ECONOMICS
The First Two Years
Courses
The following required courses are normally completed during the first two years: Core macro and micro series Ec 2010a, 2010b, 2010c, 2010d; Ec 2120; and the distribution requirement consisting of one course in economic history. The economic history requirement must be complete before the oral general examination can be taken.
Students must complete one course for distribution. Students must register for Ec 3000 in the spring term of their second year. The Ec 3000 paper must be complete and physically present in the student’s file in the department’s graduate office before the oral general examination can be taken.
Advising
Students in the first year of study are assigned a faculty advisor by the director of graduate studies. In subsequent years, students may either remain with the first year advisor or choose an advisor on their own. Within one year of passing the oral examination, students must assemble a dissertation committee consisting of at least two faculty members. Most students choose to have a member of their dissertation committee also serve as their advisor. This, however, is not required. Students choose the dissertation committee, which is responsible for conducting the dissertation defense and approving the dissertation. This committee typically consists of three faculty members, one of whom must be a senior faculty member. One of the faculty members on the dissertation committee may also serve as the student’s main advisor.
The General Written Examinations
General written examinations in micro and macro economics are taken in the spring of the first year. Students must pass each examination with a grade of B or better.
The Oral Examination
The oral examination is taken in two areas of concentration (the “special fields”). Typically, two terms of coursework will have been completed in each of the special fields. A listing of fields is kept in the department’s graduate office. Fields not listed must be approved by the director of graduate studies prior to scheduling the examination. The examiners in the special fields are selected by the student.
Time Limits
For the student to remain in good standing, the requirements enumerated to this point must be completed within the first three years.
Year Three and Forward
Year Three Working Seminar
After passing the oral general examination, students must enroll in a working seminar or participate in an informal lunchtime seminar group. Students in their third year and above must present in a working seminar (or informal lunchtime seminar) each term.
In the third year, students must select a primary advisor within the economics department.
Students are allowed to change their primary advisor according to their research interests, but must notify the graduate student coordinator of any changes.
Dissertation Committee and Research Plan
Within one year of passing the oral examination, students must assemble a dissertation committee consisting of at least two faculty members, and must complete a preliminary research plan of, at most, five pages, which is signed by the dissertation committee.
After Year Three Working Seminars
Students must present a paper on results of the dissertation research to a working seminar. To accomplish this end, students must continue to enroll in a working seminar each term.
Time Limits
Students must complete the dissertation within three years of residency after passing the oral general examination or face a lapse of candidacy. Students are allowed one year of leave and may apply for an additional year of grace. Nevertheless, the dissertation must be completed within a maximum of five years after passing the oral general examination.
Dissertation
The Dissertation Committee
The dissertation committee typically consists of three faculty members, one of whom must be a senior faculty member. At least one additional committee member should be a member of the department. The third member can be from another department or from another university.
The Special Examination
The special examination is administered in conjunction with the dissertation defense. It is much like the defense, but the questions are not limited to the dissertation itself.
Time and Place of Defense and Special Examination
The date and time for the defense and special examination are determined by the student after consulting with the dissertation committee. The date should allow time for any revisions to be made to the dissertation before it is bound and submitted to the registrar. The graduate office will arrange for a room for the defense.