Graduate Bulletin

Economics, Ph.D.

FOX SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: May 31

All applications are processed at the same time—after the May 31 deadline.

Letters of Reference:

Number Required: 2

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should come from college/university faculty members familiar with the applicant's academic competence

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration:

TBA

Master's Degree in the Discipline/Related Discipline:

No.

Bachelor's Degree in the Discipline/Related Discipline:

Yes. Candidates should contact the department to discuss appropriate disciplines.

Statement of Goals:

The Statement of Goals should be approximately 500-1,000 words and should include the following elements: your specific interest in Temple's program; your research goals; your future career goals; and your academic and research achievements.

Standardized Test Scores:

The GRE is required. Applicants must submit scores on the aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The scores of successful applicants on each of the three components of the GRE typically fall within the following percentile ranges: Verbal: 70 to 81, Quantitative: 70 to 99, Analytical: 70 to 92.

Minimum TOEFL score or range of scores needed to be accepted: 600 on the paper version and 260 on the computerized version.

Resume:

A resume is required.

Program Requirements

Campus Location:

Main Campus

Full-Time/Part-Time Status:

Students are able to complete the degree program through classes offered after 4:30 p.m.

General Program Requirements:

Number of Didactic Credits Required Beyond the Master's: 36

Required Courses:

For the Ph.D. in economics, the student must complete 42 semester hours of work: six core courses, six specialization or elective courses, and six semester hours of dissertation research. The student must also pass two theory exams and two field exams and submit and defend a doctoral disseration. The core courses are: Mathematics for Economists I 510. Econometrics I 615, Microeconomic Theory I 601, Macroeconomic Theory I 606, Microeconomic Analysis 501, and Macroeconomic Analysis 506. The student enters a research stage upon finishing the coursework. This research stage involves studying economic literature and models, preparing a dissertation proposal, and writing a dissertation. Economics 799, 899, and 999 courses are used to structure and monitor this process. Economics 799 (Field Exams and Dissertation Proposal Research) is designed for students who have finished all coursework and passed the theory prelims. Along with preparing for the field exams, they must chose a topic and start reseraching their dissertation proposals. Economics 899 (Dissertation Proposal Research) is designed for students who have passed all theory prelims and field qualifying exams. The students are expected to complete their disseration proposal and submit it to the Graduate Affairs Committee for consideration. Economics 999 (Doctoral Thesis Research) is designed for student who have an accepted dissertation proposal. Their research should be divided into several stages each leaddi

Internship: No internship is required.

Language Examination: No language examination is required.

Culminating Events:

Preliminary Examination:

The purpose of the preliminary examinations is to demonstrate critical and interpretive knowledge of current research.

Subject Areas/Major Components of the Preliminary Examination There are two theory exams, in microeconomics and macroeconomics, and two field exams. The subject areas of the field exams are chosen by the student, in consultation with the graduate advisor.

At what point in the program is the student expected to take the preliminary examination The theory exams must be passed by the end of the second year, and the field exams within three semesters of passing the last theory exam.

Writing the Questions for the Preliminary Examination The members of the student's department write the questions for the preliminary examinations.

Evaluating the Preliminary Examination The Department Committee will evaluate the examination. Each member votes to pass or fail the student. In order to pass, a majority of the committee members must agree that the exam has been satisfactorily completed.

Criterion for Passing the Preliminary Examination. The student must answer every question on the examination in order to be evaluated. The evaluators look for a breadth and depth of understanding of specific research areas, a critical application of that knowledge to specific phenomena; and an ability to write technical prose.

Administering, Scheduling, and Proctoring the Preliminary Examination Students who are preparing to write their preliminary examinations should confirm a time and date with their departmental advisor.

Dissertation:

Dissertation Advising Committee Information The Dissertation Committee is formed to oversee the student's doctoral research and is comprised of at least three Graduate Faculty members. Two members, including the Chair, must be from your department. The Chair is responsible for overseeing and guiding the student's progress, coordinating the responses of the Committee members, and informing the student of his or her academic progress.

Dissertation Examining Committee Information The Dissertation Examining Committee evaluates the student's dissertation and oral defense. This committee is comprised of the Doctoral Committee and at least one additional Faculty member from outside the department.

Advisor/Committee Information If any member of the committee decides to withdraw from the committee, you shall notify the chair of the dissertation committee and the Director of the PHD program. You are responsible to find a replacement, in consultation with your chair. Inability to find a replacement shall constitute evidence that you are unable to complete the dissertation. In such a case you may petition the Director of the PHD program for a review. Once a review of the facts and circumstances is completed, the Director will rule on your progress. If the Director rules that you are not capable of completing the dissertation, you will be dismissed from the program. This decision may be appealed to SBM's Senior Associate Dean. If you are dismissed, you may appeal to the Graduate School.

Dissertation/Monograph Philosophy The Doctoral Dissertation is an original empirical study that makes a significant contribution to the field. It should expand the existing knowledge and demonstrate the student's knowledge of both research methods and a mastery of his or her primary area of interest. Dissertations should be rigorously investigated, uphold the ethics and standard of the field, demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the primary area of interest and the broader field of business, and be prepared for publication in an academic journal.

Philosophy of the Proposal The dissertation proposal demonstrates the student's knowledge of and ability to conduct the proposed research. The proposal should consists of the following: (a) the context and background surrounding a particular research problem; (b) an exhaustive survey and review of literature related to the problem; and (c) a detailed methodological plan for investigating the problem. The proposal should be completed and approved no more than one year after passing the last field exam. Upon approval, a timeline for completing the investigation and the writing process will be established.

Criterion for Passing the Dissertation and the Defense. The Committee will evaluate the student's ability to express verbally his or her research question, methodological approach, primary findings, and implications. The Committee will vote to pass or fail the dissertation and the defense at the conclusion of the public presentation.

Dissertation Defense Scheduling Students preparing to defend their dissertation should confirm a time and date with their Dissertation Committee and register with the Graduate Secretary at least 15 days before the defense is to be scheduled. The Graduate Secretary will arrange the time, date, and room within two working days, and forward to the student the appropriate forms.

Announcing the Dissertation Defense After the Graduate Secretary has arranged the time, date, and room, for the defense, the student must send to the Graduate School (501 Carnell Hall) a completed "Announcement of Dissertation Defense" form at least 10 days before the defense. The Department will post fliers announcing the defense.

Contacts

Program Contact Information:

www.sbm.temple.edu/dept/economics/

Department Information:

Fox School of Business and Management
Speakman Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19122
fikush@sbm.temple.edu
215-204-8880

Department Contacts:

Admissions:

Natale Butto

Director of Graduate Admissions
masters@sbm.temple.edu
215-204-8732

Program Coordinator:

Dr. Fyodor Kushnirsky
fikush@sbm.temple.edu
215-204-5021

Graduate Chairperson:

Dr. Fyodor Kushnirsky
fikush@sbm.temple.edu
215-204-5021

Chairperson:

Dr. William Stull
stull@temple.edu
215-204-5022

About the Program

The Ph.D. in economics is designed to prepare the student for university teaching and research, and for positions as economists in government, business and industry. The program emphasizes the development of advanced research and scholarship skills in applied economics areas. To accomplish this, the program has fields in econometrics, economic development, industrial organization, international economics, financial economics, and labor economics. The program has a strong track record in placing its graduates in desirable positions.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 7 years

Campus Location:

Main Campus

Students are able to complete the degree program through classes offered after 4:30 p.m.

Department Information:

Fox School of Business and Management
Speakman Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19122
fikush@sbm.temple.edu
215-204-8880

Ranking:

The Fox School of Business and Management is currently ranked in the top 75 business schools by Forbes and in the top 50 programs for our Executive M.B.A. The Fox School has also been ranked 14th for technology M.B.A. programs by Computerworld, and holds a specialty ranking of 26th in the nation for healthcare management programs. The Fox School has been recognized for research in numerous departments and is in the top 1% of citings of university research.

Accreditation:

All Fox School of Business and Management graduate programs are accredited by AACSB - Association for the Advancement of Collegial Schools of Business.

Areas of Specialization:

The Fox School's economics faculty are conducting research in the following area: applied econometrics, industrial organization, development economics, international economics, and labor economics.

Job Placement:

The program is dedicated to producing well-trained researchers who will work in academic positions and research oriented jobs in companies, think tanks, government, and other institutions.

Affiliation(s):

Not applicable.

Interdisciplinary Study:

Interdisciplinary tracks are available with finance and statistics.

Study Abroad:

Not applicable.

Licensure:

Not applicable.

Non-Degree Student Policy:

Non-matriculated students are permitted to take doctoral courses when granted an exception.

Financing Opportunities

Assistantships are awarded to exceptionally good candidates. They require 20 hours of service per week, which can include teaching, tutoring, and supervised research An assistantship provides a stipend and tuition remission.

Other Financial Opportunities