Overview

The Ph.D. program in Economics prepares the recipient for a variety of research-oriented career opportunities, including university research/teaching, government employment, and a host of employment opportunities in the private sector.

To obtain detailed program admission information, please reference the program brochure which can be requested by contacting the Office of Recruiting and Admissions at 305-284-2510 or by visiting the Miami Herbert Business School website.

Admission Requirements

The Doctoral Admissions Committee welcomes applications from individuals whose undergraduate or graduate degrees are from accredited colleges or universities. Acceptance is based upon an evaluation of all credentials presented by the applicant. Graduate degrees are not a requirement.

Applicants should read the instructions carefully before filling out the forms and should keep copies of all materials submitted during the application process. By submitting the online application, the applicant certifies the information provided in the application is complete and accurate.

Requirements for Admission

  • Completed application for admission submitted through BusinessCAS
  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
    • Official academic transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions must be submitted directly to BusinessCAS.
    • Academic transcripts from institutions outside of the United States must be verified by an approved international credentialing evaluation service such as World Education Services to confirm degree equivalency and GPA calculation.
  • Write a brief essay (2-3 pages long, double spaced) on the following topics concerning you and your intended field of study: i) Your past work on relevant issues, ii) What excites you most about your chosen field of study, iii) Possible areas of research you might pursue, iv) Any research projects you have completed with faculty, and v) Any other information you would like to provide to the admissions committee.  We are particularly interested in any projects that you pursued with a faculty member who is writing a letter of reference for you.
  • A current resume
  • Three letters of recommendation (up to three allowed) may be submitted through the BusinessCAS portal by including recommender contacts within the Program Materials section of the application.
  • Official GRE Scores
    • Official GRE scores (less than 5 years old) are required for the PhD in Economics program.  To report GRE scores, use institution code R5815. For information about Graduate Record Examination (GRE), visit www.gre.org.
  • An official TOEFL or IELTS score is required as proof of English proficiency for international  applicants who did not receive a degree in the United States or a foreign country where English is the primary language. The following minimum score is required for admission to a graduate business degree program.
    • TOEFL - 94 or above (iBT only)
    • IELTS - 7.0 or above

We encourage candidates to upload unofficial transcripts and test scores with their BusinessCAS application in order to expedite the review of their file while official documents are processed.

Connect with Miami Herbert Business School’s graduate enrollment advisors at (305) 284-2510, by email at mba@miami.edu, or visit the Miami Herbert Business School website.

Curriculum Requirements

Core Courses29
Empirical Methods in Economics I **
Dynamic Systems in Economics **
Game and Information Theory **
Mathematical Economics and Applications **
Empirical Methods in Economics II **
Dynamic Economic Theory **
Game Information Theory II **
Directed Study ( (8 credits))
Fields of Specialization12
Select two of the following areas of Concentration:
Dynamic Systems and Theory:
Advanced Dynamic Theory Applications I (Dynamic Systems and Theory) **
Advanced Dynamic Theory Applications II
Game and Information Theory:
Topics in Economic Theory Applications I **
Topics in Economic Theory Applications II
Empirical Methods:
Advanced Empirical Methods Applications I **
Advanced Empirical Methods Applications II
Cognate Areas with Departmental Approval
One Course from a Minor Field3
Select one Elective from the graduate offerings of the Mathematics, Business Technology, Management Science, and Finance departments 3
Additional Requirements
Comprehensive Examinations covering the core and the one field of specialization1
Dissertation Research12
Pre-Candidacy Dissertation Research
Post-Candidacy Dissertation Research
Research in Residence
Total Credit Hours60
*

Applicants for admission to graduate study in Economics should have an extensive background in Economic Theory and Quantitative methods.

**

Counts towards Master of Arts in Economics.  Student's may earn the MA in Economics while pursuing the PhD in Economics.

Plan of Study

Fall - Year 112
Empirical Methods in Economics I
Dynamic Systems in Economics
Game and Information Theory
Mathematical Economics and Applications
Spring - Year 19
Empirical Methods in Economics II
Dynamic Economic Theory
Game Information Theory II
Summer - Year 11
Qualifying Examinations
Fall and Spring - Year 212
Select two of the following areas of Concentration:
Dynamic Systems and Theory
Advanced Dynamic Theory Applications I
Advanced Dynamic Theory Applications II
Game and Information Theory
Topics in Economic Theory Applications I
Topics in Economic Theory Applications II
Empirical Methods
Advanced Empirical Methods Applications I
Advanced Empirical Methods Applications II
One Course from a Minor Field3
Select one Elective from the graduate offerings of the Mathematics, Business Technology, Management Science, and Finance departments 3
Years 3-520
Directed Study
Pre-Candidacy Dissertation Research
Post-Candidacy Dissertation Research
Research in Residence
Total Credit Hours60
Plan of Study Grid
FallCredit Hours
ECO 600 Empirical Methods in Economics I 3
ECO 601 Dynamic Systems in Economics 3
ECO 602 Game and Information Theory 3
ECO 610 Mathematical Economics and Applications 3
 Credit Hours12
Spring
ECO 620 Empirical Methods in Economics II 3
ECO 621 Dynamic Economic Theory 3
ECO 633 Game Information Theory II 3
 Credit Hours9
Summer
Qualifying Examinations 1
 Credit Hours1
Year Two
Fall
Field Curriculum (Select two of the following areas of concentration) 12
Dynamic Systems and Theory  
Advanced Dynamic Theory Applications I  
Advanced Dynamic Theory Applications II  
Game and Information Theory  
Topics in Economic Theory Applications I  
Topics in Economic Theory Applications II  
Empirical Methods  
Advanced Empirical Methods Applications I  
Advanced Empirical Methods Applications II  
Years 3-5 20
ECO 699 Directed Study  
ECO 830 Pre-Candidacy Dissertation Research  
ECO 840 Post-Candidacy Dissertation Research  
ECO 850 Research in Residence  
 Credit Hours32
 Total Credit Hours54

Mission

The mission of the Ph.D. Program in Economics is to give students the skills, knowledge, and research training necessary to produce high-quality research needed for successful carriers in the academic, government, and private sectors and enabling them to be leaders in their respective institutions.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be knowledgeable in the techniques of modern economics and able to apply these techniques to study key economic questions.
  • Students will be able to generate original research questions, complete original empirical and/or theoretical research, and write original research papers.
  • Students will be able to present and explain their research findings to a general and an academic audience. They should also be able to effectively present economic principles to undergraduate students as well as in their research in academic conferences.