Schedule

The department’s goal is for all students to finish their PhD in five years, with a possible exception for students who may excel on the international academic job market (for whom a sixth year of study may be appropriate). PhD funding is generally provided for five years and can be extended to a sixth year for the most promising PhD students.

In the 1^st year, the sole focus of students is to excel in their PhD coursework. This provides a strong broad foundation for subsequent continued development as a research economist.

In the 2^nd year, students attend field courses during the first 1.5 semesters.  In the last half semester, the department offers specialized courses (e.g., short courses, a writing course) and students spend time preparing their Second-Year Research Proposal. In this year, they also select their main advisor, although we encourage students to continuously interact with a broad set of professors who can provide guidance in developing the students' research.

In the 3^rd year, students focus on turning their research proposal into a finished paper as well as developing topics for the other papers in their dissertation. Regular attendance and presentations at the 3^rd year seminar are essential. This culminates in the submission and presentation of the student's 3^rd year research paper or proposal at the beginning of the 4^th year.

In the 4^th year, students continue to focus on their research, give presentations, and attend seminars. At the end of the 4^th year, a typical student will have a Job Market Paper (JMP) ready for going either on the academic or non-academic job market. 

In the 5^th year, students should be prepared to go on the job market and defend their thesis. For students pursuing academic jobs, the Placement Director helps them prepare for the job market, offering a Placement Seminar, mock presentations and interviews. For students pursuing non-academic jobs, we work with the students' advisors to identify opportunities, such as internships and contacts at relevant organizations, that can help open doors to potentially valuable placements. At the end of the year, students are ideally off to a job as an assistant professor, post-doctoral researcher, or research economist!