The Program
Graduate study in economics at Columbia has a long and distinguished tradition dating back to the pioneering work of John Bates Clark, Wesley Clair Mitchell, Harold Hotelling, and William Vickrey. This tradition is kept alive by a strong, research-oriented faculty and student body whose interests range from pure theory to a variety of applied subjects.
The department is closely associated with faculty in the Graduate School of Business and the School of International and Public Affairs.
Graduate education in economics at Columbia provides rigorous training and encourages students to do original and innovative work. All students learn to use basic economic tools and develop expertise in at least one specialized field and one in-depth field. Faculty-student weekly workshops play a key role, providing a forum for new ideas, a free exchange, and an opportunity for keeping abreast of the most current issues and research in the field. Workshops are offered in Economic Theory, IO & Strategy, Money & Macro, International Trade, Applied Micro & Labor, Econometrics, and Development & Environment.
Degree Requirements for the Ph.D.
The First Year
Students must successfully complete the following courses: G6211-G6212 Microeconomic Analysis I and II; G6215-G6216 Macroeconomic Analysis I and II; G6411-G6412 Introduction to Econometrics I and II; and G6410 Mathematical Methods for Economists.
At the end of the first year, students are required to certify by written examination in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. The examinations are given early to mid May. Certification examinations may be repeated only once; in September at the beginning of the second year.
The Second Year
The M.A. degree requirements may be completed, with careful planning, by the end of the second year of study. Students receive the M.A. degree in the course of completing the Ph.D. degree requirements. There is no free-standing M.A. degree.
In the fall term, G6417 Microeconometrics or G6429 Empirical Methods in Macroeconomics, is required of all students. These courses introduce students to the techniques and issues of contemporary applied econometrics.
A paper must be written and submitted in March of the second year in one of the field classes.
Option 1 Students must choose and demonstrate competence in two of the following fields. Other fields may be substituted, subject to approval by the DGS.
- Industrial Organization and Regulation
- Macroeconomics and Monetary Theory
- Microeconomic Theory and Mathematical Economics
Competence in each field is demonstrated by passing a required set of two or more advanced courses in each field with an average of B or better, and by passing a written examination in the field. The total number of classes cannot be less than five. Such courses cannot be any of the 1st year certification courses. In addition, students must take the second year econometrics class. Students may not use the same course to satisfy more than one field requirement. Field examinations are written at the end of the second year.
Option 2 Students may adopt a ‘breadth field’ in addition to one primary field. They must select at least two classes for the ‘breadth field’ which do not have to belong to the same field. The classes can be taken outside of the department, but only with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies.
The total number of classes cannot be less than five; in addition, students must take the second year econometrics class.
Students taking a breadth field must:
- pass the required number of advanced courses in their primary field with an average of B or better,
- pass a written examination in this field,
- and receive a grade for each breadth field class. The average grade cannot be worse than B.
Students must enroll in one of the colloquia. Attendance is mandatory, and students must make one presentation during the year.
The Third Year
Dissertation work begins. By the end of their fifth semester, students must have named a sponsor. By the end of their sixth semester, students must have presented a written proposal about their intended thesis research and had the sponsor and at least one other faculty member sign off on it.
In addition, attendance in a colloquium is mandatory, and each student must make a presentation in each semester in the presence of the student's sponsor or co-sponsor. Student presentations in a regular departmental workshop or lunch may substitute for presentation in the colloquia, with permission of the instructors.
Students should regularly attend the workshops in the fields related to their dissertation.
A third year paper is required in the 6th semester.
Fourth and Fifth Years
Continued work on the dissertation. Each student must participate in a colloquium. Attendance is mandatory, and each student must make a presentation in each semester, in the presence of the student's sponsor or co-sponsor. Student presentations in a regular departmental workshop or lunch may substitute for presentation in the colloquia, with permission of the instructors.
Students are strongly encouraged to complete the dissertation defense in the fifth year of the program.
Additional Requirements
Residence Units: Students must register for six consecutive Residence Units
Teaching requirement: Participation in the instructional activities of the department for at least two semesters. Generally, in the second, third and fourth years of study, students gain exposure to teaching as assistants to faculty, as section leaders in lecture courses, or as instructors.
M.Phil. degree: The M.Phil. degree is conferred upon completion of all Ph.D. degree requirements except the dissertation and the teaching requirement. Students may expect to complete the M.Phil. degree requirements within three years of study. All students must complete all requirements for the Ph.D. within seven full academic years after first registration.
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