Ph.D in Economics
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Program Description
The PhD program in economics is designed to prepare the student for university teaching and research, and for positions as economists in government, business and industry. The program emphasizes the development of advanced research and scholarship skills in applied economics areas. To accomplish this, the program has fields in econometrics, economic development, industrial organization, international economics, financial economics, and labor economics. The program has a strong track record in placing its graduates in desirable positions.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for admission to the PhD program must hold a bachelor's or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university and must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0.
Applicants must submit scores on the aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). In exceptional cases, applicants may substitute scores on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) instead of GRE scores. The scores of successful applicants on each of the three components of the GRE typically fall within the following percentile ranges:
Verbal: 70 to 85
Quantitative: 75 to 99
Analytical: 70 to 90
International students whose native language is not English must submit scores on the TOEFL examination. The minimum score is 600 on the paper version or 260 on the computer-based version.
Two letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose are also required.
Admission is competitive. GRE scores within the above ranges do not ensure admission. Each candidate's ability and potential for further study are assessed at the departmental level and by a program-wide admissions committee. Although academic record and test scores are important factors in the admissions process, other factors --such as the ability to conduct publishable research -- are also taken into consideration. Fellowships and graduate assistantships are available and are awarded competitively.
Degree Requirements
For the PhD in economics, the student must complete 42 semester hours of work consisting of 36 semester hours of course work and six semester hours of dissertation research. No more than 9 semester hours may be accepted as transfer credit from other institutions. The student must also pass two theory exams and two field exams, and then submit and defend a doctoral dissertation.
The six core courses are:
- Economics 8001 (Microeconomic Analysis)
- Economics 8002 (Macroeconomic Analysis)
- Economics 8003 (Mathematics for Economists I)
- Economics 8005 (Microeconomic Theory I)
- Economics 8007 (Macroeconomic Theory I)
- Economics 8009 (Econometrics I)
Refer to course description for more information on courses.
Students with exceptionally strong backgrounds may waive some of the 500-level core courses.
The six specialization and/or elective courses should be chosen after meeting with an advisor. Typically, they are taken to help the student prepare for the field exams.
Students are eligible to take the microeconomics theory exam after completing Economics 601 and 602, and the macroeconomics theory exam after completing Economics 606 and 607. Both exams must be passed within two years after beginning the program for full-time students. Students are eligible to take the field exams after passing both theory exams. Both field exams must be passed within two semesters of passing the last theory exam for full-time students.
The dissertation research begins after finishing the coursework and passing theory exams. Students are required to register each semester for Economics 799, 899 or 999 until the dissertation is complete. Students are expected to submit a dissertation proposal to the department's Graduate Affairs Committee within one year after passing the last field exam. Completed dissertations must be defended before a faculty panel. The panel consists of the chair of the student's dissertation committee, the other two committee members, and an FSBM faculty member from outside the Economics Department. Dissertation approval requires three of four positive votes from this group.
Contact Person
Inquiries about graduate programs in economics and requests for materials should be directed to:
Dr. Fyodor I. Kushnirsky
Graduate Advisor
Ritter Annex 823
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Telephone: (215) 204-5021
Email: fikush@sbm.temple.edu
