The PhD is the terminal degree in the field of economics and can be used to enter academia and research or for career advancement in the public or private sector. Our program focuses on gaining deep knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistical methods (econometrics). Students can further choose an area of focus in industrial organization, international economics, labor economics or monetary theory.
Graduates of the doctoral program will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of core economic theories and applications in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics.
- Exhibit expertise in a specialized field, demonstrating proficiency in methods for conducting and assessing empirical research in economics.
- Exhibit proficiency in writing and defending orally an original research topic.
Read more about the program requirements and other details in the academic section of this web site.
Application and Admission
A master’s degree in economics is not required to apply to the doctoral program. The GRE is optional but recommended.
An applicant must meet the Graduate School’s requirements to be considered for admission to the program in addition to these department requirements:
- An undergraduate major in economics with a grade point average (both overall and in economics) of 3.0 (4.0 scale) and one semester of calculus or adequate preparation at the undergraduate level equivalent to two semesters of coursework in intermediate economic theory, one semester of statistics, and one semester of calculus.
- Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with applicant’s scholastic achievement and potential.
- Reason statement. A personal statement that describes your research interests, qualifications, and career goals.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language exam is required for applicants whose native language is not English.
International applicants should consult this page for additional requirements.
All applications are completed through the UWM Graduate School.
Application Deadlines
We only admit new students to the PhD program for the Fall semester. There is no official deadline, however applications are considered by the department beginning January 15. So, applications received by then receive the fullest consideration, particularly for financial aid awards. After the graduate school reviews the application materials for completeness, they are sent to the department of economics admissions committee for review. We consider all applicants simultaneously for admission and financial assistance (teaching assistantships and fellowships). The following are particularly important in our determination:
- Coursework: two semesters of course work in intermediate economic theory, one semester of statistics, and two semesters of calculus are considered minimum adequate preparation for the PhD.
- Graduate record examination (GRE): the quantitative score is particularly important. We give strongest consideration to those above the 85th percentile.
- Two letters of recommendation: strong letters will be from persons familiar with applicant’s scholastic achievement and potential.
- Proof of English language proficiency: for students whose native language is not English, please consult the requirements for showing English proficiency.
STEM Designation
Our graduate programs (MA and PhD) are classified as STEM (CIP Code 45.0603: Econometrics and Quantitative Economics). Students in such STEM degree programs can apply for a 24 month STEM extension of the F1 visa under Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Graduate Grievance Procedures
Federal law and UWM policy require programs and departments to have procedures for graduate students to appeal academic decisions such as grades or scholastic standing. These procedures ensure the protection of students’ rights. These pages serve as a reference on procedures for graduate student academic appeals.
For more information about the program, including requirements, visit its academic page at the link below.
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Economics, PhDDoctoralOn Campus
Contact Information
- Associate Professor, Economics
- Graduate Advisor, Economics
- lazkano@uwm.edu
- Bolton Hall 840