Department of Economics
Degree Programs:
Full-Time: M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D.
Chair:
Janet
Currie, Ph.D.
1014 International Affairs Building
Tel:
212.854.4520
Director of Graduate Studies:
Pierre-Andre
Chiappori,
Doctorat
1009A International Affairs Building
Tel:
212.854.6369
Degree Requirements
The requirements listed below are special to this department and must be read in conjunction with the general requirements of the Graduate School.
For the Ph.D. Degree
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; G6410. Mathematical Methods for Economists, or pass a special examination (given in September) in the application of real analysis, differential calculus, linear algebra, and set and probability theory to economic problems.
At the end of the first year, students are required to certify by written examination in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. The examinations are given during the one-week final examination period in May. Certification examinations may be repeated only once, in September at the beginning of the second year.
The M.A. degree requirements may be completed, with careful planning, by students 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. Please note that there is no free-standing M.A. degree.
The Second Year
In the fall term, G6417. Econometrics III, or G6429. Econometrics of Monetary Policy, is required of all students. These courses introduce students to the techniques and issues of contemporary applied econometrics. An applied econometrics paper must be written and submitted in January of the second year. Courses that substitute for G6417 may be listed by
the department.
Students must demonstrate competence in two of the following fields. Other fields may be substituted, subject to approval by the DGS.
• Applied Microeconomics
• Econometrics
• Economic Development
• Finance
• Industrial Organization and Regulation
• International Economics
• Labor Economics
• Macroeconomics and Monetary Theory
• Microeconomic Theory and Mathematical Economics
• Public Finance
Competence in each field is demonstrated by passing at least two advanced courses in the field with satisfactory grades, and by passing a written examination in the field. Such courses cannot be any of the courses used to obtain certification in mathematics, microeconomic theory, macroeconomics and monetary theory, or econometrics. Students may not use an individual course to satisfy more than one field requirement. A 4000-level course can be used toward completion of field requirements only with the permission of the DGS. Field examinations are written at the end of the second year. Finally, each student must enroll in one of the colloquia organized by faculty members in various fields. 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 and an advisement committee. By the end of their semester, students must have presented a written proposal about their intended thesis research in front of the committee abd had the committee 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.
Fourth and Fifth Years
Continued work on the dissertation. Each student must enroll 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. Students admitted with an M.A. degree from another university may be granted Advanced Standing by the faculty and the Dean, which may reduce the number of required Residence Units.
Teaching requirement: Participation in the instructional activities of the department for at least two semesters. As a rule, 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 are subject to the general requirement that they complete all requirements for the Ph.D. degree within seven full academic years after first registration.
Financial Aid A comprehensive program of financial aid, including fellowships and appointments in teaching, is available. After the first year, all Ph.D. students admitted to the program receive annually the prevailing stipend and appropriate tuition and health fees through the fifth year, provided that they remain in good academic standing. If students receive a year of advanced standing, they are entitled to only four years of fellowship funding.
| 
