Doctor of Philosophy in Economics
http://www.utdallas.edu/epps/eco/
Faculty
Professors: Daniel G. Arce M., Kurt J. Beron, Rachel Croson,
Catherine Eckel, James Murdoch, Todd Sandler, Barry J. Seldon, Donggyu Sul
Associate Professors: Nathan Berg, Susan Williams McElroy, Kevin
Siqueira
Assistant Professors: Rodney Andrews, Xin
(Sherry) Li
Mission
The
mission of the Ph.D. in Economics is to provide a cutting-edge education in
economic theory, the development of a rigorous toolkit of mathematical and
econometric techniques, and in various research areas in economics. This
education allows students to think critically about how to approach the
analysis of economic problems and to contribute to the knowledge base of the
discipline
Facilities
Students
have access to the computing facilities in the School of Economic, Political
and Policy Sciences and the University’s Computing Center. The School has two
computing laboratories which have over 50 computers that are network linked and
equipped with major social science software packages, including E-Views, R,
Rats, SPSS and STATA. A computerized geographic information system, the Lexis Nexis database, and Westlaw are also available for student
use. The University’s Computing Center provides personal computers and UNIX
Workstations. Many important data and reference materials are also available
online via the library’s and school’s memberships in numerous organizations.
Admission
Requirements
The University’s general admission
requirements are discussed here.
Applicants
will be judged and evaluated by the existing admission standards as set forth
by the University in its Graduate Catalog. These standards include a bachelor’s
degree from an accredited institution or its equivalent, fluency in written and
spoken English, a grade average of 3.25 or better in upper-division and
graduate course work in economics and related courses, submission of official
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores: GRE scores in the verbal and
quantitative components of the exams should total to at least 1200. Students
may also wish to consider submitting their score from the writing component of
the GRE test as additional evidence of their writing skills. A score of at
least 4.5 in analytical writing is considered desirable.
Standardized
tests scores are only one of the factors taken into account in determining
admission. Given the demands that will be placed on the student in his/her
study of economics, a strong background in calculus, linear algebra, and
mathematical statistics is highly desirable.
Students
should submit all transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a one-page
essay outlining the applicant’s background, education, and personal objectives.
Prerequisites
Students who lack the necessary background to start the
program are advised to take courses at the School of Economic, Political and
Policy Sciences to strengthen their preparation, but they will not receive
credit towards their Ph.D. program. The following courses may be used to gain
the prerequisite knowledge (i) ECON 3310 Intermediate Microeconomics; (ii) ECON
3311 Intermediate Macroeconomics; (iii) ECON 4351 Mathematical Economics; (iv)
EPPS 7316 Advanced Regression Analysis or ECON 4355 Econometrics; (v) EPPS 7313
Basic and Inferential Statistics or equivalent. It is also necessary to
have had undergraduate courses in calculus and matrix or linear algebra.
Additional math courses, such as differential equations, mathematical
statistics and real analysis, are useful.
Degree
Requirements
The University’s general degree
requirements are discussed here.
Students
seeking the Ph.D. in Economics must complete 75 graduate hours. In addition,
they must (i) complete core courses with an average GPA of 3.00; (ii) pass
comprehensive exams in micro- and macroeconomic theory and in econometrics
(although the econometrics exam will be waived for students who complete each
of the required econometrics courses with a grade of A- or better);
(iii) be certified in two research areas within the science of Economics; and
(iv) submit an approved dissertation. The following paragraphs elaborate on
these requirements.
Students
are required to complete the following core courses:
ECON 6301 Microeconomics Theory I
ECON 7301 Microeconomics Theory II
ECON 8301 Microeconomics Theory III
ECON 6302 Macroeconomics Theory I
ECON 7302 Macroeconomics Theory II
ECON 6305 Mathematical Economics
ECON 6311 Statistics for Econometrics
ECON 6309 Econometrics I
ECON 7309 Econometrics II
ECON 8309 Econometrics III
In addition, they are required to register for the following courses at the
appropriate stages of their study:
ECON 7V01 Survey/Research Seminar
ECON 8V01 Dissertation Seminar
In order to assure that the student progresses
satisfactorily, each student is required to consult with the Director of
Graduate Studies (DGS) of Economics Programs prior to registration in every
semester.
For
research area certification, the student must select the two research areas,
preferably during the second year of study, and advise the (DGS) of the
selection. The DGS will, in conjunction with the Economics Curriculum
Committee, advise the student regarding the appropriate certification
requirements. The general guidelines for certification consist of (i) making a
grade of B or better in three courses within each area; (ii) writing an
acceptable research paper in one area.
The
submission of an approved dissertation will complete the course of study for
the Ph.D. degree in Economics. The procedure for approval of the dissertation
is outlined in the U.T.Dallas Graduate Catalog.