Graduate Program

General Advising

At the beginning of each academic year, faculty from the Department of Economics meet with all graduate students in a general advising meeting to discuss their progress in the program and possible problems. Newly admitted graduate students receive an email invitation to this orientation in August, prior to the start of classes.

The Graduate Coordinator is the primary graduate advisor, with additional faculty on the Graduate Committee assisting. 

Questions Regarding Further Education, Research, or Careers?

All economics graduate students are encouraged to seek out advice from any member of the graduate committee regarding possible career options, research topics, or advice on preparing for a PhD program. The graduate committee includes Dr. Hwu (graduate coordinator), Dr. Nguyen, and Dr. Topper.

Satisfactory Progress

Graduate students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. If one’s GPA falls below 3.0 they will be notified, and registration for courses will only be possible after meeting with the Graduate Coordinator and devising a plan to increase their GPA. Courses may be retaken, but if a higher grade is earned the second time, an average of the two grades will be used for GPA calculation. There is no “grade forgiveness” for graduate students, but retroactive withdrawal is possible if circumstances warrant. See 起点传媒’s general catalog for current procedures.