Graduate Programs
Overview
The Department of Economics offers both a Ph.D. and a M.A. program of study designed to prepare students for careers in education and in administrative and research positions in government, industry, and labor. The programs are built upon a solid core of training in economic theory and in quantitative analysis, with concentrations in econometrics, economic growth and development, industrial organization, international economics, labor economics and human resources, mathematical economics, monetary theory and policy, and urban/regional economics. Graduate classes are small, usually having fewer than fifteen students per class.
Since its inception in 1969 more than 130 students have graduated with the Ph.D. in economics. These graduates have obtained positions at universities, research institutions, and international organizations. More than 350 students have obtained the master's degree in economics. Approximately half continued to the Ph.D. degree either at UWM or at other leading graduate programs. The Department has an on-going relationship with two German Universities, the University of Giessen and the University of Potsdam, and the University of Birmingham in England.
The usual time to finish the M.A. program is three semesters, while the PhD program can be finished after 4 years of study.
Summary
Below is a summary of the graduate program with both information on the Ph.D. and Masters degrees. The official details of the program can be found in the graduate school bulletin. Please direct questions to our Director of Graduate Studies.
Fields of Study
The following fields are offered:
- Required
Economic Theory (Microeconomics & Macroeconomics)
Statistics & Quantitative Methods
- Specialized Areas of Concentration
Econometrics
Economic Growth & Development
Industrial Organization
International Economics
Labor Economics & Human Resources
Mathematical Economics
Monetary Theory and Policy
Urban and Regional Economics (currently not available)
Doctor of Philosophy in Economics
- Admission
An applicant must meet The Graduate School's requirements to be considered for admission to the program. A master's degree is not a prerequisite for admission to the Ph.D. program in economics.
* An undergraduate major in economics with a grade point average (both overall and in economics) of 3.0 (4.00 scale) and one semester of calculus or, adequate preparation at the undergraduate level equivalent to two semesters of course work in intermediate economic theory, one semester of statistics, and one semester of calculus.
* A master's degree in economics or adequate graduate course work in economic theory with a graduate grade point average of 3.33 (4.0 scale).
* Submission of scores on TOEFL, and Graduate Record Examination General Test. Test of English as a Foreign Language exam required for applicants whose native language is not English.
* Two letters of recommendations from persons familiar with applicant's scholastic achievement and potential are recommended.
- Course of Study
Minimum degree requirement is 54 credits beyond the bachelor's degree, at least 27 of which must be earned in residence at UWM. Of the total credits required, a minimum of 42 must be taken in the Department: 12 crs. in micro and macro economic theory; 12 credits in quantitative theory; and a total of 15 credits in two areas of concentration. An additional 9-12 credits may be chosen either in a minor field outside the Department or in electives either in or outside the Department. The student must also fulfill a language or research skill requirement.
- Residence
The student must meet minimum Graduate School residence requirements. The Ph.D. student meets the continuous portion of the residence credit requirement by completing 8-12 graduate credits in each of 2 consecutive semesters, exclusive of summer sessions. Residence credit is not earned at the Master's level or prior to award of the Master's degree.
- Comprehensive Preliminary Examination
The student must pass a four-part comprehensive preliminary examination for formal admission to candidacy for the degree. The examination is given in sections covering economic theory and the student's two areas of concentration. Students must take the sections in economic theory first and within a given time.
- Dissertation
The candidate must write a dissertation which demonstrates ability to formulate a research topic and pursue independent and original investigation. The candidate must, as a final step toward the degree, pass an oral examination in defense of the dissertation.
- Time Limit
All degree requirements must be completed within ten years from the date of initial enrollment in the doctoral program.
Master of Arts in Economics
- Admission
An applicant must meet Graduate School requirements plus the following departmental requirements.
An undergraduate major in economics and one semester of calculus. Alternatively, adequate preparation at the undergraduate level equivalent to two semesters of course work in intermediate economic theory, one semester of statistics, and one semester of calculus.
* Submission of scores on TOEFL and/or Graduate Record Examination General Test. Test of English as a Foreign Language exam required for applicants whose native language is not English.
* Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with applicant's scholastic achievement and potential are recommended.
An applicant lacking in course background may be admitted without specific program-defined course provided that the deficiencies amount to no more than two courses. Deficiencies in economic theory are made up through Economics 301 (Intermediate Price Theory) and 302 (Intermediate Income Theory); in statistics through Economics 210 (Economic Statistics).
- Course of Study
Minimum degree requirement is 24 credits of graduate work including 3 required core courses: Economics 513, 701 and 702. The student must select one area of concentration offered by the department and must take at least two courses in this concentration of courses numbered 700 or above or take Economics 506 and 606 or 710.
The student must also choose between the "Thesis" or "Nonthesis" options:
- A student choosing the Thesis option may take up to 6 credits in Economics 990 (Graduate Thesis) to write the M.A. thesis. The student must pass a final oral examination in defense of the thesis.
- A student choosing the Nonthesis option must take two courses numbered 700 or above (except Economics 990, 991 and 999), in areas other than the student's area of concentration. The student must submit a master's paper.
|
