Applied Economics is the application of modern economic theories and advanced empirical techniques to issues in public policy and business.
Our strength is public economic policy, broadly covering the fields of public finance, monetary economics, labour economics, natural resources and the environment, industrial organization, and health economics. We are also particularly strong in applied econometrics.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Applied Economics program - like the department's research - focuses on Public Economic Policy. It has been crafted to prepare students for careers in policy making in the public and private sectors, as well as academic careers.
Our PhD students are funded for four years (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 Economics 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.
Structure and Duration of the PhD Program
The PhD program is designed to be completed within four years.
Degree Requirements
- Twelve courses (seven required and five elective)
- Three written comprehensive examinations (Micro, Macro and Econometrics)
- Oral thesis prospectus examination
- Two doctoral seminar milestones
- Mathematics for Graduate Students in Economics (a two week course offered the last week of August and the first week of September)
- Academic Integrity Workshop
The core courses are: ECON 601, 701 (Microeconomic Theory I, II), ECON 602, 702 (Macroeconomic Theory I, II), ECON 621, 721 (Econometrics I, II), and ECON 722 (Applied Microeconometrics II) OR ECON 723 (Applied Macroeconometrics II).
Comprehensive Examinations
The comprehensive examinations are a two-part examination process, consisting of:
Part 1 - Written Comprehensive Examinations
Three written examinations covering microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory and econometrics. One re-write per topic, to be taken in August of the first year, will be allowed. No student will be granted a third attempt.
Normally, three department of economics members will comprise the examining committee.
Part 2 - Oral Thesis Prospectus Examination
An oral examination covering the candidate's thesis prospectus.
A committee of four people including the student's thesis supervisor, two Department of Economics faculty members, and one internal/external examiner, comprise the examining committee.
When the student has passed both the written and oral comprehensive examinations and completes the required elective courses, the department will admit the candidate to the research portion of the doctoral program. The course work should be completed by the end of Year 2, and the oral thesis prospectus examination should be completed by the end of the winter term of Year 3.
Two Doctoral Seminar Milestones
Completion of the first seminar milestone requires attendance at a minimum of 50% of the department's seminars offered during the fall and winter terms. Two seminar presentations of the student's own work, one in year three and one in year four, will fulfill the requirements for the second seminar milestone.
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 mathematics for graduate students in economics course, academic integrity workshop, comprehensive examinations, seminars, 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 $3,380 per term for 12 terms (4 years).