Applied Economics is the application of modern economic theories and advanced empirical techniques to issues in public policy and business. Founded in 2004 to address the need for well trained research economists in the private and public sectors, our PhD features a focus on applied work and econometric and data techniques. Students take a well rounded suite of courses, participate in seminars, and complete a research thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. Our field of specialization is Public Economics which encompasses diverse topics such as health economics, natural resources and the environment, labour economics and public finance. Our PhD students are funded for up to 12 on-campus terms, and can work as research assistants as well as teaching assistants. For students wishing to advance their teaching skills, we have a limited number of course instructor positions available.
Admission Requirements
- Master's degree in Economics
- Minimum A- (80%, first class) average in MA degree
- Three academic letters of reference
- A one-page statement of Academic Interest.
- Proof of competency in English (if applicable).
- GRE score is not required but is recommended for all international applicants.
The application deadline is February 1.
Structure and Duration of the PhD Program
The PhD program is designed to be completed within four years.
Degree Requirements
The core courses are Economics 601, 701 (Microeconomic Theory I, II), Economics 602, 702 (Macroeconomic Theory I, II), Economics 621, 721 (Econometrics I, II), Economics 606 (Research Methodology), and Economics 722 (Applied Microeconometrics) or Economics 723 (Applied Macroeconometrics).
Comprehensive Examinations
The comprehensive examinations are a two-part examination process, consisting of:
Part 1 - Written Comprehensive Exams
A written examination covering microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory and econometrics. One re-write per topic, usually to be completed in August of the first year, will be allowed. No student will be granted a third attempt.
Normally, three Economics Department members will comprise the examining committee.
Part 2 - Oral Thesis Prospectus
An oral examination covering the candidate's thesis prospectus.
A committee of four people including the student's thesis supervisor, two others from the Department of Economics, and one internal/external examiner, comprise the examining committee.
When the student has passed both the written and oral comprehensive examinations and completes a minimum of four additional courses, the department will admit the candidate to the research portion of the doctoral program. The course work as well as the Oral Thesis Prospectus examination should be completed by the end of the fall term of Year 3.
Doctoral Seminar Credits
The two doctoral seminar credits require attendance at Department seminars and two presentations of the student's own work, one in year three and one in year four.
Thesis Defense
At the conclusion of the thesis research, a final oral examination will be taken. The thesis defence will consist of a public seminar (at which the candidate presents the thesis) and a meeting between the candidate and the appointed examining committee.
The comprehensive examinations, seminar credits, and thesis dissertation are "milestones" which make up part of the PhD degree requirements. These milestones are automatically added to each student's record during the first term of their program. The milestones remain "in progress" until completed.
Financial Assistance in the PhD Program
All successful applicants will be funded at $22,000 a year for 12 terms (4 years). International students are eligible to receive an International Doctoral Student Award valued at $3,190 per term for 12 terms (4 years).