Department of Economics
Degree Programs:
Full-Time: M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D.
Chair:
Michael
H.
Riordan, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies:
Brendan
O'Flaherty,
Ph.D.
827 International Affairs Building
Tel:
212.854.2449
Degree Requirements for the Ph.D.
The requirements listed below are special to this department and must be read in conjunction with the general requirements of the Graduate School.
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 May 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, either 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.
Students must demonstrate competence in one of the following fields. Other fields may be substituted, subject to approval by the DGS. A paper must be written and submitted in March of the second year in one of the field classes.
• Applied Microeconomics
• Econometrics
• Economic Development
• Industrial Organization and Regulation
• International Economics
• Labor Economics
• Macroeconomics and Monetary Theory
• Microeconomic Theory and Mathematical Economics
• Political Economy
• Public Finance
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 first 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 the later case, they must select at least two classes for the 'breadth field'. The classes need not 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 receive a grade for each 'breadth field' class, and the average grade cannot be worse than B. They must also pass the field exam.
Each student must enroll in one of the colloquia. Attendance is mandatory and students must make one presentation during the year.
A second year paper is required.
The Third Year
Dissertation work begins. By the end of their fifth semester, students must have named a sponsor. By the end of the 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.
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.
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. Students must complete all requirements for the Ph.D. 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 students receive the prevailing stipend and appropriate tuition and health fees through the fifth year, provided that they remain in good academic standing.
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