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Home > Degree Programs > Doctoral Programs > PhD in Political Economy & Government > Requirements and Course Work
Requirements and Course Work
Program of Study
During the first two years in residence, students acquire a broad grasp of economic theory and of the area(s) of political or social science theory most appropriate to their prospective research. Normally, students complete 16 one-term courses in this period. PhD-level proficiency is required in macroeconomics, microeconomics, political science, and quantitative methods.
During the third year of residency, students continue to develop mastery of the two substantive fields that are the focus of the dissertation. An oral exam is required by the end of the year.
The prospectus for the dissertation must be completed by the beginning of the fourth year in residency.
In the final years of residency, the student completes the dissertation under the guidance of a faculty committee. The dissertation must demonstrate a high degree of competence in research, and capacity for making original and significant contributions to knowledge.
Specific Requirements
Students choose between the Economics track and the Political Science track and remain in the declared track for the duration of their doctoral studies. Requirements for each track appear below.
Economics track
16 half courses including the following:
- Microeconomic theory (Econ 2010a, Econ 2010b)
- Macroeconomic theory (Econ 2010c, Econ 2010d)
- Econometrics
- Four half-courses in government, including two in the same major field of political science.
- Two half-courses in a major field of economics.
- Two half-course research workshops at the 3000 level
Political Science track
16 half courses including the following:
- Microeconomic theory (Econ 2020a, Econ 2020b)
- Macroeconomic theory (Econ 2010c)
- Econometrics
- Two half-courses in formal political theory or political economy
- Two half-courses in a major field of political science
- Two half-courses in a major field of economics
- A field seminar course in government
- Two half-course research workshops at the 3000 level
Oral Exam
The Oral Examination is a 90-minute examination in which the student’s mastery of economics and political science is tested. One half-hour is devoted to each of the two fields selected by the student. The final half-hour is devoted to an examination of general analytical and research ability, based in part on a research paper prepared by the student. All coursework and the research paper must be completed in advance of the general exam. Students will be expected to sit for the Oral Examination in their third year.
The dissertation prospectus is not part of the Oral Exam.
Dissertation
Following the submission and oral defense of a written prospectus at the beginning of the fourth year, students usually complete dissertation research writing and research within two years of completing the Oral Exam. The degree is conferred after a public oral dissertation defense.
View a complete list of dissertations written from 1972 to the present in the Political Economy & Government Dissertation Archive (link to PDF).