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Graduate Program Description
Ph.D. Program
The graduate program in economics is designed for full-time students who are seeking a Ph.D. The program trains economists for careers in teaching, research, and the private sector by providing strong backgrounds in economic theory, quantitative research methods, and applied fields. Requirements include course work, comprehensive examinations, a thesis, and a 1-year residence requirement. The course requirements consist of a first-year core curriculum and eight electives, for a total of 48 credits. The first-year program consists of core courses in Micro Theory (EC 740, 741), Macro Theory (EC 750, 751), Mathematics for Economists (EC 720), Statistics (EC 770), and Econometrics (EC 771). The second year is devoted to electives. In addition to the Department's own electives, students may take courses in the Carroll School of Management's Ph.D. program in Finance. All courses accepted for the degree are worth three credits, with the exception of the three courses taken in the second semester of the first year: EC 741, EC 751, and EC 771. These three courses are each worth 4 credits.
Students are required to pass written comprehensive examinations in micro theory, macro theory, and in two of the following fields: econometric theory, applied econometrics, industrial organization, international economics, international trade and development, international finance and macroeconomics, labor economics, monetary economics, public sector economics, advanced micro theory, advanced macro theory, and finance. Each exam is based on a 2-course sequence on the subject matter. The micro and macro comprehensives are offered twice each year in late May and late August. Students generally take them immediately after the first year and begin to write field comprehensives at the end of the second year.
All students accepted to the program are offered financial aid including tuition remission. A student can expect continued financial support for five years as long as the student achieves satisfactory progress toward the Ph.D. More information about the Ph.D. program and financial aid opportunities can be found at the graduate program menu option at http://www.bc.edu/economics/.
Admission Information
An on-line application for your convenience is located at http://gsas.bc.edu/. Requests for paper applications for admission should be addressed to Boston College, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Office of Graduate Admissions, McGuinn Hall 221, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, or send an e-mail request to gsasinfo@bc.edu. Any questions regarding admission requirements should be directed toward gsasinfo@bc.edu. For further information regarding the Ph.D. program, send an e-mail to Gail Sullivan at sullidde@bc.edu.