Introduction
The Department of Economics at Purdue University's Krannert Graduate School of Management offers a doctoral program that prepares economists for careers in research, teaching, business and government. The graduate program in economics has a strong quantitative and analytical orientation. It is designed to provide a working knowledge of cutting-edge research skills and to broaden the students' understanding of economic institutions.
Degree Requirements
Ph.D. students must complete a minimum of 50 hours of course work within the plan of study. They must complete 16 credit hours in economic theory (and pass preliminary examinations covering the core courses), 10 credit hours in econometrics, 6 credit hours in research methodology, 6 credit hours in a primary (specialty) field, 6 credit hours in a secondary field and 6 credit hours of electives.
Students also must write and successfully defend a dissertation of suitable scholarly content and scope that demonstrates ability to carry out a substantial independent research project. Students typically take four to five years, including summer school sessions, to complete their Ph.D. studies.
Core Courses
The core theory course requirement consists of a course sequence in microeconomic theory including mathematical economics and a course sequence in macroeconomic theory.
Research Methodology
The research methodology requirement involves a combination of 3 2-credit methodological courses in the areas of econometric research methods, computational economics, and area exam preparation.
Fields of Specialization within Economics
- econometrics
- experimental economics
- industrial organization
- international trade
- labor economics
- macroeconomics
- public economics & policy
Course-sequences are offered in each field of specialization. Students may also choose as a secondary field a related area outside of economics. The fields of specialization available from other areas include accounting, computer science, development, e-commerce, finance, management science, marketing, mathematics, operations management, statistics, strategic management, and organizational behavior and human resource management. Note that the courses used to satisfy the primary and secondary fields of specialization cannot also be used to satisfy the methodological requirement.
In addition, students have the option to construct individual programs with the permission of the faculty. Students interested in such programs should consult with the departmental director of graduate studies.
Each field (primary and secondary) requires passing a minimum of six hours of field courses. Each student must pass a written examination in their primary (specialty) field.