NOTICE - This edition of the Catalog of Studies is provided as a courtesy to students who may be attending classes under these degree requirements. If you are a prospective student, or are attending class under a different set of degree requirements, please visit

http://catalogofstudies.uark.edu/

to find your class year catalog.

Ph. D. in Economics

Prerequisites to Degree Program:

Students may first earn a master's degree and then enter the doctoral program, or students may enter the doctoral program immediately upon completion of the bachelor's degree. The requirements for this program include (1) intermediate theory, (2) 2 semesters of calculus, (3) basic statistics, and (4) linear algebra.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree:

The doctoral program consists of

1. Core requirements

2. Fields of specialized study

3. Electives

4. Comprehensive Examination

5. Dissertation.

Core Requirements: All doctoral candidates must satisfactorily complete the following 27 semester hours of core requirements, which include courses in economic theory, history of economic thought, mathematical economics, econometrics, and statistics. In addition, they must register for the graduate seminar each semester they are in residence.

1. Economics (12 hours)

ECON 5563 History of Economic Thought
ECON 6243 Macroeconomic Theory II
ECON 6233 Microeconomic Theory II
ECON 643V Seminar in Economic Theory and Research I

2. Quantitative Methods (15 hours)

STAT 3013 Introduction to Probability and Statistics
ECON 5613 Econometrics I
ECON 5623 Econometrics II
ECON 644V Seminar in Economic Theory and Research II

Seminars: Doctoral students are required to register for ECON 643V or 644V each semester they are in residence. Normally they will register for one hour of credit. However, at one point in their program, usually the last year of course work, they must register for three hours of credit.

Fields of Specialized Study: The student must select two fields of specialization, one of which may be complementary to economics (e.g., finance or statistics). Complementary fields must be approved by the Economics Department Head. Field requirements are satisfied by successfully completing course work (usually 6 to 9 hours) and passing the comprehensive examination. In some cases course work may be satisfied by independent study under supervision of a member of the faculty.

Note: The foregoing requirements are for students who enter the doctoral program directly from undergraduate school. Students whose qualifications exceed the baccalaureate will be evaluated individually in accordance with standards established by the Graduate School and the Walton College of Business. Students who have earned a master's degree in economics at the University of Arkansas or elsewhere will probably have substantially shorter programs. However, there is a minimum requirement of 24 hours of course work (5000 level and above) beyond that required for a master's degree. Doctoral candidates must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.25 on all graduate course work.

Dissertation: The dissertation represents a demonstration of a candidate's ability to select, define, organize, and complete a major research project. It should demonstrate that the student has technical mastery of the field, is capable of doing independent scholarly research, and is able to formulate conclusions which enlarge the body of economic knowledge. Dissertation requirements include (1) a defense of proposal, and (2) presentation of an acceptable doctoral dissertation.

Examinations for the Doctor of Philosophy Qualifying Examination: A student must pass a written qualifying examination on material included in the core area (excluding ECON 643V and ECON 644V). This will be done as early in a student's program as possible.

Comprehensive Examination: A student becomes eligible to take comprehensive examinations after completing all required course work. He or she must pass written examinations in economic theory, quantitative methods, and in the two areas of specialization. An oral examination will be administered after the written examinations have been successfully completed. The oral examination may be waived upon recommendation of the faculty who grades the written examinations.

Candidates who fail any or all parts of the comprehensive on the first attempt will normally be allowed a second attempt. A failure on the second attempt may result in the student being required to engage in additional course work before being allowed a third attempt, or in the student being terminated from the program.

Final Examination: The final examination is normally an oral defense of the student's dissertation.