Programs of Study

The department offers a balanced program that builds a broad, solid intellectual foundation in the ideas and analytical frameworks of economics while assuring the technical literacy demanded by modern economics.  To meet this objective, the Economics department has recently restructured its Graduate program.

MA students take core courses in Econometrics, Mathematical Economics and Statistics, Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Theory.  Additionally, students take electives and write a Thesis or MA paper.  Students normally complete their MA degree in two semesters, plus a final summer if necessary. Typically the MA degree prepares students for jobs in the government, business, non-profit sectors, or for the Ph.D. program. 

Ph.D. students take core courses in Econometrics, History of Economic Thought, Mathematical Economics, Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Theory.  Additionally, Ph.D. students take field courses and an exam in any of the following: (1) Industrial Organization, (2) International Economics, (3) Macro and Monetary Economics, and (4) Public Economics.  Students complete their program of study with field courses from the wide array offered by the department, including: Development Economics, Economic History, Environmental Economics, Health Economics, Labor Economics, Law and Economics, Productivity Analysis, Transitional Economics, and Urban and Regional Economics.  Taken together, Ph.D. students construct a five course field in which they must demonstrate professional mastery.  The program is designed to inspire creative inquiry by enabling students to chart a program of study uniquely suited to their own intellectual and career goals, while at the same time meeting the analytical rigor demanded by top programs.

The Graduate School Catalog contains a description of the University's requirements for the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees.  Our Handbook for Graduate Studies contains more information about our M.A. and Ph.D. programs.

Placement

Our graduates hold positions at a variety of academic and non-academic institutions, including, for example, AT&T, Bank of England, Bentley College, Chung-Hua Institute, Connecticut State University, Economic Policy Institute, Environmental Protection Agency, Internal Revenue Service, Muhlenberg College, Naval Academy, Providence College, Quinnipiac University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, U.S. General Accounting Office, University of Richmond, University of Swaziland, University of Western Ontario, University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point, Virginia Commonwealth University, West Virginia University, and the World Bank.

Student Community

Currently, about 70 students are enrolled in Economics Graduate Programs.  About 30% of our students are women, 70% are international students, and over 80% receive financial aid.  We feel that the diversity of our students is important, and adds to the overall strength of our program.

ATTENTION ALUMNI: If you are not currently registered with RePEc, please do so at: http://authors.repec.org/ The Department is keeping a list of this information. Thank you in advance.