Special Fields and General Examinations
In addition to the satisfactory completion of the
core requirements, competence in four special fields must be
demonstrated, of which two fields are designated as major and two
fields are designated as minor. Competence in the major fields must be
demonstrated by passing a written general examination whose content
includes, but is not necessarily restricted to, topics covered in
specific subject offerings related to those fields.
In contrast, competence in the minor fields can be
demonstrated
by the satisfactory completion of designated subjects in each field, or
by completion of the supervised research minor field. Satisfaction of a
field by course work alone requires a grade of B or better in each of
the two terms of subject matter. (Although the core econometrics and
history requirements can be satisfied with a grade of B-minus, a grade
of B must be attained if they are used as a minor field.)
The fields in which the Department offers specialization and
the subjects that will satisfy their designation as a minor field are
given on page 9. Some fields overlap so substantially
that both cannot be taken by a student. In any event, the same subject
cannot be counted towards more than a single minor field. Students must
receive the approval of their Graduate Registration Officer for their
designated major and minor fields.
Students normally demonstrate competence in all four fields by
the end of their second year. That is, they normally finish their
required course work and general examinations by that time. In the
event that scheduling or other difficulties interfere with this timing,
one minor field other than theory or econometrics
(including the paper), or one subject in a minor field and in history,
may be postponed until the third year. Before making such a deferment,
students must consult with their Graduate Registration Officer.
Students planning to take the general examination before the end of the
second year.the usual time.must obtain permission in advance from their
Graduate Registration Officer.
|
Subjects Satisfying the Major and
Minor Field Requirements | |
|
Advanced Economic Theory[1] |
The equivalent of two full subjects chosen from 14.125 – 14.129 and other advanced theory topics courses approved by the second-year Graduate Registration Officer |
|
Alternative Approaches to Economics |
14.781J and one other approved subject |
|
Economics and Statistics[2] |
14.382, 14.383, and 14.384 or 14.385 |
|
Economic Development |
14.771 and 14.772 or 14.773 |
|
Economic
History |
14.731 and
one other approved subject |
|
Finance[3] |
14.416J plus
one of: 14.440J, 14.441J or 14.442J |
|
Industrial
Organization |
14.271 and
14.272 |
|
International
Economics |
14.581 and
14.582 |
|
Labor
Economics |
14.661J and
14.662J |
|
Monetary
Economics |
Two subjects chosen from 14.461,
14.462, and 14.463 |
|
Organizational Economics[4] |
14.281 and 14.282 |
|
Political Economy |
14.773 and 14.295J or 14.296J |
|
Public
Economics |
14.471 and
14.472 |
|
Urban
Economics |
14.573J and
14.472 |
|
Research
Minor[5] |
2 Semesters of 14.1 |
[1] Students who wish to choose advanced theory as a major field must, as a minimum, take two of the four field subjects: 14.125 ( when offered as a full-term course), 14.126, 12.127, 14.129. They must also choose topics or classes from other advanced theory courses.
[2] The first half of the fall semester of the second year, students take 14.282. In the second half of the semester, students take 14.383 or 14.385.
[3] Anyone planning a research career in the financial economics is strongly encouraged to take all of 14.440J, 14.441J, 14.442J.
[4] May be used only as a minor field.
[5] Consult registration officer