Ph.D. Program Description & Requirements

Recognizing the importance of adequate preparation, a student in our graduate program will begin his or her studies in mid-August with Math Camp. For a two-week period, new Ph.D. students attend two-hour daily lectures that review relevant mathematical techniques in preparation for their graduate studies. This time also provides one with the opportunity to meet other students and acclimate to the department, the university, and the city. Students perform course work during their first two years in the program which is then followed with a doctoral thesis. Though it is feasible to finish in four years, it is typical to complete the Ph.D. in five or six years.

Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree

Basic course work: Students take two years of course work. The first year is comprised of two semesters each of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and mathematical methods, and one-semester courses in statistics and econometrics. In the second year, students take electives - four in the fall semester and three in the spring semester. A list of electives can be found here. Students may also take relevant courses in related departments, such as mathematics, mathematical sciences, political science, and public health.

• 180.601 Microeconomic Theory
• 180.602 Microeconomic Theory
• 180.603 Macroeconomic Theory
• 180.604 Macroeconomic Theory (Syllabus)
• 180.615 Mathematical Methods in Economics
• 180.616 Mathematical Methods in Economics
• 180.636 Statistical Inference(Syllabus)
• 180.633 Econometrics

Comprehensive examination: Administered by the department, this consists of two written examinations designed to test the candidate's knowledge of microeconomics and macroeconomics. These exams are given at the beginning of the third term.

Research paper: A research paper is submitted during the fourth term.

Dissertation: This should be an original investigation worthy of publication, prepared under the supervision of two or more members of the faculty. A dissertation proposal is due during the sixth term. The candidate must submit the dissertation in final typed form at least three weeks before the date of the Graduate Board Oral Examination. The committee that administers the examination includes a majority of faculty from outside the department.

Requirements for the M.A. Degree

The department does not admit students from outside JHU who intend to work only for an M.A. However, it does offer this degree as an intermediate step toward the Ph.D. or as a final degree to some of those who do not complete their doctoral work. It is also offered to accelerated B.A. students.

Beyond the general University requirements, the department requires for the master's degree either two years of satisfactory graduate course work or one year of satisfactory graduate course work and an acceptable master's essay.