Year 1

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.

Year 2

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.

Year 3-5

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.

Dual Doctoral Degrees

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.

Economics

Doctor of Philosophy