The Doctor of Philosophy program in economics requires a minimum of 72 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 to earn the degree. The program provides rigorous training in economic theory, econometrics, and applied economics. It has six components: a coordinated sequence of core courses, a qualifying examination, a research paper, a set of major field courses, a dissertation proposal and comprehensive examination, and a dissertation.
The department partners with the College of Law to offer a combined JD/PhD degree program; see Combined Programs in this section of the catalog. It also participates in the MBA program; see the Master of Business Administration Program in the catalog.
The PhD with a major in economics requires the following.
Core Sequence
First Semester
Course List
Course # |
Title |
Hours |
ECON:5115 | Fundamentals of Microeconomics | 3 |
ECON:5200 | Macroeconomics I | 3 |
ECON:5805 | Statistics for Economics | 3 |
Second Semester
Third Semester
Qualifying Examination
The qualifying examination is normally taken the summer after the first year.
Research Paper
The research paper is normally completed the summer after the second year.
Major Field Courses
Students choose a major study area in addition to the core courses. The requirement for the major area is a minimum of 24 s.h. of intensive study in a field and in courses that enable students to understand the relationship between their specialty and related fields.
Dissertation Proposal and Comprehensive Examination
Students must defend a dissertation proposal in a comprehensive examination within one year of completing the research paper requirement.
Dissertation
Submission of the completed dissertation and an oral defense of the dissertation research completes the PhD program.
PhD/JD
The Department of Economics and the College of Law offer a combined Doctor of Philosophy/Juris Doctor program. Separate application to each degree program is required. Applicants must be admitted to both programs before they may be admitted to the combined degree program. For information about the JD, see Juris Doctor, JD (College of Law) in the catalog.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website.
Applicants must submit a completed Application for Graduate Admission, official transcripts from all institutions they have attended, and all official test scores to the University of Iowa Office of Admissions.
Application deadline for admission and financial support is Jan. 15 for fall entry.
Over 90% of students reported that they found permanent employment, were accepted to graduate school, or were not seeking employment within six months of graduation.