Suggestions for Students Interested a PhD in Economics
Coursework
Economics Classes
• Advanced Coursework such as 4211, 4213 or 4412 or even 6000 level courses
• Other courses listed in Sample Programs for students interested in a PhD
• Look for elective classes offered by research active faculty
• Choose classes that you are interested in!
• Get to know your professors – it is not enough to just do well in a class
• Go to Office Hours
Non- economics classes
• Calculus I, 2, 3 and linear algebra are required
• Upper level statistics (esp a year-long prob/stats sequence) is strongly recommended
• Mathematical analysis course is strongly recommended
• Programming skills are strongly recommended (but need not be from coursework)
Research Experience
• Research experience is strongly recommended/required
• Start by reading the Opportunities page on the website
o Academic year positions – advertised via the listserv and the WIKI
o Summer internships – primarily for rising seniors but some are open to rising juniors
o Full-Time positions after graduation – 1-2 year positions
• Check the WIKI page regularly for updated positions
• If you have followed the advice above about getting to know your faculty then you can speak with him or her about a possible position.
Honors Thesis
• Writing an Honors Thesis is the most rewarding/demanding experience of the major
• Not a requirement for PhD admissions but highly recommended
• Start thinking and talking to faculty about your ideas early – hopefully you are taking economics classes that interest you and are going to faculty office hours
• See the Honors and Prizes page on the website for details about the process, tips for finding a topic and adviser as well as examples of past theses
Masters’ Programs
• Increasing number of people entering PhD programs with a M.A. degree
• Look for schools that have good placement records (such as Duke, LSE, Columbia)
• Look for a program with regular faculty teaching the M.A. classes
• Need to do very well if you want the M.A. degree to help you get into a PhD program
AEA Website
The American Economic Association’s Preparing for graduate school has links to resources online including information on:
• Graduate Degrees in Economics
• AEA Summer Training Program
• Math Preparation for Graduate School
• Program Rankings
• Considerations for Prospective Graduate Students
Advice ranging from how to determine whether or not a PhD is a good option for you to how to prepare for a PhD to how to be successful in a PhD program can be found on the Considerations for Prospective Graduate Students. Here are three highlights from that page:
• BYU Guide (strongly recommended reading)
• Susan Athey’s advice
• CSWEP newsletter Getting Into and Finishing a PhD Program
