1.The Department of Economics offers graduate work leading to a Doctor of Philosophy degree. The candidate for an advanced degree may specialize in the following fields: development economics, econometrics, industrial organization, international economics, labor economics (which includes health and human resource economics), macroeconomics, microeconomics, public economics, as well as others.
2.The PhD program requires the completion of 96 semester hours of study beyond the bachelor's degree. Specific requirements include 4 hours in mathematics for economists, 12 hours of microtheory, 8 hours of macrotheory, 12 hours of statistics and econometrics, 24 hours of field electives and approximately 32 doctoral thesis hours. Candidates must maintain a grade-point average of B+ in micro, macro, and statistics work. Candidates must also successfully complete two fields through course work and/or a written examination. In addition, candidates are required to give an oral defense of the thesis proposal and pass an oral final examination covering the research. A student with an appropriate background in economics and mathematics who devotes full time study to graduate work can complete the PhD degree in four years beyond the bachelor's degree. An additional year is more common, especially for those holding part-time assistantships.
3.In addition to the standard undergraduate preparation in economics, students are expected to have had a minimum of at least two semesters of calculus and one of linear algebra to be admitted to the PhD program. Original copies of transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) should accompany applications for admission. In addition, non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL results for admission.
4. Applications:
Illinois State law requires non-native speakers of English to attain a passing score on the speaking portion of either the IELTS or iBT to be eligible for a teaching assistantship. While these tests are not required for admission to the PhD program, applicants are strongly advised to submit their score as early as possible as admission decisions are made in tandem with offers of financial support.
The deadline for all application materials to be in the departmental office is January 15. For more information or to check the status of your application to the Ph.D. program in Economics, contact the Department. See below for how to apply.
Over the past seven years, the Department of Economics has been able to offer fellowships or half-time assistantships to most domestic students who meet the standards for entrance or continuation in the PhD program. A similar commitment to domestic students is anticipated for the coming year. Teaching assistantships are not given to international students during the first year unless they have received a passing score on the speaking section of the of the IELTS or iBT.
Applicants for the Ph.D. program can apply electronically on Applyyourself. The Department encourages Ph.D. applicants to apply electronically to reduce application-processing time. Ph.D. applicants can access the web application at the following web address:
https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=uiuc-grad
This web site contains brief instructions regarding the application process and lists the options (with links) for applying on-line or downloading a paper copy of the application.
Program Information: UIUC Programs of Study, 2007-2008.
Admissions information and applications for graduate students: Graduate College, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 301 Coble Hall, 801 South Wright Street, Champaign, IL 61820, (217) 244-4637; or the Economics Department, (217) 333-0120, or fax (217) 244-6571.
Campus information: Information Desk, Illini Union, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 115 Illini Union, 1401 West Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801, (217) 333-INFO.
Campus life and student welfare: Office of the Dean of Students, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 300 Turner Student Services Building, 610 East John Street, Champaign, IL 61820, (217) 333-0050.
Employment assistance: Student Financial Aid, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Fourth Floor, Turner Student Services Building, 610 East John Street, Champaign, IL 61820, (217) 333-0600.
Financial assistance: Student Financial Aid, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Fourth Floor, Turner Student Services Building, 610 East John Street, Champaign, IL 61820, (217) 333-0100.
Housing: University Housing or Office of Certified Housing/Housing Information, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2 Turner Student Services Building, 610 East John Street, Champaign, IL 61820, (217) 333-1420.
Graduate student minority affairs: Graduate College Education Equity Programs Office, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 204 Coble Hall, 801 South Wright Street, Champaign, IL 61820, (217) 333-4860.
Other information: University Telephone Directory Assistance, (217) 333-1000. Public Affairs, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Swanlund Administration Building, 601 East John Street, Champaign, IL 61820, (217) 333-5010.
copied from http://www.economics.uiuc.edu/phdinfo/index.htm
