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.
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.
- Economics 815, Analytic Methods (Mathematical Economics), Mathematical Statistics
(1 credit)
The core courses are provided to assure that students receive solid training in
economic theory and econometrics. Students demonstrate mastery of theory by passing
the Qualifying Examination in Advanced Economic Theory and mastery of econometrics
by earning at least a B in each course.
- Economics 973 and 983, Microeconomics I and II (6 credits)
- Economics 974 and 984, Macroeconomics I and II (6 credits)
- Economics 957 and 958, Econometrics I and II (6 credits)
Two major fields of specialization in economics are required. Each field requires
a minimum of six hours of course work at the Ph. D. level and a written comprehensive
examination.
- Field I (≥ 6 credits)
- Field II (≥ 6 credits)
Students may include electives within economics or cognate areas, or may elect to
have an optional third field. (≥ 14 credits)
Students must demonstrate ability to conduct research by writing an original dissertation
and defending that dissertation in an oral examination. Up to 42 credit hours may
be used for this purpose. (≥ 42 credits)
- Total Course Work (≥ 48 credits)
- Grand Total (90 credits)
- 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.
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 of Purpose 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.
Three letters of reference are required and should be submitted through
GAMES (Graduate Admission Management and Evaluation System)
Please submit a Statement of Purpose outlining goals and objectives for studying
economics at the graduate level.
- Statement of Purpose should be sumitted through
GAMES
You should register to take the GRE (standard test)
and have the results forwarded to UNL. You should also submit your scores through
GAMES.
International students should also include:
- TOEFL score (minimum score of 550 written,
213 computer based or 80 iBT
- Financial
Resource Certification Form
- Note: applicants from Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and Korea should submit paper based
GRE or GMAT scores.
Guidelines for International Students can be found at
www.unl.edu/gradstudies/.
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Semester
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U.S. Students
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International Students
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Fall
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June 30
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March 1
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Spring
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October 31
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October 1
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Applications are evaluated as recieved. Applications received after the deadline
may be considered; however, a timely decision is not guaranteed.
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 four years and medical insurance.
All applicants are considered for assistantships. 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.
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:
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