Introduction

The Department of Economics offers graduate work leading to a Doctor of Philosophy degree. The candidate for an advanced degree may specialize in the following fields: development economics, econometrics, industrial organization, international economics, labor economics (which includes health and human resource economics), macroeconomics, microeconomics, public economics, as well as others.

The PhD program requires the completion of 96 semester hours of study beyond the bachelor's degree. Specific requirements include 4 hours in mathematics for economists, 12 hours of microtheory, 8 hours of macrotheory, 12 hours of statistics and econometrics, 24 hours of field electives and approximately 32 doctoral thesis hours. Candidates must maintain a grade-point average of B+ in micro, macro, and statistics work. Candidates must also successfully complete two fields through course work and/or a written examination. In addition, candidates are required to give an oral defense of the thesis proposal and pass an oral final examination covering the research. A student with an appropriate background in economics and mathematics who devotes full time study to graduate work can complete the PhD degree in four years beyond the bachelor's degree. An additional year is more common, especially for those holding part-time assistantships.

In addition to the standard undergraduate preparation in economics, students are expected to have had a minimum of at least two semesters of calculus and one of linear algebra to be admitted to the PhD program. Original copies of transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) should accompany applications for admission. In addition, non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL results for admission.

Illinois State law requires non-native speakers of English to attain a passing score on the speaking portion of either the IELTS or iBT to be eligible for a teaching assistantship. While these tests are not required for admission to the PhD program, applicants are strongly advised to submit their score as early as possible as admission decisions are made in tandem with offers of financial support.

The deadline for all application materials to be in the departmental office is January 15. For more information or to check the status of your application to the Ph.D. program in Economics, contact the Department. See below for how to apply.