Ph.D. Program

The Doctor of Philosophy is a research degree. It signifies that the recipient is able to conduct independent research and has both a broad basic knowledge of all areas of economics and a comprehensive knowledge of one area in particular. To qualify for the doctorate, a student must satisfactorily complete graduate studies totaling at least 72 points (at least 64 in residence at New York University), pass three Ph.D. comprehensive examinations (in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and one area of specialization), write and present a third-year paper and, finally, defend an acceptable dissertation. Fields of specialization include economic theory (including game theory), monetary theory and macroeconomics, political economy, econometrics, industrial organization, international economics, labor economics, development economics, and Austrian economics.

After passing all three Ph.D. comprehensive examinations and having completed 72 points of graduate work, a student is asked to submit a formal dissertation proposal. This serves as the basis for a preliminary oral examination. When the dissertation is completed and approved by three faculty members, a public oral examination is held, at which research results are presented and defended by the candidate before a faculty committee.

Reading proficiency in a foreign language is required, demonstrated by any of the methods described in the Degree Requirements section of this bulletin.

Course requirements include Mathematics for Economists I (G31.1021) and II (G31.1022); Microeconomic Theory I (G31.1023) and II (G31.1024); Macroeconomic Theory I (G31.1025) and II (G31.1026); Econometrics I (G31.2100) and II (G31.2101); and either Macroeconometrics (G31.2102) or Microeconometrics (G31.2103).

Ph.D. students must register for at least two 3000-level courses (advanced courses, seminar/workshops).

A typical schedule might resemble the following:

First Year

Fall Semester
Microeconomic Theory I
Macroeconomic Theory I
Mathematics for Economists I
Econometrics I

Spring Semester
Microeconomic Theory II
Macroeconomic Theory II
Mathematics for Economists II
Econometrics II

Second Year

Fall Semester
Microeconometrics
Field Course I (Part I)
Field Course II (Part I)
Elective Course

Spring Semester
Macroeconometrics
Field Course I (Part II)
Field Course II (Part II)
Elective Course

Third Year

Fall Semester
Seminar Workshop

Spring Semester
Seminar Workshop