate the contributions the research is expected to provide.

The student’s dissertation chair (primary advisor) must confirm to the PhD Graduate Program Director that the proposal is ready for a review and defense. Announcement of the Proposal Review must be made by the economics department at least one week in advance of the scheduled proposal review. The announcement must be accompanied by a copy of the dissertation proposal and the names of the dissertation committee members.

The department recommends that all materials be given to the Graduate Administrative Coordinator 10 days before the proposal in order that we can check that the proposal is in the correct format and make the formal announcement seven days in advance.

C. Proposal Defense (or Review)

The Proposal Review is attended (in person or remotely) by all of the members of the student’s dissertation committee as well as any other interested faculty and students. The event is a presentation and evaluation of the student’s proposal, not a seminar. It is intended to elicit comments and suggestions, provide an agenda for the student, and ultimately to decide on its acceptability. The decision on the acceptability of the proposal is made jointly by the members of the student’s dissertation committee. If the proposal is accepted, all members of the student’s dissertation committee will sign a Proposal Approval Form. If it is accepted with revisions, those revisions should be noted on the form. Upon successful completion of the Proposal Review, students will become dissertation candidates. Candidacy makes students eligible for higher stipends and is an essential step in making satisfactory progress in the PhD program.

The student is expected to follow the agreed-upon proposal in writing the PhD dissertation.  Where unforeseen circumstances require substantial modifications, the student should get the approval from all of the dissertation committee members.  The student is normally expected to present the proposal in its various stages at least once per year in either one of the department’s field workshops, as a department seminar, or at a research conference.

The PhD dissertation may include essays (or chapter) co-authored with other students or faculty, but at least one essay (or chapter) must be authored solely by the student.  Ideally, the lead essay (the “job market paper”) should be sole authored.

6. PhD Student Feedback & Evaluation

The program will evaluate students annually.  Evaluations are based on course grades, teaching and research assistantships, exams, dissertation progress, and feedback from the student’s academic advisor, the student’s dissertation committee, and the PhD program director.

Students who don’t meet program requirements in a timely manner will have their status changed to unsatisfactory.  This includes not passing qualifying exams or field exams, not maintaining a 3.5 grade point average, not receiving B grades in their four field courses, and not fulfilling their teaching or their research assistant responsibilities.  Unsatisfactory status is not permanent. That is, there are no long run consequences of unsatisfactory status as long as students return to satisfactory status.

In some cases, students will be asked to leave the program.  This could be for a variety of academic and non-academic reasons.  Most notably, students who fail to pass qualifying exams (or field exams if applicable) after being given the opportunity to retake the exams and the opportunity to appeal, will be asked to leave the program.  In most other cases, a student is put on probation and notified that they are at risk of termination before being asked to leave the program. Probation status and termination decisions are determined by the graduate curriculum committee (which includes the PhD program director and the department chair) and are subject to review by the college. All department feedback and evaluation decisions may be appealed to the graduate curriculum committee.  In addition, PhD students may appeal any academic decision. More information about the university appeals process is available at http://catalog.northeastern.edu/graduate/academic-policies-procedures/appeals/

updated April 2021

Contact Information: Northeastern University 360 Huntington Avenue 301 Lake Hall Boston, MA 02115-5000 phone: 617.373.2871 fax: 617.373.3640

email: [email protected]  

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Get more information about this graduate program., more programs, bachelor of arts (b.a.) in economics, bachelor of science (b.s.) in economics, combined majors, masters of science in economics.

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Dissertation Guidelines

Doctoral students in the Department of Economics are required to complete a third-year research paper proposal , a dissertation proposal and a dissertation and defense . Find the resources and step-by-step instructions you need to make the dissertation process as smooth as possible.

Additionally, consult the CCAS Doctoral Student Handbook and the GW Electronic Theses and Dissertation Submission website for guidance on formatting and submitting the final document.  

CCAS Doctoral Student Handbook

Dissertation Proposal Defense

• PhD proposals must be defended within the first two semesters of candidacy. Failure to comply will result in a semester of academic probation or warning, and subsequent dismissal of the former PhD candidate from the program.
• The dissertation proposal document should be 25–30 pages, in 11-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins. It should state the research questions, position the expected research in the existing literature, indicate expected results, outline the structure of the dissertation and indicate the time frame for carrying out the research tasks.
• The PhD dissertation proposal defense brings together the candidate and all members of the dissertation committee to discuss the proposed dissertation in person. It is a detailed discussion of the research questions and the envisioned work. The end result of the defense is a common understanding of what needs to be done, the approximate timing and any contingencies.
• No more than two of the dissertation committee members can participate in the defense electronically.
• The PhD dissertation proposal defense is open to faculty of the Economics Department and students invited by the candidate defending the proposal.
• The announcement of the PhD dissertation proposal defense is made at least two weeks in advance to all members of the Economics Department faculty and doctoral students in the department. The announcement lists information about the candidate, the title and abstract of the dissertation proposal, the names and affiliations of the dissertation committee and the time and location of the defense. It also appends the full document of the proposal.
• If the defense is approved, all members of the dissertation committee will sign a form at the end of the defense. The form is then submitted to the Unit II director.

Dissertation and Defense

• At least one essay of a multi-essay PhD dissertation should be solely authored by the degree candidate.
• It is recommended that the "job market paper" not be coauthored

The Department of Economics will follow the procedures for PhD examinations laid out by the Columbian College, as explained in the Doctoral Student Handbook . In addition, the department requires that:

• No more than two members of the examining committee at a dissertation defense can participate electronically.
• Dissertation defenses should normally be held in the fall or spring semesters.

Dissertation Committee

In addition to the CCAS dissertation committee requirements outlined in the Doctoral Student Handbook , the Department of Economics specifies certain requirements for the committee procedure.

• Dissertation committee: A director and two readers who have advised the student during the dissertation research process. The director may drawn from outside of the academic unit in which the student is enrolled. If the director is from outside of the academic unit, then the committee must also have a co-director from inside the unit.
• Two examiners: Examiners cannot have had a direct role in the dissertation research process. One examiner must be from within the academic unit, with the other examiner coming from outside of the academic unit.
• Chair of the examination: The examination is chaired by a member of the academic unit in which the student is enrolled. The chair cannot be drawn from the dissertation committee or examiners. It is recommended that the director of graduate studies, if not an examiner or on the dissertation committee, serve as chair. The chair takes no part in the examination itself except, if asked, to pose an introductory question to elicit an opening summary from the student.
• The student’s current or prospective immediate supervisor of employment is not permitted to be an examiner.

The members of the examination committee should be chosen by the dissertation director, in consultation with the student. If there is a difference of opinion, then the director of graduate studies should get involved in the selection process.

The version of the dissertation that is to be defended must be circulated to all examination committee members at least one month prior to the examination. PhD examinations should be announced in the academic unit at the time the dissertation is circulated to examination committee members, one month prior to the examination

• The chair of the examination assembles members of the examination committee. While the student and any observers are outside of the room, the chair discusses examination procedures with committee members. Issues that are discussed should include the number of rounds of questioning, the order of questioning, and the time allocated for questioning. Typical practices include two rounds of questioning, the outside examiner questioning the student first, and each committee member questioning the student for 10–15 minutes per round. The dissertation director does not participate in the questioning.
• Opening the examination: The student, dissertation director and examination chair all stand at the head of the table for the following introduction.
• Chair: This is a final examination for the degree of doctor of philosophy. I call on the director of the candidate’s research to present the candidate. 
• Director: It is my pleasure to present [student name], who has completed all of the requirements for the degree of doctor of philosophy. [Student name] and [her/his/their] dissertation are before the committee for examination.
• The student, director and chair are seated, and the examination begins. Typically, the student provides a brief (10-minute) summary of the research question, methodology and main findings. This presentation can be omitted if the student has already presented the dissertation in the academic unit.
• When the questioning is completed, the student and any observers leave the room. The dissertation director is called upon to make a case for the merits of the dissertation and the student’s performance at the examination.
• Each examiner and dissertation committee member offers an evaluation of the dissertation and examination.
• The examination committee must decide (1) whether the student has passed or failed the examination and (2) if the student has passed, what revisions to the dissertation, if any, are required? The decision to pass the dissertation and defense is reached by a majority vote.
• In the event that revisions are required, the examination committee must decide which members wish to see and approve the revised dissertation, as well as the deadline by which revisions must be submitted. Ordinarily, only the dissertation director oversees the revisions, but other committee members can be involved if they wish. Regardless, the director should be given clear instructions to convey to the student regarding the nature and timing of expected revisions.
• Once these matters have been decided, the student and any observers are invited back into the room. The student stands with the chair of the examination at the head of the table. If the student has passed, all members of the examination committee should be standing when the student re-enters the room. The chair announces the results of the examination.
• The dissertation director or chair of the examination reports the results of the examination to the director of graduate studies, who then completes the requisite paperwork and submits it paperwork to Columbian College.

Please also see the Doctoral Student Handbook for further clarification. In particular, Columbian College rules specify that the candidate's current or prospective immediate supervisor of employment is not permitted to be an examiner.

Dissertation Submission

Consult the GW Electronic Theses and Dissertation Submission website for guidance on formatting and submitting the final document.

PhD in Economics

PhD students take 16 courses, roughly half of which are spent acquiring the core analytic tools of the profession (microeconomics, macroeconomics, and quantitative methods), with the balance spent applying those tools in particular fields of specialization. All PhD students must complete a doctoral dissertation (thesis).

The PhD in Economics is a STEM designated degree program.

View the complete PhD Rules here

Program Requirements

Doctoral students must complete a minimum of 16 semester courses (64 credits). They are required to successfully complete the core courses by the end of the first year.

Theory and Quantitative Core Requirements

These core courses must be passed by the end of the first year with a grade of at least B- in each course.

• EC 701 Advanced Microeconomics I (4 credits)
• EC 702 Advanced Macroeconomics I (4 credits)
• EC 703 Advanced Microeconomics II (4 credits)
• EC 704 Advanced Macroeconomics II (4 credits)
• EC 707 Advanced Statistics for Economists (4 credits)
• EC 708 Advanced Econometrics I (4 credits)

Students must also take EC 705 Mathematical Economics in the first semester, unless a waiver is granted, and EC 709 Advanced Econometrics II (4 credits) in the third semester.

In addition, students must pass a qualifying examination in both microeconomics and macroeconomics. Students have at most three opportunities to take the qualifying examinations; failing may result in termination from the PhD program.

Field Requirements

All students must pass 2 2-course fields, each with a minimum grade average of B.

In addition, students must take at least 2 other courses. The following fields are generally offered each year:

• Development
• Econometrics
• Economic Theory
• Empirical Finance
• Financial Econometrics
• Industrial Organization
• International Economics
• Labor Economics
• Money/Macroeconomics
• Public Economics

GPA Requirements

All courses must be passed with a grade of B– or higher. An overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 must be attained in all courses taken after enrollment in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

Time Requirement

The PhD program is designed so that a typical student can complete all requirements within 5 to 6 years. International students may be subject to additional restrictions imposed by the terms of their visas, as governed by the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO).

Students are expected to meet the following milestones each year:

By the end of the 1st year:

• Finish and pass all core first-year courses, as well as EC 705 (unless exempted through placement exam).
• Sit for the first attempt at the micro and macro qualifying exams in June. The second attempt, if necessary, is in August.

By the end of the 2nd year:

• Pass EC 709, a required course in Advanced Econometrics.
• Continue and, if possible, complete remaining coursework, including a two-course sequence in each of two fields. A B average (3.0) is required in each of the field course sequence.
• Achieve an overall GPA of at least 3.0.
• If both qualifiers are not passed, the third and final attempt is in June of the second year.
• Each student must prepare a research paper during the second year and the following summer. By April 1 of the second year, the student must ask a faculty member to serve as an advisor on this paper; have this faculty member agree to serve in this manner; and inform the DGS of the topic of the paper and the advisor’s name. The paper is due in the third year as described below.

By the end of the 3rd year:

• Submit the second-year paper by October 1. By October 15, the faculty advisor must provide (i) a grade for the paper; and (ii) a brief written evaluation the paper. These documents will be sent to the DGS and the student. A student must receive a passing grade on the research paper.
• Complete all coursework with GPA of at least 3.0.
• Continue work on research for the dissertation.
• Attend and present at least annually in one of the research workshops until completion of all degree requirements.

Years 4, 5, and (if necessary) 6:

• Student carries out thesis research, defending the thesis no later than the end of the sixth year.

Dissertation

Under the supervision of two faculty advisers, a student prepares a dissertation proposal for presentation at a proposal seminar. If the proposal is approved, the student proceeds to research and write the dissertation. When the dissertation is completed, the student must defend it at a final oral examination. The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences requires that the dissertation be completed within seven years of initial enrollment in the program.

For more details, view the complete PhD Rules here and check out our past PhD Placements here .

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College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department of Economics

Ph.d. program.

The Ph.D. program is designed to be completed in 4-5 years, with the first 3 years focused on coursework and the final 1-2 years on research and completion of the dissertation. Due to course sequencing, students are normally only admitted for the Fall semester. The requirements for the PhD in Economics are as follows:

Applied Fields

The Department requires that all Ph.D. students achieve a high degree of professional competence in applied fields that will provide a basis for pursuing long-range research and teaching interests.

The Department offers the following fields:

• Industrial Organization
• Labor Economics
• Macroeconomics and Money
• Environmental and Resource Economics
• Applied Empirical Micro‐Economics

Sample Course Sequence

For course descriptions, see the Graduate Catalog .

Program Requirements

• Required coursework :  Students are required to satisfactorily complete the following PhD core courses: ECON 6201 (Microeconomic Theory I), ECON 6202 (Macroeconomic Theory I), ECON 6211 (Microeconomic Theory II), ECON 6212 (Macroeconomic Theory II), ECON 6301 (Advanced Mathematical Economics I), ECON 6310 (Econometrics I), ECON 6311 (Econometrics II), and ECON 6312 (Econometrics III). In addition, PhD students must satisfactorily complete at least 5 field courses, including at least one 2-course sequence of designated field courses in one of the following fields: labor economics, macroeconomics and money, industrial organization, and environmental and natural resource economics. At least two of the other field courses must be 6000-level.  All three must be taught courses (i.e., not independent studies), and at least two of these three field courses must be in Economics.  Students must earn an average grade of at least B (3.0) in these five field courses.
• Preliminary Exams : Ph.D. students are required to sit for the Preliminary Exams in both microeconomics and macroeconomics following their first year in the Ph.D. program and pass both parts of the exam within two attempts.
• Seminar Requirement :  Students in years 2-5 must satisfactorily complete a section of ECON 6494 (Graduate Seminar) each semester, including the seminar’s presentation requirement(s). This requirement can be waived during some semesters, if a waiver is deemed to be in the student’s academic interest.
• Third Year Research Paper :  Students must complete a paper that meets the requirements of the Third Year Research Paper before the end of their third year in the Ph.D. program.
• Dissertation Proposal : Each student must successfully defend a dissertation proposal, normally by the end of the 4th year in the program.
• Foreign Language/Related Area :  The Economics PhD program does not have a foreign language or related area requirement.

Doctoral Program Guidelines

1. Introduction 2. Program Administration 3. Program Requirements

• 3.1 Preparation for Doctoral Study
• 3.2 Typical Sequence of Study
• 3.3 Coursework
• 3.4 Milestones
• 3.5 Master’s Degree

4. Financial Support

• 4.1 Satisfactory Progress
• 4.2 Conditions under which support will typically be withheld

5. Leaves of Absence 6. Conduct Expectations 7. Grievance Procedures

7.1 Student Rights and Responsibilities

7.2 Grievance Procedures for the Department of Economics

8. Misconduct and Crime

8.1 Hostile and Intimidating Behavior

8.2 Sexual Harassment

8.3 Reporting Misconduct and Crime

• 8.4 Reporting Consensual Relationships

1. Introduction

The goal of the Economics Ph.D. program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is to train economists: graduates of the program are prepared to undertake advanced research in economic theory, econometrics, and applied branches of economics, and to apply their knowledge and skills to a wide range of problems in a broad array of institutional settings. These aims are achieved through a program that combines coursework, examinations, seminars, and independent research, culminating in the completion and defense of a doctoral dissertation. The program has been very successful at achieving these aims, as evidenced by its strong national reputation and  placement record .

The purpose of this guide is to provide a concise description of the program’s requirements and procedures. Additional details about various aspects of the program can be found on the websites linked to this guide.

Back to the Top

2. Program Administration

The policies and procedures of the graduate program are overseen by the Graduate Committee, which consists of the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) and two or more additional faculty members. Major changes in policy are made at the discretion of department faculty. The interpretation and implementation of most program policies, including the assignment of teaching assistantships, are the responsibility of the DGS.

The Graduate Admissions and Aid Committee, which consists of six or more faculty members, is responsible for admitting new doctoral students, and for allocating departmentally administered financial aid among both incoming and continuing students.

The Graduate Advisor plays a vital role in the program, serving as a key link between graduate students and faculty. The Graduate Advisor is students’ primary source of information about program policies and procedures and is also the central administrator of program procedures. The Graduate Advisor performs these roles in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies, the Graduate Committee, and the Admissions and Aid Committee.

3. Program Requirements

3.1. Preparation for Doctoral Study

Graduate work in economics demands mathematical sophistication of a higher order than the requirements of most U.S. undergraduate economics programs would suggest. Students entering the doctoral program are required to have taken a three-course sequence in calculus, a course in linear algebra, and a course in mathematical statistics. These prerequisites are a bare minimum, and additional background in mathematics and in graduate-level economics courses can ease the transition into the program.

A detailed description of the department’s expectations about students’ mathematics preparation, both upon entry to the program and upon completion of first-year coursework, can be found on the  mathematics preparation website.

3.2. A Typical Sequence of Study

The economics doctoral program is designed so that most students should be able to complete the requirements for the Ph.D. within five years. Below is a typical sequence of study.

3.3. Coursework 3.3.1 First year

During the first year of study students are required to take the following seven courses:

Fall Semester: 703 Mathematical Economics I 709 Economic Statistics and Econometrics I 711 Microeconomic Theory I 712 Macroeconomic Theory I

Spring Semester: 710 Economic Statistics and Econometrics II 713 Microeconomic Theory II 714 Macroeconomic Theory II

703 reviews the mathematical techniques that are the basis for doctoral work in economics, while 709 provides basic training in mathematical statistics. Students with exceptional mathematics and statistics backgrounds may request exemptions from one or both of these courses. Such requests should be sent to the Graduate Advisor for consideration by the course instructors and the DGS.

711-714 are the core courses in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory. The material in these courses forms the basis for the Preliminary Examinations. 710 is an introduction to econometric methods. Exemptions from these courses are rarely granted.

PhD students are expected to achieve an average B grade in the first-year econometrics sequence 709-710. Students failing to average a B grade need to retake the course(s) in which their grade fell below a B. Students need to satisfy the B average requirement for 709 and 710 before the end of their second year for satisfactory progress.

Since there are only three required courses in the Spring, many students opt to take a fourth course in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or another field during this time.

3.3.2 Second year and beyond

A main component of the second year of graduate study is major field coursework. Typically, each major field offers one course in the fall and another in the spring, and students in the field must take both courses. In the event that a major field does not offer two courses during a certain year, faculty in the field will specify alternate means of meeting the field’s course requirements. For more information go the the  major field information website .

From the second year onward, students are expected to register for the workshop in their major field. (Students need not register if doing so would lead them to be registered for more than 15 credits; however, workshop attendance is mandatory even in this case.) Workshops provide students with the opportunity to hear research presentations by both internal and external speakers and can serve to suggest topics for dissertation research. Details about schedules, coordinator and speakers can be found at the Events webpage.

Students are also required to satisfy a minor field requirement. To satisfy this requirement, students must take four courses that serve either to broaden their knowledge base or to complement study in the major field. Minor field courses can be in economics or in other fields. Details about the minor field requirement, including a list of suggested courses in the Mathematics and Statistics Departments, can be found on the  minor field information website .

3.3.3 Grading

Both the Department and the Graduate School require students to maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 during their course of study. In addition, the Department also requires students to maintain a GPA of 3.0 in their first year core courses, in the courses used to fulfill the major field requirement, and in the courses used to fulfill the minor field requirement.

3.3.4 Degree Requirements

Effective beginning Fall 2014 for new Graduate students.

The Department and Graduate School have established guidelines on the types of coursework and credit that can be applied towards a graduate degree. As students plan their path through the doctoral program, the following requirements should be taken into account regarding eligibility for the Ph.D. and  M.S. (no subplan) degrees:

• A minimum of 51 credits is required for doctoral degrees and 30 credits for master’s degrees;
• At least half of all degree coursework must be completed in courses numbered 700 level or higher;
• The residence requirement specifies that at least 32 credits for the Ph.D. and 16 credits for the M.S. must be taken while a graduate student at UW-Madison;
• In rare situations, with approval from the Graduate Committee in the Department of Economics, prior coursework taken from other institutions or coursework taken as a UW-Madison undergraduate or special student may be counted towards the minimum degree requirements. Please note the following:
• No more than 15 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions may be counted towards the Ph.D. and no more than 7 credits towards the M.S.;
• No more than 7 credits of coursework numbered 7xx level or above taken as a UW-Madison undergraduate may be counted towards the Ph.D. or M.S.;
• No more than 15 credits of coursework numbered 7xx level or above taken as a UW-Madison special student may be counted towards the Ph.D. and no more than 9 credits may be counted towards the M.S.; and
• Coursework earned ten years or more prior to admission to a doctoral degree or five years or more prior to admission to a master’s degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
• Students must also meet the Graduate School  minimum degree requirements .

3.4. Milestones

There are four main milestones on the path through the Economics doctoral program: the preliminary examinations, the field paper, the three-signature proposal, and the final oral examination. Each is explained below.

3.4.1 The preliminary examinations

The first milestones on the path the the Ph.D. are the preliminary examinations in Microeconomic Theory and Macroeconomic Theory. The prelims are based on, but not limited to, the material taught in 711-714.

There are two Preliminary Examination Committees, one for each exam. These committees typically include faculty members who most recently taught the relevant first year courses, as well as other members of the faculty. The committees are responsible both for writing the exams and for determining which students have passed the exams. The latter determination is based on the exam grade, with marginal consideration given to performances in relevant courses.

The prelims are offered twice each summer. Students are required to take both prelims in the first attempt, which occurs in early summer after their first year. Students who fail either or both exams on their first attempt retake the exam(s) they did not pass the next time the prelims are offered, which is in late summer. If after the second attempt a student has passed one exam, but not the other, they are granted an automatic third attempt (the following June).

If after the second attempt a student has not passed either exam, the student will be asked to leave the program. Petitions for a third attempt are permitted, but only for unusual circumstances. Petitions should be addressed to the Graduate Committee and be turned in to the Graduate Advisor within one week of the announcement of prelim results. Petitions are evaluated on the basis of past performance on prelims and in coursework, and on the advice of members of the faculty knowledgeable about the student in question. Note, however, that students who pass a prelim on the third attempt are not exempted from any subsequent program deadlines. For this reason, maintaining satisfactory progress in such instances is very demanding, and petitions will be evaluated with this fact in mind. Students who have not passed both exams after their attempts are exhausted are asked to leave the program.

Additional information about the exams can be found on the  preliminary exam information website .

3.4.2 The field paper

In addition to fulfilling the major field course requirements described above, students must also complete a piece of original research on a topic in the major field. Both the procedures for writing the field paper (submission of drafts, etc.) and the decision about whether a submitted paper is acceptable are determined by the faculty in the field in question.

To maintain satisfactory progress through the program, each student must have the field paper approved by the student’s major field by December 15th of the third year of study. Any student who has not had the field paper approved by May 15th of the third year of study must leave the program.

3.4.3 The three-signature proposal

A three-signature proposal is a plan for dissertation research. To complete the 3-sig requirement, a student must first find an Advisor on the Department’s faculty who is willing to supervise the student’s dissertation research. In consultation with this Advisor, the student selects two additional UW-Madison graduate faculty members, at least one of whom is from the Department, to evaluate the proposal. Often, the student’s proposal contains a statement of the questions to be addressed, a description of the proposed solutions, and a discussion of the relevant literature. The 3-sig requirement is complete when each of the three faculty members informs the Graduate Advisor that the proposal is acceptable.

To maintain satisfactory progress through the program, each student must complete a three-signature proposal by December 15th of the fourth year of study (i.e. at the end of the seventh semester). Any student who has not completed this requirement by August 15th (after completing eight semesters) must leave the program. Students should plan to submit their proposals to their advisors at least one month before the relevant deadlines to ensure that there is sufficient time for evaluation.

3.4.4 The dissertation and the final oral examination

The student’s progress through the program culminates in the writing of a doctoral dissertation. The dissertation is a novel contribution to economic knowledge, and a student who completes a dissertation is qualified to perform significant, independent economic research.

The specific requirements for an acceptable dissertation are determined by the student’s Oral Examination Committee. This committee contains four members and typically consists of the student’s faculty advisor, the two other faculty members who evaluated the student’s 3-sig proposal, and one additional faculty member. The committee must include at least two members of the Department faculty; at least one of the four committee members must hold an appointment outside the Department of Economics at UW-Madison; and three of the committee members must be UW–Madison graduate faculty. Three of the four committee members must be designated as readers. For more information, see the Graduate School guidelines on doctoral committees .

When the Oral Examination Committee feels that the dissertation is close to its final form, the student presents the dissertation in a final oral examination. Students should speak to the Graduate Advisor about administrative procedures and other arrangements. Per graduate school guidelines, dissertations must acknowledge contributions received from other individuals as outlined on the graduate school policies and procedures website .

The graduate program is designed so that most students will complete their final oral examination by the end of their fifth year of study. Students who have not completed their final oral examination by May 15th of their seventh year of study must leave the program.

3.4.5 Progress reports

Students in their fifth and sixth years of study who will not be completing their degree requirements that year must write a two page progress report. The report should describe in brief the contents, current status, and expected completion date of each dissertation chapter, and must be approved by all members of the student’s reading committee. A completed progress report and approvals from all relevant faculty must be received by the Graduate Advisor by May 15th of each relevant year. Students who do not have a committee of three faculty members must form one by August 15. Students who fail to meet this requirement must leave the program.

3.4.6 Summary

The program’s due dates and terminal deadlines are summarized in the table below.

*Only required if the final oral examination is not completed by this date.

3.5 The Master’s Degree

Students who have passed both preliminary exams and the field paper are entitled to receive a Master of Science degree. As there are benefits to obtaining this degree (for instance, eligibility for certain fellowships, and a higher pay rate for summer Federal internships), qualified students are encouraged to do so.

Students who will not complete the Economics Ph.D. program may be eligible to receive a terminal Master’s degree. The requirements for eligibility are as follows:

(i) completion of at least 30 credits of graduate coursework in Economics or other approved courses, including the first-year courses described in section 3.3.1, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (ii) a grade of B or better in at least three of the following six courses: 709, 710, 711, 712, 713, 714; (iii) the Graduate School’s  minimum degree requirements  must be met.

Prior to completing these requirements, students should meet with the Graduate Advisor to complete the necessary forms. Back to the Top

4.1. Satisfactory Progress

It is the goal of the graduate program to provide financial support to students who are maintaining satisfactory progress during the first four years and often beyond. The conditions for satisfactory progress are:

• Maintaining a 3.0 GPA.
• Passing both prelims by the end of summer after the first year.
• Earning a B average in the first year econometrics courses (709-710); retaking the applicable course(s) during the second year if the two-course GPA average is less than a 3.0.
• Completing the field paper by December 15th of the third year.
• Completing the three-signature proposal by December 15th of the fourth year.
• Completing annual progress reports by May 15 in any year following the fourth year.
• Performing satisfactorily in teaching assistantships.
• Demonstrating proficiency in English in accordance with University guidelines.

The above requirements are cumulative. That is, for each semester the requirement listed must be met, and all previous requirements must be met in order for support to be provided.

Funding is contingent on:

• Remaining a student in good standing in the department.
• Performing adequately in any teaching or other assigned responsibilities.
• Meeting departmental standards for spoken English proficiency if appointed as a teaching assistant.

4.2 Conditions under which support will typically be withheld:

• Required courses not completed on time.
• Speak test score lower than 45 for teaching assistantships.
• Poor performance in prior assigned assistantships.
• GPA below 3.0.
• Failing both prelims by the second attempt.
• Failing either prelim twice.
• Field paper not passed by Dec. 15th of third year.
• Three signature proposal not completed by December 15th of fourth year.
• Progress report not completed by May 15th of the fifth year or in subsequent years.

The Department offers a limited number of fellowships or scholarships to students in their third year of study and beyond as prizes for exceptional performance in the program.

5. Leaves of Absence

While in most cases participation in the program is continuous through time, students sometimes find it necessary to take a temporary leave of absence. Written requests for a one semester or full year leave of absence should be addressed to the DGS and turned into the Graduate Advisor.

If a student is granted a one semester leave of absence, the milestone due dates and terminal deadlines are pushed back approximately one semester according to the following rules: May 15th becomes August 15th, August 15th becomes December 15th, and December 15th becomes May 15th. If a student is granted a full year leave of absence, all due dates and deadlines are pushed back one year. Back to the Top

6. Conduct Expectations

All students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of professional behavior and ethics. The economics PhD program, the Graduate School, and the Division of Student Life all uphold the UW System policies and procedures for academic and non-academic misconduct. Graduate students are held to the same standards of responsible conduct of research as faculty and staff. Students are responsible for reading the information here as well as the information published on all the relevant web sites. Lack of knowledge of this information does not excuse any infraction.

Additional information regarding Academic Misconduct:

• Graduate School Policy & Procedure: Misconduct, Academic
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, Student Resources for Academic Integrity

Additional information regarding Non-Academic Misconduct:

• Graduate School Academic Policies & Procedures: Nonacademic Misconduct
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, Nonacademic Misconduct Policies
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standard,: Non-Academic Misconduct Process
• University of Wisconsin System: Chapter UWS 17: Student Non-Academic Disciplinary Procedures

Additional information regarding Research Misconduct:

• Graduate School Policies & Procedures: Responsible Conduct of Research
• Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education’s – Office of Research Policy: Introduction & Guide to Resources on Research Ethics
• Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education’s Office of Research Policy: Policies, Responsibilities, and Procedures: Reporting Misconduct
• Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education’s Office of Research Policy: Policies, Responsibilities, and Procedures: Responsible Conduct of Research Resources

Students may be disciplined or dismissed from the graduate program for any type of misconduct (academic, non-academic, professional, or research) or failure to meet program expectations regardless of their academic standing in the program.  Separate and apart from a violation of Professional Conduct, a student may face University disciplinary action with regard to the same action.  Concerns about infractions of Professional Conduct may be effectively handled informally between the student and faculty advisor and/or Director of Graduate Studies. However, if a resolution is not achieved, the issue may be advanced for further review by the Department of Economics Faculty Graduate Committee. Back to the Top

7. Grievance Procedure

If a student feels unfairly treated or aggrieved by faculty, staff, or another student, the University offers several avenues to resolve the grievance. Students’ concerns about unfair treatment are best handled directly with the person responsible for the objectionable action. If the student is uncomfortable making direct contact with the individual(s) involved, they should contact the Graduate Advisor or someone else they feel comfortable speaking with. Many departments and schools/colleges have established specific procedures for handling such situations; check their web pages and published handbooks for information. If such procedures exist at the local level, these should be investigated first. For more information see the Graduate School Academic Policies & Procedures > Grievances & Appeals

7.2.1 The student is encouraged to speak first with the person toward whom the grievance is directed to see if a situation can be resolved at this level if they feel safe and comfortable doing so. Students are welcome to seek advice from the Graduate Advisor or others with whom they have a trusting relationship.  

Should a satisfactory resolution not be achieved, the student should contact Graduate Advisor, Director of Graduate Studies, or another faculty or staff member that they feel comfortable with to discuss the grievance (the Graduate Advisor is listed in the Staff Directory and the Director of Graduate studies in the Faculty Directory ) . At this point in the process, this informal discussion would be considered confidential, unless the issue involves certain conduct that university employees are required to report to University Officials (as specified in section 8). The department will facilitate problem resolution through informal channels and facilitate any complaints or issues of students. The first attempt is to help students informally address the grievance prior to any formal complaint. Students are also encouraged to talk with their faculty advisors or the department DEI committee regarding concerns or difficulties if necessary. University resources for sexual harassment, discrimination, disability accommodations, and other related concerns can be found on the Office of Student Assistance and Support website .

Other campus resources are listed here. A resource providing “confidential” consultation can help people who want support or information, but do not wish to report. Confidential means they will not share information that identifies the person seeking support without that person’s permission.  

• Office of Student Assistance and Support
• The Graduate School
• McBurney Disability Resource Center  
• Employee Assistance Office [This resource provides confidential consultation]  
• Ombuds Office [This resource provides confidential consultation]
• University Health Services [This resource provides confidential consultation]
• UW Office of Equity and Diversity  

7.2.2 If the issue is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student can submit a formal departmental grievance to the Department Administrator in writing (the Department Administrator is named in the Staff Directory ) The formal grievance should provide as much detail as possible about the incident(s) or situation(s) of concern.  

On receipt of a written grievance complaint, the Department Chair will be informed and will convene a 3-member faculty committee r to manage the department-level grievance. The program faculty committee will preserve confidentiality if possible and desired and will obtain a written response from the person toward whom the complaint is directed. This response will be shared with the person filing the grievance.  

The faculty committee will determine a decision regarding the grievance. The Department Administrator will report on the action taken by the committee in writing to both the student and the party toward whom the complaint was directed within 15 working days from the date the complaint was received when possible. Details shared with the aggrieved student may be limited by university policies regarding personnel matters or student records.  

At this point, if either party (the student or the person toward whom the grievance is directed) is unsatisfied with the decision of the faculty committee, the party may file a written appeal. Either party has 10 working days to file a written appeal to the committee’s decision through the Department Administrator. Appeals will be reviewed by the Department Chair who will come to a decision within 10 working days from when the appeal was received, when possible.  

Documentation of the grievance will be stored for at least 7 years. Significant grievances that set a precedent will be stored indefinitely.  

7.2.3 The Graduate School has procedures for students wishing to further appeal a grievance decision made at the Department level. These policies are described in the Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures .  

Hostile and intimidating behavior, sometimes known by the shorthand term “bullying,” is defined in university policy as “unwelcome behavior pervasive or severe enough that a reasonable person would find it hostile and/or intimidating and that does not further the University’s academic or operational interests.” Hostile and intimidating behavior can occur both within and across employment sectors – faculty on faculty, faculty on student, etc. – and power differentials, and in any university setting (the office, the lab, in the halls, at meetings; it can happen in groups or one-on-one). Regardless of when and how it happens, it must be addressed and corrected. Hostile and intimidating behavior is prohibited by university policy.  

UW–Madison policy includes the following expanded definition:  

Hostile and intimidating behavior is defined as unwelcome behavior pervasive or severe to the extent that it makes the conditions for work inhospitable and impairs another person’s ability to carry out their responsibilities to the university, and that does not further the University’s academic or operational interests. A person or a group can perpetrate this behavior. The person need not be more senior than or a supervisor to the target.  

Unacceptable behavior may include, but is not limited to:  

• Abusive expression (including spoken, written, recorded, visual, digital, or nonverbal, etc.) directed at another person in the workplace, such as derogatory remarks or epithets that are outside the range of commonly accepted expressions of disagreement, disapproval, or critique in an academic culture and professional setting that respects free expression;  
• Unwarranted physical contact or intimidating gestures; Conspicuous exclusion or isolation having the effect of harming another person’s reputation in the workplace and hindering another person’s work;  
• Sabotage of another person’s work or impeding another person’s capacity for academic expression, be it oral, written, or other;  
• Abuse of authority, such as using threats or retaliation in the exercise of authority, supervision, or guidance, or impeding another person from exercising shared governance rights, etc.  

Repeated acts or a pattern of hostile and/or intimidating behaviors are of particular concern. A single act typically will not be sufficient to warrant discipline or dismissal, but an especially severe or egregious act may warrant either.  

For more information visit the Hostile and Intimidating Behavior HR website .

Sexual harassment is a community concern. When sexual harassment occurs, it degrades the quality of work and education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. It erodes the dignity and productivity of the individuals involved and diminishes the quality, effectiveness, and stature of the institution. It can occur in any university setting (an office, a classroom, a university program). Each of us has a collective responsibility not to harass others and to act responsibly when confronted by the issue of sexual harassment, thereby promoting an environment that better supports excellence in teaching, research, and service. (Taken from the Office of Compliance Sexual Misconduct Resource and Response Program website .)

What is Sexual Harassment?  

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature (including leering and unwanted personal discussion of sexual activities) constitute sexual harassment when submission to such conduct is a condition of employment, academic progress, or participation in a university program; or submission to or rejection of such conduct influences employment, academic or university program decisions; or the conduct interferes with an employee’s work or a student’s academic career, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work, learning, or program environment.  

Key Points About Sexual Harassment:  

• Differences in power or status can be a significant component in sexual harassment. A person who seems to acquiesce to sexual conduct may still experience tangible action harassment or hostile environment harassment if the conduct is unwelcome.  
• Sexual harassment can occur between any two persons, regardless of their gender identities and sexual orientation.  
• Sexual harassment may or may not involve a tangible injury (e.g., economic loss, lowered grades). A sexually harassing environment, in and of itself, may constitute a harm.  
• Individuals in positions of authority are responsible for ensuring that employees, students or others do not harass. In an academic or program setting, offenders can be faculty, instructors, lecturers, teaching assistants, coaches, tutors, or fellow students or program participants.  
• The person filing a sexual harassment charge does not have to be the person harassed but could be anyone significantly harmed by the harassing conduct.  
• Some behavior that is not in violation of university policy may, nonetheless, be unprofessional under the circumstances. Consequences of such unprofessional behavior may include poor performance evaluations or possible discipline.  

What to do if you feel you’ve been sexually harassed:  

• Seek advice. Consult the Graduate Advisor, Department Chair, or someone else you trust. It is important to note that the Department Chair and the Graduate Advisor are Title IX responsible employees who must report information they receive about sexual harassment or sexual violence to the Office of Compliance; however, this report does not trigger a formal complaint or other actions that the complainant doesn’t want, unless there is a serious risk to campus safety. Other staff and faculty may be Title IX responsible employees as well. For more information, please see section 8.3.5.  
• You may choose to seek informal resolution through the Grievance procedures detailed in section 7.1.1 or file a sexual harassment complaint with the UW–Madison Title IX Coordinator. You may find more information on filing a complaint on the Office of Compliance Response & Investigation Options website . Complaints filed through the UW–Madison Title IX coordinator may lead to an investigation and disciplinary action against the accused. In order to ensure due process and provide for a defense, prior to any formal disciplinary action against someone accused of sexual harassment, the University must inform that person of the details regarding the formal complaint including the identity of the person initiating the complaint. Again, as noted in the previous bullet point, several people involved in the Grievance procedures described in earlier in this section are Title IX responsible employees. For more information, please see  section 8.3.5.  
• For additional information, please visit the Office of Compliance website . 
• As listed previously, the following additional resources offer confidential consultation and can help people who want support or information, but do not wish to report. Confidential means they will not share information that identifies the person seeking support without that person’s permission.  
• Ombuds Office [This resource provides confidential consultation]  
• University Health Services [This resource provides confidential consultation]  

For more information on discrimination against students and other resources visit the Office of Compliance website .

We encourage early contact: consultation is not escalation. Timely discussion of people’s concerns may allow resolution before alternatives become limited. The university will protect confidentiality to the extent possible under the law.  

…if you feel you’ve been sexually harassed:  

• Seek advice. Consult your supervisor, manager, HR representative, department chair, director, dean, or any campus resource to discuss options for resolution.  
• You may choose to seek informal resolution or file a sexual harassment complaint.  
• You may find it helpful to seek support from a trusted colleague. Be aware of your interest in keeping the matter as confidential as possible.  
• Keep notes of what happened, when, where, and who was present. Retain copies of any correspondence.  
• Consider informing the individual(s) involved that the conduct is unwelcome and that you expect it to stop.  

The campus has established policies governing student conduct, academic dishonesty, discrimination, and harassment/abuse as well as specific reporting requirements in certain cases. If you have a grievance regarding unfair treatment towards yourself, please reference the procedures and resources identified above. If you learn about, observe, or witness misconduct or other wrongdoing you may be required to report that misconduct or abuse. Depending on the situation, it may be appropriate to consult with your academic advisor, Graduate Advisor, or other campus resources (such as the UW Office of Equity and Diversity, Graduate School, Mc Burney Disability Resource Center , Employee Assistance Office , Ombuds Office , and University Health Services ).  

8.3.1 Research Misconduct. The University of Wisconsin–Madison strives to foster the highest scholarly and ethical standards among its students, faculty, and staff. Graduate students and research associates are among the most vulnerable groups when reporting misconduct because their source of financial support and the progress in their careers may be at risk by raising questions of wrongdoing. They are also often the closest witnesses to wrongdoing when it occurs and therefore must be appropriately protected from the consequences of reporting wrongdoing and be informed of their rights. Please find full details on UW’s Research Ethics website

8.3.2 Academic Misconduct. If you know a classmate is cheating on an exam or other academic exercise, notify your professor, teaching assistant or proctor of the exam. As a part of the university community, you are expected to uphold the standards of the university. Also, consider how your classmate’s dishonesty may affect the overall grading curve and integrity of the program.

8.3.3 Sexual Assault. All UW–Madison employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, are required by law to report first-hand knowledge of sexual assault on campus or disclosures of sexual assault of a student to university officials, specifically the Office of Student Assistance and Support. This effort is not the same as filing a criminal report. Disclosing the victim’s name is not required as part of this report. Please find full details under Sexual Assault at UHS Survivor Resources or with the Office of Student Assistance and Support .

8.3.4 Child Abuse. UW–Madison employees (under Wisconsin Executive Order #54 ), are required to immediately report child abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services (CPS) or law enforcement if, in the course of employment, the employee observes an incident or threat of child abuse or neglect, or learns of an incident or threat of child abuse or neglect, and the employee has reasonable cause to believe that child abuse or neglect has occurred or will occur.  

Volunteers working for UW–Madison sponsored programs or activities are also expected to report suspected abuse or neglect. Please find full details on the UW’s Office of Youth Protection Reporting Requirements website .

8.3.5 Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence. Certain UW–Madison employees are classified as Title IX responsible employees and therefore have a duty to report to the Title IX Coordinator any information they receive that suggests a violation of campus policy around sexual harassment and sexual violence is occurring or has occurred. They are explicitly not permitted to keep information of this nature that is reported to them confidential. These reports are primarily used to connect complainants/survivors with resources, and do not trigger investigations or other actions the complainant or survivor does not want unless there is a risk to campus safety. Title IX responsible employees include, among others, Deans, Directors, department chairs, department administrators, human resources representatives, and student services staff such as graduate and undergraduate coordinators. Please find full details at https://compliance.wisc.edu/titleix/employee-reporting-requirements/.

8.3.6 Incidents of Bias/Hate. The University of Wisconsin–Madison values a diverse community where all members are able to participate fully in the Wisconsin Experience. Incidents of Bias/Hate affecting a person or group create a hostile climate and negatively impact the quality of the Wisconsin Experience for community members. UW–Madison takes such incidents seriously and will investigate and respond to reported or observed incidents of bias/hate. If you have witnessed or experienced an incident of bias or hate you may contact the Graduate Advisor, Department Chair, or the Department of Economics DEI Committee .  Please find full details with the Office of Student Assistance and Support Reporting Bias or Hate website .

8.4 Reporting Consensual Relationships.  A consensual relationship describes when people agree to a romantic, physically intimate, or sexual relationship now or in the past. This includes marriage. UW–Madison consensual relationships policy applies to employee/student relationships and employee/employee relationships.  

A consensual relationship between an instructor and a student currently under their instruction or whom the instructor reasonably believes in the future may be under their instruction is prohibited.  

If a consensual relationship develops between people who also have another type of reporting or evaluative relationship, the person who is in a position of power must immediately report their consensual relationship to a supervisory authority.  

The university presumes that the ability to make objective decisions is compromised if there is a romantic and/or sexual relationship between two individuals who have a reporting or evaluative relationship. There is almost always a power differential between such individuals that not only obscures objectivity but also influences perceptions of consent. The individual with the power or status advantage is required by university policy to report the relationship to their supervisor and will be accountable for failing to make this report. The supervisor who learns of the consensual relationship has the responsibility to make appropriate arrangements to eliminate or mitigate a conflict whose consequences might prove detrimental to the university or to either party in the relationship, particularly the person in the subordinate role. Supervisors can consult with any campus   resource for assistance in meeting this responsibility. Please see UW’s Consensual Relationship Policy for more information.

• School of Economics
• Postgraduate study
• PhD Programme in Economics

PhD research topics

Applications are welcomed in all Economics topics. We particularly welcome applications from candidates with research interests in the following speciality areas of our research-active staff:

Behavioural Economics

• Behavioural Health Economics and Policy
• Behavioural Labour and Organisational Economics
• Decisions under Risk and Uncertainty
• Experimental and Behavioural analyses of markets
• Charitable Behaviour
• Analysis of Conflict and Conflict Resolution
• Behavioural Welfare Economics (including subjective wellbeing)

Financial Economics and Household Finance

• Banking and financial stability
• Household portfolios
• Household wealth inequality
• Household saving
• Household financial vulnerability and asset accumulation

Gender, Race and Inequality

• Domestic violence
• Discrimination and Wellbeing
• Identity Economics (gender, ethnicity, inequality)
• Wealth inequality and racial wealth gap
• Affirmative Action Policies

Health Economics

• Healthcare and demographics
• Health, wellbeing and employment
• Long-run impact of COVID
• Aversion to inequality in multidimensional wellbeing
• Health state valuation and stated preferences

Industrial Organization 

• Competition Policy
• Innovation, industrial policy and mixed markets
• Networks and Regulation
• Firms Productivity
• Tax compliance and administration

International Economics and Development

• Empirical development economics
• Foreign aid and development finance institutions
• Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth
• Trade models with heterogeneous firms, trade gravity and productivity growth
• Trade policies and public economics

Labour and Education Economics

• Empirical studies on the relationships between labour, health and wellbeing
• Education Economics
• Gender differences in human capital accumulation
• Labour market transitions of (young) workers
• Social mobility
• Vocational education
• Wages, employment and contract type

Macroeconomics

• Open Economy Macroeconomics
• Business Cycles
• Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Modelling
• Labour Market Dynamics
• Search and Matching

Political Economy

• Elections, political ideology, institutions and economic policy
• Immigration: causes and consequences
• Terrorism, public attitudes and behavioural outcomes
• Rent-seeking and other contests

Time Series Econometrics

• Econometric detection of bubbles and crashes
• Specification testing and forecasting in non-linear Econometric/Time-Series models
• Theoretical econometrics and statistical inference

Urban and Environmental Economics

• Environmental economics and environmental policy 
• Environmental reporting
• Real estate economics
• Local labour markets
• Agglomeration externalities
• Spatial distribution of economic activities and innovation
• Transport economics
• Local economic impacts and drivers of internal and external immigration 
• Local and regional determinants of social mobility and inequality
• Levelling-up: drivers of local productivity and growth

Related information

How to apply for a PhD

Search for PhD opportunities at Sheffield and be part of our world-leading research.

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MRes/PhD Economics

• Graduate research
• Department of Economics
• Application code L1U4
• Starting 2024
• Home full-time: Closed
• Overseas full-time: Closed
• Location: Houghton Street, London

This programme offers you the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the field of economics. You will begin on the MRes degree, and will need to meet certain requirements to progress to the PhD.

The Department of Economics pioneered the development of systematic research training in economics in Britain and our MRes/PhD Economics aims for the highest international standard of achievement and professional competence. The programme offers structured research training and supervision by faculty prominent in their fields. It begins with two years of rigorous coursework, equipping you with the theoretical knowledge and analytical techniques necessary to proceed to the research component of the programme. 

Many research students are associated with the work of one of LSE's research centres. You could work with the Suntory and Toyota International Centres for Economics and Related Disciplines on areas ranging from development economics to public policy; or on research technology, growth and globalisation as part of the Centre for Economic Performance . You could contribute to major research programmes addressing the key issues of unemployment, inflation, fiscal and monetary policy, macroeconomic development and growth, financial markets, and changes in the world economy at the  Centre for Macroeconomics ; or specialise in risk management, asset pricing, financial institutions and corporate finance as part of the Financial Markets Group .

Programme details

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for mres/phd economics.

An upper second class honours (2:1) degree (or equivalent) in any field. Some preparation in economics, a strong mathematics background and evidence of research potential are essential. The goal of the MRes/PhD Economics is to train first class researchers. We will use all available information to assess research potential.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission. 

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our  Information for International Students  to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

GRE/GMAT requirement

GRE is required for all applicants. This must be no more than five years old on 1 October 2024 and must show full and percentile scores for all three sections. Most successful MRes/PhD Economics applicants score 166 or above in the quantitative section.

Find out more about GRE/GMAT

Assessing your application

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of members of staff at the School, and we recommend that you investigate  staff research interests  before applying.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications) - statement of academic purpose - references - CV - research statement - GRE/GMAT

See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE, but we recommend that you do.  See our English language requirements  for further information.

When to apply

The application deadline for this programme is 14 December 2023 . However, to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must also have submitted your application and all supporting documents by this deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details.

Research statement

An application for entry to the MRes/PhD Economics should include a Research Statement, along with other required information  (Note: A separate sample of written work is not required as part of the MRes/PhD Economics application).

What should my Research Statement contain?

Your Research Statement should be submitted in place of the Outline Research Proposal, along with your application form and other required supporting documents, via the LSE online application system.

Please answer the following questions clearly and concisely. Max 200 words per question.

• Why do you want to do research in economics?
• Can you explain how your studies and experience make you suitable to do research in economics?
• Which aspect of the PhD do you think you will like the most? Which will you dislike the most? Why?
• Tell us about your favourite paper in economics. What do you like about it? How would you improve it?
• Write a comment for a general audience on ONE of the following topics  (i) Is inequality good for growth?   (ii) Do immigrants take the jobs of native workers?   (iii) Is CEO compensation excessive?  (iv) Is universal minimum income a good idea?  (v) Overall, has central banks' move to inflation targeting has been a success?  (vi) Is culture an important determinant of differences in income per capita across countries?  (vii) Markets function well as information is aggregated efficiently through prices.  (viii) Elections are effective at disciplining politicians who do not have the public interest as their main goal.

How can I demonstrate research potential?

If you have served as research assistant for an economist please ask that person to write a letter focussing on your research skills and describe your experience – reference point 2 (above) of the research statement.

If not, please list any evidence you think would be valuable. Examples include but are not restricted to: experience working autonomously under stress without any guidance, demonstration of creativity in any form, experience of writing original research.

Fees and funding

Every research student is charged a fee in line with the fee structure for their programme. The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover  living costs  or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MRes/PhD Economics

Home students: £4,786 for the first year Overseas students: £22,632 for the first year

The fee is likely to rise over subsequent years of the programme. The School charges home research students in line with the level of fee that the Research Councils recommend. The fees for overseas students are likely to rise in line with the assumed percentage increase in pay costs (ie, 4 per cent per annum).

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Scholarships, studentships and other funding

The School recognises that the  cost of living in London  may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for  LSE PhD Studentships , and  Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding . Selection for the PhD Studentships and ESRC funding is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline. 

For the MRes/PhD Economics, the funding deadline is the same as the application deadline for the programme: 14 December 2023

The Economics Department also has a number of scholarship packages for direct entry MRes/PhD students. After the first year of the MRes/PhD Economics, there are teaching and research assistantships available in the Department. Read more about funding opportunities through the  Economics Department .

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.  Find out more about financial support.

External funding

There may be other funding opportunities available through other organisations or governments and we recommend you investigate these options as well.

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students . 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Programme structure and courses

Introductory course (mres).

In early September, before the academic year commences, you will begin your degree programme by taking the Introductory Mathematics and Statistics course.

First year (MRes)

In the first year of the programme you will take advanced core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, to equip you with the theoretical knowledge and analytical techniques necessary for research. Permission must be obtained to sit Econometric Analysis as it is intended for students with a strong econometric background and an interest in pursuing a PhD with econometrics as the primary field.

Microeconomics for MRes students Introduces the basic analytical tools that are necessary to conduct research in any field in economics.

Macroeconomics for MRes students Covers topics in advanced macroeconomics with emphasis on fundamentals and applications to recent theoretical advances. Either Econometrics for MRes students Covers inference, classical and generalised linear regression, generalised regression methods, time-series, panel-data, and microeconometric methods, and specialised econometric methods. Or Econometric Analysis Gives an advanced treatment of the theory of estimation and inference for econometric models.

Second year (MRes)

In the second year, you will typically take two PhD field courses and write a research paper in your major field. Currently, there are economics PhD field courses covering: econometrics, international, labour, public, development, industrial, microeconomics, macroeconomics, political economy. In addition, there are PhD field courses offered in Corporate Finance and Asset Pricing. From the second year onwards, you will also participate in a departmental research seminar and a work in progress seminar allied to your major research field.

Research Paper in Economics A research paper, between 5,000 and 10,000 words, related to the student's designated major field, to be submitted mid-way through the Spring Term.

Two courses from a range of options

Upon successfully completing the MRes and progressing to the PhD, you will work on your research and write your PhD thesis. You will also take one further PhD field course. You will also attend Work in Progress seminars, where you present your research, as well as the weekly departmental seminar series closest to your major field.

One course from a range of options.

Second and subsequent years of the PhD programme

You will continue to work on your research and write a PhD thesis. You will also continue to attend Work in Progress seminars, where you present your research, as well as the weekly departmental seminar series closest to your major field.

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page .

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.  

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s  Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the  updated graduate course and programme information  page.

Supervision, progression and assessment

Supervision.

You will be assigned a lead supervisor (and a second supervisor/adviser) who is a specialist in your chosen research field, though not necessarily in your topic. Lead supervisors guide you through your studies.

Progression and assessment

In order to progress to each subsequent year of the programme, and to progress to PhD registration, you will need to meet specific progression requirements, such as achieving certain grades in your coursework.

Your final award will be determined by the completion of an original research thesis and a viva oral examination.

More about progression requirements

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians   – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service  – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders  – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service  – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as  student counselling,  a  peer support scheme  and arranging  exam adjustments.  They run groups and workshops.  

IT help  – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.   

LSE Faith Centre  – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.   

Language Centre  – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers  ­ – with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library   –   founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE  – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU)  – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding.  

PhD Academy   – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice   – this   offers discounted private dental services to LSE students.  

St Philips Medical Centre  – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre  – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers   – we have a  Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy)  and an  Adviser to Women Students  who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in  extracurricular activities . From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one  campus  in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think  London is a fantastic student city , find out about  key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners . Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about  London on a budget . 

Student stories

Hanwei Huang MRes/PhD Economics, 2018 China

I am a PhD student studying economics in the LSE. I am also affiliated with the Centre of Economic Performance (CEP), one of the largest research centres in the LSE. My main research interest is international trade.

One thing that I have learned from the faculties is that economics is not just about mathematics, it should answer interesting economics questions. Over the past few years in the LSE, I have been conducting a few research related to China. This is not surprising given my Chinese origin. Given the anti-globalization current that we have been witnessing, it is also quite relevant to the academic and policy circle to understand how China has become a global manufacturing power house and the champion of global trade.

My work features a close link between theory and empirics, another lesson I have learned in the LSE. My first piece of work done in the LSE focuses on the evolving structure of Chinese production and export. My second paper, which is a joint work with my supervisor Professor Ottaviano, studies how Chinese exporter producing multiple products respond to competition due to comparative advantage. My current research project studies how the domestic infrastructure construction boom that has been taking place in China has enabled China to make better use of globalization.

The most exciting part of LSE is that we are seated near the centre of the UK policy-making. I am fortunate enough to be able to be on a team from the CEP which has been studying various issues related to Brexit. It is only by doing this bit of work that I have seen how LSE research has shaped the debate in the media and the UK parliament.

As a one of the largest economics departments in the world, with numerous seminars and visitors every week, you bump into various people all the time. You might run into a workshop introducing machine learning. You might also hear people talking about big data in the Bean Counter, where we have our coffee. And I am very glad to be one of them here.

Stephan Maurer MRes/PhD Economics, 2017 Germany

I came to the LSE in 2011 after having completed my MSc in Economics at the Barcelona Graduate School of Economics. Already during my undergraduate studies in St. Gallen, I had gotten hooked to economics and to the idea of doing a PhD, and my time in Barcelona further confirmed this.

My research is in applied economics broadly, at the intersection of labour economics, political economy, and economic history. Economic history is for me both a tool and an end itself - I am interested in better understanding historical events, but I also frequently use exogenous variation provided by history to study questions in labour economics and political economy.

What I really like about research and the academic profession is that it offers a lot of freedom and allows me to work independently on a variety of issues. For example, I have studied determinants of city growth in Iron Age Europe, but also local economic effects of resource booms in the early 20 th century US South. I also enjoy teaching - during my time here, I have taught various courses and have found it very enriching. Being asked to explain concepts such that students can understand them often has deepened my own understanding. In this respect, I particularly enjoyed teaching in the MPA and MSc Programmes.

Research can also be frustrating. It involves a great deal of failed projects, ideas that do not materialize, and work that does not reap rewards. It is also very discontinuous - you can make great progress in few days, or feel like you’re banging your head against a wall for months. I was lucky to have two very dedicated supervisors to guide me through my PhD, helping me triage my ideas, strengthening my results by constantly questioning them, but also cheering me up when needed. My colleagues and friends at the LSE have also been a great help, not only but especially those from my cohort. Studying for the first year exams and going through the first research steps together has created a lot of cohesion and friendships that I am sure will continue to last for a long time.

After finishing my PhD, I will be joining the Department of Economics at the University of Konstanz as an Assistant Professor. I am very much looking forward to this new endeavour, but I will make sure to be back in London and at the LSE from time to time!

Preliminary reading

Readings are included in the respective course guides in the Calendar .

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Economics

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Financial and Professional Services              
• Education, Teaching and Research            
• Government, Public Sector and Policy   
• Consultancy      
• Advertising, Marketing, PR Media, Entertainment, Publishing and Journalism

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2020-21 were the fourth group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes.

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career. See information on the placements of previous students on this programme . 

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Starting from the second year of the MRes, students are encouraged to undertake some class teaching in the Department, as this represents useful professional training. Additional information about teaching in the Department .

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the  support available to students through LSE Careers .

Find out more about LSE

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

Experience LSE from home

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus.  Experience LSE from home . 

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour.  Find out about opportunities to visit LSE . 

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders.  Find details on LSE's upcoming visits . 

How to apply

Virtual Graduate Open Day

Register your interest

Related programmes, msc econometrics and mathematical economics.

Code(s) L1UB

MSc Economics

Code(s) L1U1

MRes/PhD Finance

Code(s) N4ZC

MPhil/PhD Economic Geography

Code(s) L7ZQ

MPhil/PhD Environmental Economics

Code(s) L7ZR

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2024-25 Bulletin

Economics, phd, doctoral candidacy.

To earn a PhD at Washington University, a student must complete all courses required by their department; maintain satisfactory academic progress; pass certain examinations; fulfill residence and Mentored Experience Requirements; write, defend, and submit a dissertation; and file an Intent to Graduate. For a general layout of doctoral degree general requirements in Arts & Sciences, including an explanation of Satisfactory Academic Progress, students should review the Doctoral Degree Academic Information page of the Arts & Sciences Bulletin.

Program Requirements

• Total Units Required: 30 ( Note: Remission applies for a maximum of 72 graduate-level units.)
• Note: Students must be enrolled in 9 graduate credits each semester to retain full-time status. As students complete their course work, if enrolled in fewer than 9 graduate credits, they must enroll in a specific Arts & Sciences graduate course that will show 0 units but does count as full-time status. Students should connect with their department to ensure proper enrollment prior to Add/Drop.
• Funding is available for 6 years.

PhD in Economics

General course requirements.

The PhD in Economics takes five years to complete and requires at least 30 units of 500-level courses with a 3.0 grade point average. Students may transfer up to 24 units of graduate credits completed elsewhere, but they are advised to make such a transfer only after consultation with the director of graduate studies.

Courses taken must include the following:

• Microeconomic theory and macroeconomic theory: 12 units ( Econ 501 , Econ 502 , Econ 503 , Econ 504 ); and
• Quantitative methods and econometrics: 9 units ( Econ 511 , Econ 512 , Econ 5161 ).

An Ideal Chronology of PhD Study

Summer Before the First Year (August)

• Mathematics review and statistics review

Core Courses:

• Preliminary exams in late August; retake preliminary exams (if necessary) in January
• Field courses
• Research paper proposal 
• Complete research paper
• Dissertation proposal 
• Write dissertation
• Prepare and present job market paper
• Enter the job market
• Finish and defend the dissertation

More information on degree requirements may be found on the Department of Economics website .

Qualifying Examinations

Progress toward the PhD is contingent upon the student passing examinations that are variously called  preliminary, qualifying, general, comprehensive,  or  major field exams.  The qualifying process varies according to the program. In some programs, it consists of a series of incremental, sequential, and cumulative exams over a considerable time. In others, the exams are held during a relatively short period of time. Exams may be replaced by one or more papers. The program, which determines the structure and schedule of the required examinations, is responsible for notifying the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences, of the student’s outcome, whether successful or unsuccessful.

In economics, students must qualify to advance to the dissertation stage in each of three core fields: microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. In each field, students may qualify by achieving an A- or higher in their first-year coursework, or through a qualifying exam. Exams are given in August at the beginning of the second year, with a second attempt available in January. 

Mentored Experience Requirements

Doctoral students at Washington University must complete a department-defined Mentored Experience. The Mentored Experience Requirement is a doctoral degree milestone that is notated on the student’s transcript when complete. Each department has an established  Mentored Experience Implementation Plan  in which the number of units that a student must earn through Mentored Teaching Experience(s) and/or Mentored Professional Experience(s) is defined. The Mentored Experience Implementation Plans outline how doctoral students within the discipline will be mentored to achieve competencies in teaching at basic and advanced levels. Some departments may elect to include Mentored Professional Experiences as an avenue for completing some units of the Mentored Experience Requirement. Doctoral students will enroll in LGS 6XXX Mentored Teaching Experience or LGS 7020 Mentored Professional Experience to signify their progression toward completing the overall Mentored Experience Requirement for the degree.

The Doctoral Dissertation

A Research Advisory Committee (RAC) must be created no later than the end of the student’s third year; departments may set shorter timelines (e.g., by the end of the student's second year) for this requirement. As evidence of the mastery of a specific field of knowledge and of the capacity for original scholarly work, each candidate must complete a dissertation that is approved by their RAC.

A  Title, Scope & Procedure Form for the dissertation must be signed by the committee members and by the program chair. It must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences, at least 6 months before the degree is expected to be conferred or before beginning the fifth year of full-time enrollment, whichever is earlier.

A  Doctoral Dissertation Guide & Template  that give instructions regarding the format of the dissertation are available on the website of the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences. Both should be read carefully at every stage of dissertation preparation.

The Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences, requires each student to make the full text of the dissertation available to the committee members for their review at least 1 week before the defense. Most degree programs require 2 or more weeks for the review period; students should check with their faculty.

The Dissertation Defense

Approval of the written dissertation by the RAC is necessary before the student can orally defend their dissertation. The Dissertation Defense Committee that observes and examines the student’s defense consists of at least five members, who normally meet these criteria:

• Three of the five must be full-time Washington University faculty members or, for programs offered by Washington University-affiliated partners, full-time members of a Washington University-affiliated partner institution who are authorized to supervise PhD students and who have appropriate expertise in the proposed field of study; one of these three must be the PhD student’s primary thesis advisor, and one may be a member of the emeritus faculty. A fourth member may come from inside or outside the student’s program. The fifth member must be from outside the student’s program; this fifth member may be a Washington University research professor or lecturer, a professor from another university, or a scholar from the private sector or government who holds a doctorate and maintains an active research program.
• Three of the five normally come from the student’s degree program; at least one of the five must not.

All committees must be approved by the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences, regardless of whether they meet the normal criteria.

The committee is appointed by the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences, upon the request of the degree program. The student is responsible for making the full text of the dissertation accessible to their committee members for their review in advance of the defense. Faculty and graduate students who are interested in the subject of the dissertation are normally welcome to attend all or part of the defense but may ask questions only at the discretion of the committee members. Although there is some variation among degree programs, the defense ordinarily focuses on the dissertation itself and its relation to the student’s field of expertise.

Submission of the Dissertation

After the defense, the student must submit an electronic copy of the dissertation online to the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences. The submission website requires students to choose among publishing and copyrighting services offered by ProQuest’s ETD Administrator.  The degree program is responsible for delivering the final approval form, signed by the committee members at the defense and then by the program chair or director, to the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences. Students who defend their dissertations successfully have not yet completed their PhD requirements; they finish earning their degree only when their dissertation submission has been accepted by the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences.

Master's Degree Along the Way/ In Lieu of a PhD

Students who do not pass preliminary qualifications are usually eligible for a master's degree based on course work, in lieu of a PhD.

Visit the Economics page for additional information about this program.

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PhD Economics

Faculty Website:  College of Business and Economics   Department:  Department of Economics and Econometrics Programme Level: Postgraduate Programme Name:  PhD Economics Programme Code: P3PN3Q

Medium of Facilitation: part-time, Full-Time NQF Level:  10 NQF Credits:  360 SAQA:  96969

Application Start Date : 1 April 2024 Application End Date: 31 October 2024

Campus:  Auckland Park Kingsway

Contacts: UJ Call Centre 011 559-4555 Email: [email protected]

Duration of Study:  2 Years Full-Time and 5 Years Part-Time

Programme Fees

The purpose of this qualification is to develop advanced competencies in the mastering, interpretation, understanding, analysis and application of economic models. A qualifying candidate should show evidence of original and independent scientific work. Prospective students must prepare a research proposal in consultation with a member of staff of the School of Economics and Econometrics. Once a decision has been made that the proposal has been accepted, the prospective student will be allowed to register for the degree.

Admission Requirements

A candidate who is in possession of a master’s qualification on NQF Level 9 may apply for admission to this qualification. Alternatively, any other related qualification with a programme- specific minimum level of competency on NQF Level 9, and related experience which is considered relevant and sufficient by the School of Economics.

Selection Process

Finalisation of registration for the programme (and/or continued registration) is subject to applicants complying with school-specific requirements. Such requirements usually include preparatory work leading up to a research proposal that is approved by the school. Possible examples of preparatory work are pre-reading, literature reviews, concept development, and successful completion of short courses aimed at skills and/or knowledge development. Candidates may also be required to successfully defend their research proposals at special discussion sessions. For a detailed account of how assessment of applications is conducted, please visit: https://www.uj.ac.za/faculties/cbe/economics-and-econometrics/Documents/CBE-School-of-economics-internal-criteria-for-PhD.pdf.

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