preparing students for academic and professional careers through research & application

The Economics Ph.D. program provides students with the advanced training and knowledge necessary to pursue positions leading to careers in research and teaching at other institutions of higher learning, careers in economic analysis and forecasting, and careers in public policy analysis within local, state, or federal government.

We seek to admit, train, and graduate students who have initiative, enthusiasm, and a desire to become scholars.

Renowned FACULTY

Our professors enable students to attain more profound insights into the economic forces that shape health care provisions and utilization, international trade and development, labor and natural resources markets, and domestic and international macroeconomic and monetary policies.

What to expect

The Economics PhD begins approximately three weeks before the start of the fall semester Advanced Mathematical Economics (EC 600). This course is designed to review all the necessary mathematical skills and methods that students will need to be successful in the Economics PhD Program

Required 1st Year Courses

Fall Semester:

  • EC 610: Microeconomic Theory
  • EC 611: Macroeconomic Theory
  • EC 670: Econometrics

Spring Semester:

  • EC 660: Game Theory
  • EC 661: Macroeconomic Theory II
  • EC 671: Seminar in Econometrics: Panel Data

After completion of the first-year course work, students are required to pass qualifying exams in macroeconomics and microeconomics. See the “Qualifying Exam” tab for more information

FIELD AND SUPPLEMENTARY COURSES

After passing qualifying exams, students must take six field courses and at least two supplementary courses. These courses can be taken during either their second or third year of PhD study.

Students can choose from two groups of courses: Group A and Group B. Group A courses are considered tools for economic research. Group B courses are considered field courses.

Students work with the Economics PhD Coordinator and their dissertation advisor to identify what courses are best for them based on their interests.

Group A includes courses such as: Financial Econometric Modeling, Nonparametric Econometrics, Experimental Economics, and other econometrics courses.

Group B includes courses such as Behavioral Economics, Environmental Economics, Industrial Organization, International Finance, Macroeconomics, Monetary Economics, Political Economy, Public Economics, Risk and Insurance, Urban Economics, and other field courses.

Admission decisions are made by the Economics PhD Admissions Committee. Factors considered include:

  • GRE scores(UA minimum 300)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Previous courses taken
  • Personal statement
  • Grades

 

TOEFL Statement

As per the policy of the University of Alabama Graduate School, a student whose first language is not English must submit an official score report for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English (PTE). The minimum score for admission to a degree program or for nondegree admission is 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 79 on the iBT. The minimum IELTS score for admission to a degree program or for non-degree admission is 6.5. The PTE minimum score for admission to a degree program or for non-degree admission is 59. TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores must be less than two years old at the time of intended initial enrollment at The University of Alabama. Should TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores become more than two years old prior to enrollment, the student will be required to retest and submit an acceptable score before enrolling. The TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE will not be required from an applicant who fulfills the following criteria: 1) has been in residence in the United States at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, and 2) has been enrolled in coursework for two consecutive years immediately prior to enrolling at The University of Alabama or has earned a degree from that college or university within three years of enrolling at The University of Alabama. The Test of Spoken English (TSE) is recommended for international students who wish to be considered for teaching assistantships.

Admission to the Economics PhD program is on a rolling basis, meaning applications can be submitted at any time.

To receive full consideration for admission in funding, please submit your application by January 15th, as decisions for funding are usually made by early February.

As a part of the regular sequence in the Economics PhD program, students are required to pass a qualifying examination, which is administered at the end of their first year of study, starting in June.

The exam is comprised of two parts: microeconomics and macroeconomics. To be eligible to continue in the PhD program, a student must pass both parts of the exam. If a student has successfully passed both parts of the exam by the end of August, the student will be allowed to continue in the PhD program. If students need to retake the exam, this opportunity is offered before classes start in August.

During the third year, students are expected to commence work on the dissertation. Students are expected to have identified a primary advisor by the start of the fall semester of their third year and formally begin work on their thesis.

Writing a dissertation is the final test of research skills. It requires an understanding of relevant literature and methodology, as well as the ability to think independently. PhD candidates must:

  • Find an original topic
  • Plan a test of hypotheses
  • Propose this topic to their committee
  • Write and defend at a final oral examination a document acceptable to the dissertation committee and to the Graduate School.

Job Market Candidates

Current Students

SunAh An

  • Education:
    • BA in Economics: University of Toronto
    • MA in Economics: The University of Alabama
  • Fields of Interest: Market Design, Experimental Economics, Economics of Education, Public Economics, Applied Microeconomics, Behavioral Economics
  • Advisor: Robert Hammond
  • Website
  • CV
  • Job Market Paper

Michael (Buddy) Anderson

  • Education:
    • BA in Economics: Wofford College
  • Fields of Interest: Behavioral Economics, Causal Inference, Industrial Organization
  • Advisor: Cary Deck
  • Website
  • LinkedIn

Chizhe Cheng

  • Education:
    • BS in Economics: The University of West Alabama

Kemar Gordon

  • Education:
    • BS in Economics and Statistics: University of the West Indies
    • MS in Economics: University of the West Indies

Aidan Hathaway

  • Education:
    • BS in Economics and Finance: The University of Alabama

Emma Kate Henry

  • Education:
    • BS in Economics: The University of Alabama
    • MA in Economics: The University of Alabama

Pawonee Khadka

  • Education:
    • BS in Business Economics, Minor in Mathematics: Lindenwood University
    • MS in Quantitative Economics: Western Illinois University

Bosang Kim

  • Education:
    • BS in Physics: Korea Advanced Institute of Science Technology
    • MS in Economics: Purdue University
    • PhD in Applied Physics: Columbia

Wonjong Kim

  • Education:
    • BA in Economics: Myongji University (South Korea)
    • MA in Economics: Myongji University (South Korea)

Yongjoon Kim

  • Education:
    • BA in Agricultural Economics: Kangwon National University
    • MA in Agricultural Economics: Seoul National University
    • PhD in Economics: Seoul National University

Hyerim Na

  • Education:
    • BA in Economics: Myongji University
    • MA in Economics: Myongji University

Afia Farjana Promi

  • Education:
    • BS in Economics: Jahangirnagar University
    • MS in Economics: Jahangirnagar University

Samuel Redinger

  • Education:
    • BS in Finance: The University of Alabama
    • MS in Finance: The University of Alabama

Tavoy Davion Reid

  • Education:
    • BS in Economics, Banking, and Finance: The University of the West Indies
    • MS in Economics: The University of the West Indies

Nickolas Reynolds

  • Education:
    • BS in Mathematics, Economics, and Finance: University of Texas at Dallas

Danielle Snell

  • Education:
    • BA in Economics: Hillsdale College
    • MA in Economics: Troy University

Jiatong Xue

  • Education:
    • BS in Finance: Minzu University of China
    • MS in Behavioural Economics: University of Nottingham

Alumni

Connect with Your team

General questions about the application process?

Contact April Ingram, Director of PhD programs, at aaingram@culverhouse.ua.edu.

Ready to apply?

  1. Review your specific program’s admissions materials and requirements.
  2. Login and complete your application.
  3. Check your application to verify your application status and upload additional materials.

Are you ready to gain the Manderson Advantage?

manderson sign outside bidgood hall