Doctor of Philosophy
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is not given when a course of study or term of residence is completed, but only when the faculty is satisfied that the candidate possesses mature scholarship and thorough knowledge in the field of economics. Students are not regarded as candidates for this degree until their applications have been formally approved by the Dean of the Graduate School and the Faculty of the Department of Economics.
In addition to completing the general requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, prospective candidates must pass a preliminary comprehensive examination, which consists of a six-hour part on economic theory and two three-hour parts on each of two fields of concentration. The student is required to complete the preliminary examination within seven semesters after entering the graduate program. A dissertation proposal should be presented to the faculty within three semesters of completing the preliminary examination. The Ph.D. dissertation must be written, approved, and defended within seven years of matriculation in the program.
A detailed statement of departmental requirements for the Ph.D. may be obtained from the department secretary.
Master of Arts
The candidate must complete 24 credits of course work, including Price Theory (ECON 701), the Theory of Money and Income (ECON 702) and Econometrics (ECON 771 or772), and must write and defend a thesis. As an alternative, the student may complete the first two semesters of the Ph.D. program and pass the preliminary comprehensive examination on core economic theory and econometrics. All requirements must be completed within five years of matriculation
The Tipton R. Snavely Prize
The Tipton R. Snavely Prize of $3,000 is awarded triennially to the graduate student submitting the most meritorious dissertation for the Ph.D. degree in Economics.
The Thomas Jefferson Center for Studies in Political Economy
The Thomas Jefferson Center for Studies in Political Economy, established in 1957, facilitates research activities in the department of economics. Specific activities of the center have included the sponsorship of visiting scholars and professors, the sponsorship of lectures and seminars, the award of fellowships, and the publication of research results.
The Tipton R. Snavely Graduate Economics Library
The Tipton R. Snavely Graduate Economics Library is a collection of scholarly books and academic journals for use by graduate students.