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Graduate Studies in Economics
Mission Statement

Professor Neha Khanna, Director of Graduate Admissions
Professor Christopher Hanes, Director of Graduate Studies

Answers to Applicants' Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Important Information for all New Graduate Students

Over 60 students from a variety of colleges and universities around the world are enrolled in the Economics Department's graduate program. Faculty members are highly accessible and classes are small (typically five to 20 students), emphasizing student-faculty interaction. Regularly scheduled seminars and workshops allow visiting speakers, departmental faculty and senior graduate students to present on-going research. Assistantship opportunities for exceptional PhD students provide additional practical experience in teaching and research.

The department offers two MA and two PhD programs, with approximately 10 graduate courses each semester. Students may also enroll in finance courses in the School of Management as well as in courses in public administration (PAFF) through the College of Community and Public Affairs. Our emphasis on applied empirical work prepares students for a wide variety of careers in the academic, governmental and private sectors both here in the U.S. and abroad.

General Information:
Master of Arts
PhD Program
Application Process
Financial Aid
Recent Placements of PhD Graduates (links to homepages)
Recent Placements of PhD Graduates (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
by students who consider applying to the Economics Department (PDF)
by newly admitted students (PDF)
by funded students (PDF)
GA/TA Information:
GA/TA Expectations (PDF)
Frequently asked questions by funded students (PDF)
Instructor's Handbook (PDF)
Information for Students with Assistantships and Fellowships (PDF)
Funding Opportunities in the Economics Department (PDF)
Graduate Student Employees Union (GSEU)
Forms:
Permission for Overload/Courses Outside the Department (PDF)
Change in Status Form (PDF)
Application for PhD in Economics and Finance (PDF)
Personal Data Sheet (PDF)
Miscellaneous:
Important Information for all New Graduate Students
Economics Department Graduate Handbook
Graduate School TA Orientation Handbook (PDF)
Graduate School Manual
The PhD prospectus (PDF)
The University Academic Calendar
Old Comprehensive Exams
Five-Year Program in Economics and Finance
University Bulletin
Current Semester:
Schedule of Classes
Final Exam Schedule
Economics Courses
Economics Seminars
Our faculty
Useful links for graduate students:
Writing Tips for PhD Students (PDF) by John Cochrane (UChicago)



  1. Master of Arts:
    • Economics
    • Applied economics
    • Economics and finance

    The two MA programs each require 32-40 credit-hours of course work, and can be completed in three semesters of full-time study by most students. Both programs include core courses (theory, econometrics), electives, and, if appropriate, additional requirements.

    MA Course Requirements (PDF).
    Suggested Sequence of Courses (PDF).

  2. Doctor of Philosophy:
    • Economics
    • Economics and Finance

    The two PhD programs in economics each require a minimum of 60 credit-hours and normally take 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 35 page paper prior to the start of the fourth year of study, in addition to the dissertation. PhD students select two elective fields of specialization from:

    • Econometrics - applied and theoretical
    • Finance (with the School of Management)
    • Labor economics
    • Advanced macroeconomics
    • Environmental economics
    • Public economics

    PhD Course Requirements (PDF).
    Suggested Sequence of Courses (PDF).

  3. Application and Admission:

     The Department of Economics seeks applicants prepared to develop the requisite skills to perform rigorous research, regardless of undergraduate major. Prospective students are expected to have a strong foundation in mathematics; the department does, however, offer a review course to assist students in this area. Satisfactory GRE scores - especially quantitative - are required, and an undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 or better is desirable.

     The State University of New York policy states that a second degree at the same level (e.g., master's or doctorate) can be awarded only when a significant amount of additional course work in a very different field is completed. Normally when a student has already earned a master's or doctorate in a given discipline (e.g., economics or history) at another foreign or U.S. institution, a second degree at the same level in that discipline cannot be earned at Binghamton University.

  4. Financial Aid, Assistantships and Fellowships


    Approximately two-thirds of full-time PhD students in the Economics Department are supported by fellowships and assistantships carrying an annual stipend plus a tuition scholarship and medical insurance. These awards are based exclusively on academic merit, and generally require the recipients to assist in teaching or research. Summer and occasional adjunct teaching positions are available as well, on a competitive basis. Entering PhD students who are awarded aid, and who maintain satisfactory performance, can expect to receive financial support for at least four years. Assistantship decisions for new students are normally made in early April.

    A limited number of Clark Fellowships are available to US citizens who are members of historically under-represented groups, including minorities, women and those with a history of overcoming disadvantage. Applicants who feel that they meet the     requirements are encouraged to complete the required essay and submit it with their application. Qualified candidates are automatically nominated by the Economics Department.

    Students are also encouraged to visit the Graduate school’s site for additional information about alternate funding opportunities

    Page maintained by Andreas D Pape
    Revised: November 5, 2007

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