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Michigan State University
Michigan State University

Department of Economics
Economics > Academics > Graduate >

PhD Programs

Ph.D. Program

The Ph.D. program in MSU’s Department of Economics is a leader in economic research and training, routinely being ranked between the 25th and 35th best economics departments in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report. According to the current Research Papers in Economics (RePEc) rankings, MSU is 24th in the United States and is in the top-three in the Big 10 in Econometrics, International, Labor, Micro, and Public. For additional rankings, see the American Economic Association.

We recognize that the best education comes from building a strong theoretical and econometrics foundation and working closely with faculty members and fellow classmates. As a department, we have taken steps to maximize these opportunities by offering competitive support packages, keeping field class sizes small, and fostering a collaborative environment within and between cohorts.

Our goal is that students will leave MSU with the research tools, experience, and professional network necessary to succeed in their desired careers. Recent graduates have gone on to work in tenure-track positions at top research institutions (Rutgers, Georgia Tech, Arizona, Oregon State, Iowa State, Melbourne, Essex), top government agencies (Census, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Food and Drug Administration, Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. Government Accountability Office), and top private sector firms (Abt, Amazon, Citi, J.P. Morgan, Mathematica).

Structure

In the first year, all students take core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, as well as supplemental mathematics courses starting in an intensive three-week summer session. Students must pass a qualifying exam at the end of the first year to continue in the Ph.D. program.
Second year students begin taking advanced courses, which include three core classes, one methods class, and three additional advanced courses. Most students take three of the seven required advanced courses each semester of their second year and one course in their third year. Students work with an advisor to choose which classes best fit their professional goals, as well as a guidance committee to help them begin their individual research.
During years three through five, students complete the research necessary for their dissertation, ideally comprised of publishable papers.  We include several milestones during these years, including a paper presentation in year three and dissertation proposal presentation in year four, to aid students in their progress. Due to our focus on beginning research in the second year, many of our students are able to finish the program in five years.
To further tailor our program to the individual interests of our students and make use of the broader MSU community, our department allows for dual-major doctoral degrees. In recent years, students have pursued dual-major doctoral degrees with the Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics Department, the Environmental Science and Policy Program, and the Department of Finance. The Director of Graduate Studies can provide further information about such opportunities.
In the first year, all students take core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, as well as supplemental mathematics courses starting in an intensive three-week summer session. Students must pass a qualifying exam at the end of the first year to continue in the Ph.D. program.
Second year students begin taking advanced courses, which include three core classes, one methods class, and three additional advanced courses. Most students take three of the seven required advanced courses each semester of their second year and one course in their third year. Students work with an advisor to choose which classes best fit their professional goals, as well as a guidance committee to help them begin their individual research.
During years three through five, students complete the research necessary for their dissertation, ideally comprised of publishable papers.  We include several milestones during these years, including a paper presentation in year three and dissertation proposal presentation in year four, to aid students in their progress. Due to our focus on beginning research in the second year, many of our students are able to finish the program in five years.
To further tailor our program to the individual interests of our students and make use of the broader MSU community, our department allows for dual-major doctoral degrees. In recent years, students have pursued dual-major doctoral degrees with the Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics Department, the Environmental Science and Policy Program, and the Department of Finance. The Director of Graduate Studies can provide further information about such opportunities.

Course Selection

While our course selection changes from year to year, we have structured the program so that we can offer at least one course in all of our primary fields each year:

  • Microeconomic Theory
  • Macroeconomics
  • Development
  • Econometrics
  • Environmental and Resource
  • Industrial Organization
  • International Trade
  • Labor
  • Public

In addition to working on topics in these primary fields, we frequently have students working in secondary fields, including Aging, Behavioral, Education, and Health. Please see Michigan State University's schedule of courses for a complete and up-to-date course offering.

 

Funding Information

All admitted students are automatically considered for funding and fellowships. In recent years, all admitted students received some form of funding, ranging from university-wide fellowships that require no teaching to teaching and research assistantships. We will communicate a student’s funding offer in the official admissions offer letter.

For more information, please contact Scott Imberman, Director of Graduate Studies, or Jay Feight, Graduate Program Coordinator. 

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