Economics, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Department of Economics at the University of Maryland prepares graduate students for careers in teaching, research, and government service. The course of study provides a solid foundation in economic theory, econometrics and applied fields. The Ph.D. requires:

  1. completion of a three-course sequence and a written examination or field paper in a major field,
  2. completion of a two-course sequence in a minor field,
  3. completion of an econometrics sequence,
  4. an additional supporting course in a theoretical or applied field, and
  5. a dissertation.

In the third year, students begin directed research by participating in workshops appropriate to their dissertation research.

Advance to Candidacy: In addition to the course requirements below, students must successfully pass two written comprehensive examinations in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, taken during the summer after the first year of study.

Post-Candidacy: Students must complete at least 12 credits of ECON899 Doctoral Dissertation Research and successfully defend and submit an original dissertation.

Course Title Credits
Core Requirements
ECON623Econometrics I3
ECON624Econometrics II3
Select two of the following workshops, each in a different semester:4
ECON808
Workshop on Macroeconomics, International Macroeconomics and International Finance
ECON828
Workshop in Econometrics
ECON848
Workshop in International Trade, Institutional Economics and Political Economy
ECON868
Workshop in Industrial Organization, Microeconomic Theory and Behavioral and Experimental Economics
ECON878
Workshop in Development, Labor and Public Economics
Select three courses in a major field* 16
Select two courses in a minor field* 14
Select a supporting course at the 600-level or above* 22
Dissertation Research Requirement
ECON899Doctoral Dissertation Research12
Total Credits34
1

Average grade of B+ or better

2

Grade of B- or better

*

 Credits may vary