Graduate Guide

Graduate Degree Requirements

Master of Arts

The MA program in economics with a specialization in financial economics prepares students for employment in economic research at government and private organizations. The MA program can also provide a base for further graduate work in economics.

The MA program requires 32 credit-hours of course work, and can be completed in three semesters of full-time study by most students. The program includes core courses (theory, econometrics) and electives. 

Binghamton undergraduate students can apply for the 4+1 accelerated degree program. The graduate portion of this program can be completed in two semesters.   

Doctor of Philosophy

The PhD program in Economics requires a minimum of 60 credit-hours and normally takes four to five years of full-time study. The program includes required courses (44 credits), electives (16-20 credits), and the dissertation. Students must pass comprehensive examinations in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and complete a third-year paper prior to the start of the fourth year of study, in addition to the dissertation. PhD students select two elective fields of specialization. The following fields are frequently offered:

  • Econometrics - applied and theoretical
  • Labor economics
  • Advanced macroeconomics
  • Environmental economics
  • Development economics
  • Behavioral and Experimental Economics
  • Industrial Organization

Information for Current Students

Suggested Sequence of PhD Courses:

Graduate Handbook

This handbook is intended to give graduate students in the Economics Department information which will be useful to them during their academic careers. If information is readily available elsewhere, references are made to other sources, chiefly the Academic Guide (Formerly Bulletin).

Additional Information