Doctor of Philosophy
In addition to completing the general requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy, prospective candidates must pass a preliminary, two-part comprehensive examination, complete advanced courses in two fields, and demonstrate advanced knowledge in one field through a field research paper. The candidate is required to complete the comprehensive examinations at the end of the first year (in June). Field papers are completed in the summer following the second year and must be submitted by the first day of classes of the Fall semester of the third year.
A dissertation proposal should be presented to the faculty within three semesters of completing the field requirement. Students are expected to complete all pre-dissertation requirements, including required coursework, the core exams, the second-year summer field paper, and the dissertation proposal, by the conclusion of their eighth term of study. The Ph.D. dissertation must be written, approved, and defended within seven years of matriculation into the program.
A detailed statement of departmental requirements for the Ph.D. may be obtainedat http://economics.virginia.edu/graduate/phd.
While not offering a terminal master’s program, the Department does award a master’s degree to students as part of the Ph.D. sequence. A candidate must complete 30 credits of course work, including Microeconomic Theory I (ECON 7010), Macroeconomic Theory I (ECON 7020) and Econometrics (ECON 7710 or 7720), as well as 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 $1,500 is awarded annually to the student submitting the most meritorious dissertation for the Ph.D. degree in Economics.
In addition, a Snavely Prize of $1,500 is awarded annually to the most meritorious dissertation proposals.
The Thomas Jefferson Center for Studies in Political Economy
The Thomas Jefferson Center for Studies in Political Economy, established in 1957, facilitates research efforts in the department of economics. Specific activities of the Center have included sponsoring visiting scholars and professors, sponsoring lectures and seminars, awarding fellowships, and publishing research results.
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