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Ph.D. Program in Economics
Our Ph.D. program is notable for its blend of advanced economic theory and applied policy analysis, provided in the context of a small graduate program with emphasis on quality teaching that assures close association with fellow students and professors. At Nebraska, economists are trained in applied economic analysis in graduate programs that begin with solid technical training in economic theory and quantitative methods and progress to applications of those tools in selected fields. Graduates are employed in college and university teaching positions as well as in research and consulting for business and government.
Doctoral degrees in economics have been awarded at the University of Nebraska for over 100 years. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln was the first school west of the Mississippi River to formally establish a graduate school. In 1909, UNL became a founding member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). The university is also recognized as a Research Institution I by the Carnegie Foundation.
A core program consisting of courses in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and econometrics is required of all candidates. In addition to the core program, all candidates study two major fields of specialization (see below). The degree requires not less than 48 hours of course work, successfully completing a qualifying exam in economic theory and comprehensive exams in two fields of specialization, and writing a doctoral dissertation on an original topic. Advanced standing can be granted persons already holding the M.A. degree from Nebraska or comparable institutions.
Members of the Economics faculty have published a wide variety of books and have made important contributions to national and international journals in economics. Excellence in teaching is also a trademark of the department. Numerous awards for distinguished teaching have been received at the University and national levels by the faculty. The department offers a variety of fields of specialization but is sufficiently small to allow for substantial individual and informal contact between graduate students and their professors.
The department does not employ a rigid formula for admission. Instead, the admissions committee makes decisions after reviewing the applicant's undergraduate (or graduate if applicable) record, GRE scores, TOEFL scores if applicable, letters of recommendation, background, grades in economics courses, preparation in mathematics and statistics, and the applicant's statement outlining goals and objectives for studying economics at the graduate level. Ph.D. students are expected to have intermediate level training in economics (both macroeconomics and microeconomics) in their backgrounds. In addition, Ph.D. students are expected to have adequate mathematical backgrounds including at least two semesters of calculus, a course in linear (matrix) algebra, and a course in mathematical statistics. Any course deficiencies identified at the time of admission must be removed in the first semester of enrollment.
When you are ready to apply, some of the items will need to be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies; others will have to be mailed to the Graduate Advising Office in the College of Business Administration.
a. The Graduate Application form: Online here b. $45.00 Application fee (check or money order made payable to UNL). c. Two copies of official Undergraduate transcripts. d. Two copies of official Graduate transcripts.
International students should also include:
a. Financial resource certification form: available at here b. TOEFL score sent from Educational Testing Service -or- IELTS score (www.ielts.org)
a. CBA Graduate Program Supplemental Information Form: This form can be submitted online here, or printed out and mailed. b. Official GRE scores: Sent by the Educational Testing Service. Note: Applicants from Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and Korea should submit paper-based GRE scores. c. Three letters of recommendation: Recommendation forms are available here (61k PDF). d. Statement of purpose.
The department awards three to four assistantships to new students each year. These appointments are either teaching or research assistantships and carry stipends that are competitive with those offered by other graduate institutions. Assistantships provide a full tuition waiver, stipend for up to two years and medical insurance.
Applicants desiring consideration for assistantships should indicate their preference on the CBA application for admission form. No separate application for financial aid is required. Preference in financial assistance awards is given to Ph.D. applicants, but M.A. applicants are considered as well.
For your convenience, here are the UNL institution code and Department codes you will need for the GRE, TOEFL, and TSE exams:
Assistantship decisions for the fall semester are typically made in February and March. Recipients are notified on or about April 1. Duties of first-year recipients of assistantships will likely include assisting professors with their instructional duties.
In addition to assistantships, the department traditionally gives two competitive awards to Ph.D. students. The McConnell Dissertation Fellowship provides full support for two semesters to a student who is in residence and in the completion year of the dissertation. The Bingham Teaching Fellowships are one-year supplemental stipends and are given in recognition of outstanding teaching abilities and performance.
International applicants will be required to submit evidence of spoken English ability to be considered for teaching assistantships.
For more information on financial assistance, consult our FAQ page on financial assistance.
For additional information on the Economics Graduate Program, please contact the program director:
