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.
The fields of specialization in the program are:
- Comparative and Regional Development
- Econometrics
- Economic Education
- Economic History
- Feminist Economics
- Industrial Organization and Regulation
- Institutional Economics
- International Trade and Finance
- Labor Economics
- Monetary Economics
- Public Economics
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.
Admission
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.
Admission Requirements:
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.
The following documents should be sent to:
Office of Graduate Studies
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
1100 Seaton Hall
P.O. Box 880619
Lincoln, NE 68588-0619
Phone: (402) 472-2875
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)
After all documents indicated above have been sent to the Office of Graduate Studies,
the following documents should be sent to:
Graduate Advising Office
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
CBA 125
P.O. Box 880405
Lincoln, NE 68588-0405
Phone: (402) 472-2338
Fax: (402) 472-5180
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.
Application for Admissions Deadlines
|
Semester entering
|
U.S. Students
|
International Students
|
|
Fall
|
June 30
|
March 1
|
|
Spring
|
October 31
|
October 1
|
Financial Aid and Assistantships
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:
- Institution code for GRE, TOEFL, TSE: 6877
- Department code for GRE: 1801
- Department code for TOEFL/TSE: 84
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.
Additional Information
For additional information on the Economics Graduate Program, please contact the
program director:
Dr. Matthew Cushing
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Department of Economics
CBA 352
P.O. Box 880489
Lincoln, NE 68588-0489
