Doctoral Program in Economics
Economics graduate training at Utah State University emphasizes economic theory, critical thinking, and quantitative analysis. This foundation is a means to an end, not an end in itself: theory and quantitative methods are tools used in applied courses, dissertations, and other research and Extension activities.
Graduate economics provides students with the basic intellectual framework to understand and analyze economic problems and to make informed decisions. A basic understanding of economics is essential to becoming a well-informed citizen and successful business or public leader.
The department has modified its graduate programs to better meet student demands and the demands of the marketplace. As a result the Ph.D. program has two focuses: international trade and development and natural resource and environmental economics. All Ph.D. students are required to take field courses of each focus. Students interested in other specialities are discouraged from applying.
Graduate students have had the opportunity to work on research projects funded by organizations such as the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Education, among others.
Graduate Publications
Many graduate students who have earned their degrees at Utah State have published refereed journal articles that stem from their graduate work. Research by our graduate students has been featured in journals such the Journal of Applied Econometrics, Economic Inquiry, and the Journal of International Economics.
Graduate Employment
Since 1996, the Economics Department has graduated an average of four Ph.D. students each year, which ranks fifth on campus. Our Ph.D. graduates are competitive in the job market.
Our students have found employment with a variety of academic, public, and private institutions. Graduates are currently employed with Northern Arizona University, the World Bank, various state and federal agencies, and private corporations. Our international students have found employment both domestically and in their home countries.
Our graduates have found that studying economics leads to professional and personal fulfillment. Many find reward in having influence over decisions that affect policy at many levels -- businesses, government organizations of all levels, and academia.
Program Requirements
First Year Core:
Fall Semester (12 credits)
Macroeconomic Theory I (Econ 7230)
Microeconomic Theory I (Econ 7130)
Mathematical Economics I (Econ 7350)
Mathematical Economics II (Econ 7360)
Spring Semester (12 credits)
Research Methods (Econ 7060)
Macroeconomic Theory II (Econ 7240)
Microeconomic Theory II (Econ 7140)
Econometrics I (Econ 7310)
Graduate Seminar (Econ 7950)
Second Year:
Fall Semester (10 credits)
Macroeconomic Theory III (Econ 7250)
Microeconomic Theory III (Econ 7150)
Econometrics II (Econ 7320)
Graduate Seminar (Econ 7950)
Spring Semester (10 credits)
Econometrics III (Econ 7330)
International Trade Theory (Econ 7400)
Development Economics (Econ 7800)
Graduate Seminar (Econ 7950)
Third Year:
Fall Semester (4 credits)
Resource Economics (Econ 7500)
Graduate Seminar (Econ 7950)
Spring Semester (4 credits)
Environmental Economics (Econ 7510)
Graduate Seminar (Econ 7950)
Qualifying Exam
The exam is composed of two 4-hour exams that cover macro- and microeconomic theory and application. The exam is based on first-year courses. All students must take the qualifying exam directly after their first year of studies.
Research Dissertation
Students must complete a minimum of 12-18 credits of dissertation research.
Graduate Seminar
Doctoral students are required to register for 1 credit of Econ 7950, Graduate Seminar, every fall and spring semester except their first one. This course is assigned a letter grade.