In the first year students take core curriculum in Microeconomic Theory, Econometrics, and Macroeconomic Theory. Additionally, students take an course in mathematical economics and a course on introductory research methods.
During the second year and third year students complete their coursework in specialized fields and begin the transition to independent researcher. The courses and workshops often lead to collaborations between students and faculty. In the third year, students participate in the 3rd Year Paper Conference.
Beyond the third year, students work towards the completion of their dissertation. Most students complete the program in five years.
1st Year Course Sequence
There are nine core courses (27 semester hours) in the doctoral curriculum; two each in micro and macro theory, three in econometric methods, one in mathematical economics, and a research methods course.
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ECO 5405 | Mathematical Economics | ECO 5932 | Introduction to Research |
| ECO 5115 | Microeconomic Theory I | ECO 5116 | Microeconomic Theory II |
| ECO 5204 | Macroeconomic Theory I | ECO 5207 | Macroeconomic Theory II |
| ECO 5416 | Econometrics I | ECO 5423 | Econometrics II |
Fall Second Year
| Econometrics Field Course |
Core Examinations
Following completion of the first year, students are expected to demonstrate their competence in Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomic Theory, and Econometrics. Competence can be demonstrated by (i) obtaining a minimum grade of A- in the two core classes form the basis of a that exam or (ii) by passing passing doctoral core examinations. Core exams are typically offered in May, with an opportunity to retake the exam in August. See the Guide to Graduate Studies in Economics for details.
Fields of Specialization
The Department regularly offers many fields of specialization. These include: Applied Econometrics, Experimental and Behavioral Economics, Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics, Industrial Organization, Labor Economics, Law and Economics, Population Economics, Public Economics, and Urban Economics. Other fields may be offered if sufficient interest exists. Students must select at least two fields of specialization. One of the field areas, but not both, may be drawn from outside the Department, subject to the prior approval of the Graduate Committee and the host department.
Elective Courses
A Ph.D. student must complete at least 54 semester hours of graduate-level coursework. The ten courses in the core account for 27 hours, while field courses generally account for another 12. The remaining hours are elective. To apply to the 54 hours, an elective course must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies in advance. No more than six hours of Directed Individual Study (DIS) or Graduate tutorial course work may count toward the 54 hour requirement.
Supervised research and teaching (ECO 5914 and 5940) do not contribute to the required 54 semester hours. Likewise, dissertation credits (ECO 6980) and preliminary preparation hours (ECO 6960) do not count toward satisfying this requirement. However, graduate hours earned at FSU or elsewhere leading to the Master’s degree in economics and/or accepted graduate-level transfer credits may be applied to the 54-hour course work minimum for the Ph.D., with prior approval of the Director of Graduate Studies.