PhD in Economics

The Economics PhD begins approximately three weeks before the start of the fall semester Advanced Mathematical Economics (EC 600). This course is designed to review all the necessary mathematical skills and methods that students will need to be successful in the Economics PhD Program

Required 1st Year Courses

Fall Semester:

• EC 610: Microeconomic Theory
• EC 611: Macroeconomic Theory
• EC 670: Econometrics

Spring Semester:

• EC 660: Game Theory
• EC 661: Macroeconomic Theory II
• EC 671: Seminar in Econometrics: Panel Data

After completion of the first-year course work, students are required to pass qualifying exams in macroeconomics and microeconomics. See the “Qualifying Exam” tab for more information

FIELD AND SUPPLEMENTARY COURSES

After passing qualifying exams, students must take six field courses and at least two supplementary courses. These courses can be taken during either their second or third year of PhD study.

Students can choose from two groups of courses: Group A and Group B. Group A courses are considered tools for economic research. Group B courses are considered field courses.

Students work with the Economics PhD Coordinator and their dissertation advisor to identify what courses are best for them based on their interests.

Group A includes courses such as: Financial Econometric Modeling, Nonparametric Econometrics, Experimental Economics, and other econometrics courses.

Group B includes courses such as Behavioral Economics, Environmental Economics, Industrial Organization, International Finance, Macroeconomics, Monetary Economics, Political Economy, Public Economics, Risk and Insurance, Urban Economics, and other field courses.

Admission decisions are made by the Economics PhD Admissions Committee. Factors considered include:

• GRE scores(UA minimum 300)
• Letters of recommendation
• Previous courses taken
• Personal statement
• Grades

TOEFL Statement

As per the policy of the University of Alabama Graduate School, a student whose first language is not English must submit an official score report for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English (PTE). The minimum score for admission to a degree program or for nondegree admission is 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 79 on the iBT. The minimum IELTS score for admission to a degree program or for non-degree admission is 6.5. The PTE minimum score for admission to a degree program or for non-degree admission is 59. TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores must be less than two years old at the time of intended initial enrollment at The University of Alabama. Should TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores become more than two years old prior to enrollment, the student will be required to retest and submit an acceptable score before enrolling. The TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE will not be required from an applicant who fulfills the following criteria: 1) has been in residence in the United States at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, and 2) has been enrolled in coursework for two consecutive years immediately prior to enrolling at The University of Alabama or has earned a degree from that college or university within three years of enrolling at The University of Alabama. The Test of Spoken English (TSE) is recommended for international students who wish to be considered for teaching assistantships.

Admission to the Economics PhD program is on a rolling basis, meaning applications can be submitted at any time.

To receive full consideration for admission in funding, please submit your application by January 15th, as decisions for funding are usually made by early February.

As a part of the regular sequence in the Economics PhD program, students are required to pass a qualifying examination, which is administered at the end of their first year of study, starting in June.

The exam is comprised of two parts: microeconomics and macroeconomics. To be eligible to continue in the PhD program, a student must pass both parts of the exam. If a student has successfully passed both parts of the exam by the end of August, the student will be allowed to continue in the PhD program. If students need to retake the exam, this opportunity is offered before classes start in August.