phd first paper syllabus

Curriculum and Thesis

In their first and second years, PhD students are required to complete a series of core classes, coursework in their major and minor fields of study, and an advanced research methods course before proceeding to the thesis-writing stage.

Core courses

Students must satisfy the requirements in at least 10 of 12 half-semester first-year core courses (14.384 and 14.385 are considered second-year courses). The requirements can be met by earning a grade of B or better in the class or by passing a waiver exam.

Waiver exams are offered at the start of the semester in which the course is offered and graded on a pass-fail basis. Students who receive a grade of B- or below in a class can consult the course faculty to determine whether to take the waiver exam or re-take the course the following year. These requirements must all be satisfied before the end of the second year.

Course list

• 14.121: Microeconomic Theory I
• 14.122: Microeconomic Theory II
• 14.123: Microeconomic Theory III
• 14.124: Microeconomic Theory IV
• 14.380: Statistical Methods in Economics
• 14.381: Estimation and Inference for Linear Causal and Structural Models
• 14.382*: Econometrics
• 14.384*: Time Series Analysis (2nd year course)
• 14.385*: Nonlinear Econometric Analysis (2nd year course)
• 14.451: Dynamic Optimization Methods with Applications
• 14.452: Economic Growth
• 14.453: Economic Fluctuations
• 14.454: Economic Crises

*Courses 14.382, 14.384, and 14.385 are each counted as two half-semester courses.

Most students will also take one or more field courses (depending on whether they are waiving core courses) during their first year. Feel free to ask your graduate research officer, field faculty, and advanced students for advice on how you structure your first-year coursework.

Second year students must also successfully complete the two-semester course 14.192: Advanced Research Methods and Communication. The course, which is graded on a pass-fail basis, guides students through the process of writing and presenting the required second-year research paper.

Major field requirement

By the end of year two, PhD students must complete the requirements for two major fields in economics. This entails earning a B or better in two designated courses for each field. Some fields recommend additional coursework or papers for students intending to pursue research in the field.

Major fields must be declared by the Monday following the spring break of your second year. Your graduate registration officer must approve your field selections.

Minor field requirement

PhD students are also required to complete two minor fields, taking two courses in each field and earning a grade of B or better. Your graduate registration officer must approve your field selections.

Minor coursework is normally completed by the end of year two, but in some cases students can defer the completion of one field until after general exams. Students must consult with their graduate registration officer before making a deferment.

Options for minor fields include the eleven economics major fields, plus computation and statistics (from the interdisciplinary PhD in Economics and Statistics).

Students who wish to satisfy one of the minor field requirements by combining two courses from different fields–for example, environmental economics and industrial organization II–can petition the second-year graduate registration officer for permission.

At least one minor field should be from the department’s standard field list.

The fields in which the Department offers specialization and the subjects that will satisfy their designation as a minor field are given in the chart below. 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.

List of fields

• Development
• Econometrics
• Industrial organization
• International
• Macroeconomics
• Organizational
• Political economy
• Public finance
• Computation and statistics (minor only)

Subjects satisfying major and minor requirements

Advanced economic theory.

Minor: Any subset adding up to two full semesters from 14.125, 14.126, 14.127, 14.130, 14.137, 14.147, 14.160, 14.281 and Harvard Ec 2059. Major: At least two of 14.125, 14.126, 14.281, and Harvard Ec 2059. Recommended for major: 14.126, 14.281, and at least one of 14.125, 14.127, 14.130, 14.147, and Harvard Ec 2059.

Econometrics and Statistics

Minor: 14.382 in addition to one of 14.384 or 14.385. Major: Any one of 14.386, 14.387, 14.388 in addition to one of 14.384 or 14.385. Recommended for major: 14.384 and 14.385. *Dual PhD in Economics and Statistics has an additional requirement of 14.386.

Economic Development

Major and minor: 14.771 and 14.772 or 14.773

Minor: Any two of 14.416J, 14.440J, 14.441J, 14.442J, 14.448. Major: 14.416J and 14.441J

Industrial Organization

Minor: 14.271 and 14.272 or 14.273. Major: 14.271 and 14.272 or 14.273. Recommended for major: 14.271, 14.272, and 14.273.

International Economics

Major and minor: 14.581 and 14.582

Labor Economics

Major: 14.661 and 14.662A. Minor: Two subjects chosen from 14.193, 14.661, and 14.662

Monetary Economics

Major and minor: Two subjects chosen from 14.461, 14.462, and 14.463

Organizational Economics

Major and minor: 14.282 and one of 14.283-284, 14.441J, or an approved substitute

Political Economy

Major and minor: 14.770 and 14.773

Public Economics

Major and minor: 14.471 and 14.472

General exams

MIT requires doctoral candidates to complete an advanced course of study that includes general exams at its completion. Beginning in 2019-20, the Economics Department will operationalize this requirement to include successful completion of: the core and other required courses; course exams and other requirements of courses in each of a student’s two major and two minor fields; the written research paper and oral presentation components of 14.192. Students may present for the general exams while having one remaining minor field to complete. The faculty will review these components together with the candidate’s overall course record to determine whether students have passed the general exam requirement and can proceed to the thesis writing stage.

Typical course schedule

Math Camp begins on the second Monday in August.

Fall Semester

14.121/14.122 (Micro Theory I/II) 14.451/14.452 (Macro Theory I/II) 14.380/14.381 (Statistical Method in Economics & Applied Econometrics) Field Course (major or minor)

Spring Semester

14.123/14.124 (Micro Theory III/IV) 14.453/14.454 (Macro Theory III/IV) 14.382 (Econometrics) Field Course (major or minor)

2-3 Field Courses 14.192 (Advanced Research and Communication) 14.384  or  14.385 (Advanced Econometrics)

3 Field Courses 14.192 (Advanced Research and Communication)

Years 3 and up

Field workshop Field lunch Thesis writing

Upon satisfying the core and field requirements, PhD candidates embark on original research culminating in a completed dissertation. A PhD thesis normally consists of three research papers of publishable quality. The thesis must be approved by a student’s primary and secondary thesis advisors, and by an anonymous third reader. These three faculty members will be the candidate's thesis committee and are responsible for its acceptance. Collaborative work is acceptable and encouraged, but there must be at least one paper in the dissertation without a co-author who was a faculty member when the research started.

Criteria for satisfactory progress

Third-year students.

• Meet regularly with their advisor
• Participate consistently in their primary field advising lunch, their primary field workshop, and the third-year student research lunch
• Participate in third-year meetings organized by the thesis graduate research officer

Students should present on their research in progress at least once in both the third-year student research lunches and their field advising lunch. Presentations provide opportunities for early and broad feedback on research ideas and the chance to develop oral presentation skills. Research ideas or early stage work in progress is encouraged and expected.

Fourth-year and later students

• Participate consistently in their primary field advising lunch and their primary field workshop
• Present at least once per year in their field advising lunch or field workshop. A presentation each semester in the field advising lunch is strongly recommended by most fields; consult your advisors for more information

Satisfactory progress toward a dissertation will be evaluated based on progress assessments by the student’s primary advisor, regular participation in the lunches and workshops, and field lunch or workshop presentations that show continued progress.

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

PhD Course Descriptions

Mgmt9000 - sem strat mgmt (course syllabus).

This course examines some of the central questions in management with economic approaches as a starting point, but with an eye to links to behavioral perspectives on these same questions. Economics concerns itself with goal directed behavior of individuals interacting in a competitive context. We adopt that general orientation but recognize that goal directed action need not take the form of maximizing behavior, particularly for organizations comprised of individuals with possibly divergent interests and distinct sub-goals. Further, we treat competitive processes as playing out over meaningful periods of calendar time and, in general, not equilibrating instantaneously. A central property of firms, as with any organization, is the interdependent nature of activity within them. Thus, understanding firms as "systems" is quite important, a perspective which has important implications for understanding processes of organizational adaptation. Among the sorts of questions we explore are the following: What underlies a firm's capabilities? How does individual knowledge aggregate to form collective capabilities? What do these perspectives on firms say about the scope of a firm's activities, both horizontally (diversification) and vertically (buy-supply relationships)? As a "foundations" course, readings will cover key conceptual foundations, but also provide an arc to current work --- an "arc" that will be developed more fully in our in-class discussions.

MGMT9180 - Personnel Economics A (Course Syllabus)

This is a half-semester PhD course in the Management Department that is also open to any current PhD students at Wharton. The canonical model in economics views an agent as a fully rational, atomistic individual making optimal choices under scarcity. This approach has been very powerful theoretically and empirically to explain and to predict behavior in the workplace. This model has also been enriched to accommodate other phenomena arguably affecting behavior in the workplace like the social context (e.g. peer effects, altruism, or social comparison), non-standard time preferences, loss aversion, and cognitive costs. Incorporating these ideas into the standard model can be accomplished in various ways but the real stress test for these theories is whether they predict behavior more generally (i.e. we don't just use theory to explain one choice but choices more generally) and to generate empirical predictions that can be tested using experiments. In this mini-course we start-off with a tour de force of the fundamental principal-agent model and the various behavioral extensions. The core of the course is, however, not theoretical but a practical course on how to design field experiments to test these ideas.

MGMT9190 - Personnel Economics B (Course Syllabus)

This is a half-semester PhD course in the Management Department that is also open to any current PhD students at Wharton. It is a continuation and builds on MGMT 918 - please see the course description for MGMT 918. As in MGMT 918 we expand on the canonical model in economics and introduce views from behavioral economics and introduce views from behavioral economics to derive novel theories with empirically testable implications on workplace behavior and individual performance in labor markets and health. In this mini-course the focus is on continuing our review of the literature but the primary aim is to work towards a project description and paper that can be developed into a PhD chapter or journal article.

MGMT9200 - Sem in Hum Res Research (Course Syllabus)

The class is organized around understanding labor and work. For management students trained in social science disciplines, there is a considerable gap between what we can learn about the workplace from economics, which relies on markets and incentives for its explanations, and psychology, which relies on dispositional attributes and social interactions. Managing people is arguably the biggest topic in the social sciences each with its own subgroups: labor economists in economics, I/O and personnel psychologists in psychology and organizational behavior researches use the work place as their central research context, work and occupations and career students in sociology. For the most part, these fields talk past each other and are largely unaware of what the others are doing. We try to bridge that gap a bit in this class, although by no means do we attempt to span the range of topics represented across these quite different fields. In most contexts, the employer has considerable discretion as to the arrangements that are chosen for influencing the behavior of workers and, in turn, their outcomes and subsequent attitudes. The management practices they choose are our main focus. They drive many of the most important outcomes in society - who gets access to the most important and powerful jobs, how much income will people have and how it is distributed, whether and to what extent we have control over our lives at work, and so forth. Most of the attention still goes to employment, but it is not the only arrangement for doing work, though. We consider others, especially various forms of contracting and the gig work organized around electronic platforms. To the extent that there is a common conceptual orientation across the class, it is analysis at the organization-level, typically used for independent variables although often for outcomes and dependent variables as well, and power as a mechanism. Many of the most important and exciting topics in public discourse are in our focus, from remote work to gig work to the influence of artificial intelligence. The range of new issues to explore is enormous. A caveat: the phrase "human resources" is a contemporary business term that began as a description of the set of management practices coming out of the "great corporations" and the lifetime employment model for managing non-union employees. Many of these are within the domain of I/O and personnel psychology, such as employee selection tests, succession planning exercises, and so forth. The use of these practices has declined dramatically and are now only one approach to addressing the practical problems that lie

MGMT9250 - Sem Corp Strategy (Course Syllabus)

This course explores current research on corporate strategy. Over the past two decades, research in the area of corporate strategy has evolved considerably. The fundamental focus of the field has been on sources of competitive advantage at the of the firm, and the process of building and maintaining competitive advantage. In this class, we explore current research articles that best represent the development of rent-generating resources at the level of the firm. Topics addressed include the concept of strategy, research on the evolution of firm capabilities, competitive interaction, top management teams and strategy formation, and changes in firm scope through acquisitions, divestitures and alliances.

MGMT9260 - Sem Strat & Org Des (Course Syllabus)

This half-semester course examines one of the foundational questions in strategy: the role of organizational structure in both supporting and shaping strategy. As Winston Churchill famously said: "We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us." This course examines this proposition from two traditions, the "institutional economics" and "information processing" schools of organizational design. We will examine foundational works from both schools, such as Coase, Williamson, Simon, March, and others, and then proceed to recent work in the area. Some of the questions that we will explore in the class are: why do firms exist? What determines their boundaries? What determines formal and informal structures within firms? How does the strategic context shape the answers to these questions? How might the nature of the firm and its boundaries relate to innovation, human capital, and knowledge creation? The aim of this class is to provide students with a grounding in the fundamental questions and contributions in this area, and to spark ideas for research in their own graduate work.

MGMT9270 - Tech & Innov Strategy (Course Syllabus)

This quarter-length doctoral seminar deals with major streams of management research in technology strategy and innovation. We will focus on both classical topics such as incumbents' management of technological change and industry evolution, and new emergent topics such as ecosystems and platforms. The emphasis will be on understanding the link between technologies and firms in terms of both strategy choices and performance outcomes.

MGMT9320 - Prosem in Mgmt (Course Syllabus)

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the methodological approaches we commonly think of as qualitative, with special emphasis on ethnography, semi- structured interviews, case studies, content analysis, and mixed-methods research. The course will cover the basic techniques for collecting, interpreting, and analyzing qualitative (i.e. non-numerical) data. In the spring quarter, the course will operate on two interrelated dimensions, one focused on the theoretical approaches to various types of qualitative research, the other focused on the practical techniques of data collection, such as identifying key informants, selecting respondents, collecting field notes and conducting interviews. In the fall semester, the course will operate on two interrelated dimensions, one focused on the theoretical approaches on building arguments and theory from qualitative data, the other focused on the practical techniques of data collection, such as analyzing data, writing, and presenting findings. Note: This class is part of a two-part sequence which focuses on qualitative data collection and analysis. The first of this course, offered in the Spring, focuses on data collection and the second half of the course, offered the following Fall, will focus on qualitative data analysis. Each course is seven weeks long. Students may take either class independently or consecutively.

MGMT9330 - Psych Found MGMT (Course Syllabus)

This seminar-based course, with active discussion and analysis, is required of all first-year doctoral students in Management and open to other Penn students with instructor permission. The purpose of this course is to examine and understand basics in the theory and empirical research in the field of micro organizational behavior and to build an understanding of people's behavior in organizations and across organizations. The course covers a blend of classic and contemporary literature so that we can appreciate the prevailing theories and findings in various areas of organizational behavior. This course covers micro-organizational behavior, focused on topics such as influence/status, virtual teams, job design, organizational culture and socialization, identity in organizations and overall look on where the field of micro-organizational behavior is going.

MGMT9340 - Soci Foundations of MGMT (Course Syllabus)

This seminar-based course, with active discussion and analysis, is required of all first-year doctoral students in Management and open to other Penn students with instructor permission. The purpose of this course is to examine and understand basics in the theory and empirical research in the field of macro organizational behavior and to build an understanding of people's behavior in organizations and across organizations. The course covers a blend of classic and contemporary literature so that we can appreciate the prevailing theories and findings in various areas of organizational behavior. This course covers macro-organizational behavior, covering the topics of organizational ecology, institutional theory, organizational status and reputation, impression management, social networks and social movements.

MGMT9350 - Netwrk Theory & Applicat (Course Syllabus)

This course explores network models and their applications to organizational phenomena. By examining the structure of relations among actors, network approaches seek to explain variations in beliefs, behaviors, and outcomes. The beauty of network analysis is its underlying mathematical nature - network ideas and measures, in some cases, apply equally well at micro and macro levels of analysis. Therefore, we read and discuss articles both at the micro level (where the network actors are individuals within organizations) and at the macro level (where the network actors are organizations within larger communities) that utilize antecedents or consequences of network constructs such as small worlds, cohesion, structural equivalence, centrality, and autonomy. We begin by examining the classic problem of contagion of information and behaviors across networks, and follow by considering the various underlying models of network structure that might underlie contagion and other processes The next two sessions address a variety of mechanisms by which an actor's position in a network affects its behavior or performance. Then, the following two sessions address antecedents of network ties via the topics of network evolution and network activation. We close with a "grab bag" session of articles chosen to match class interests.

MGMT9370 - Entrep Research Seminar (Course Syllabus)

The seminar seeks to expose students to theoretical and empirical perspectives on entrepreneurship research. We will focus on the main questions that define the field and attempt to critically examine how, using a range of methodologies, researchers have approached these questions. As we review the literature, we will seek to identify promising research areas, which may be of interest to you in the context of your dissertation research. In addition to addressing the content of the received literature, we will examine the process of crafting research papers and getting them published in top tier journals. Towards that end we will characterize the key elements of high impact papers and review the development process of such studies. Students are expected to come fully prepared to discuss and critique the readings that are assigned to each class meeting (see details below). Each student will serve as the discussion leader for one or more of the class sessions. Discussion leaders are expected to critically review several articles, identify new insights in the research that is being reviewed and evaluate its contribution to the literature, position the articles within the literature on the subject matter, raise discussion question, and act as the discussion moderator for the class session. Each discussion leader is asked to prepare a one or two page summary of the assigned papers which includes a statement of the main research question(s), the methodology, data set if any, summary of findings, a commentary with your thoughts on the reading, and proposed discussion questions. Prior to each class, the discussion leader will meet the instructor to help plan the class meeting. Towards the end of each class meeting, each student will be asked to articulate a research question that emerged from the session and describe the research design used to investigate the issue.

MGMT9380 - Seminar in Social Entrep (Course Syllabus)

This half-semester course examines how social enterprise organizations emerge, attract resources, and affect society. The course will bridge micro and macro theoretical perspectives to provide insight into the unique challenges faced by social enterprises, while also showing how the study of such organizations can help to advance mainstream entrepreneurship research. Individual sessions will focus on defining social entrepreneurship, the tensions and tradeoffs that emerge in organizations that pursue social and financial goals, impact investing and other sources of finance, and the role of incubators/accelerators in supporting the development of these organizations. This is a seminar-based course with active discussion and analysis.

MGMT9390 - Ent Innov Research (Course Syllabus)

This quarter-length course explores key topics at the intersection of entrepreneurship and innovation. While the course primarily draws from established theory and empirics from management and economics, it will also include discussions of emerging phenomena in this rapidly evolving field. We will begin by reviewing the basic properties of ideas that uniquely shape the sources and dynamics of entrepreneurship and innovation. Subsequently, we will explore innovation-related challenges and opportunities for startups. Special focus will be placed on research application in which students design and present their own research proposal broadly in the area of entrepreneurship and innovation. Students are highly encouraged to take this course in sequence with MGMT 937.

MGMT9510 - Ob: Theories and Methods (Course Syllabus)

The purpose of this half-semester course is to examine and understand theory and empirical research in the field of micro-organizational behavior and to build an understanding of people's behavior in organizations. The course covers a blend of classic and contemporary literature to appreciate the prevailing theories and findings in various areas of micro-organizational behavior. We will cover topics such as identity, diversity/inclusion, work design/proactivity, extra-role behaviors, behavioral ethics/organizational justice, and an overall look at where the field of micro-organizational behavior is heading. This is a seminar-based course with active discussion and analysis.

MGMT9520 - Sem Macro Org Behav (Course Syllabus)

Organizations are ubiquitous, and so is organization. This half-semester course explores organization theory (OT) from the 1960s through the end of the 20th century. We will examine the proliferation of organizational theories during this time period (such as contingency theory, resource dependence theory, ecological theory, and institutional theory) and understand how each theory attempts to relate structure and action over varying levels of analysis. We will determine one or two additional schools to add once we discuss your exposure in other management classes to other potential topics such as behavioral decision theory, sense-making and cognition, organizational economics, corporate governance, social networks, and the like.

MGMT9530 - Sem Research Design (Course Syllabus)

This is an introductory doctoral seminar on research methods in management. The course is designed to help you define your research interests, to strengthen your grasp of research design choices and standards, and to move you further along on the path to becoming a skilled, accomplished, engaged, and independent research scholar. We will read about, discuss, and in some cases practice: framing of research questions, writing for publication, defining and meeting research standards, and conducting experimental, archival, survey-based, and qualitative research suitable for publication in top-tier management journals.

MGMT9550 - Foundations Mult Mgmt. (Course Syllabus)

The goal of the course is to provide you with a foundation in some of the major research areas that underpin the study of Multinational Management. International Business (and the study of MNCs) is an interdisciplinary field. As such, our survey of the seminal articles in the field will span a number of different theoretical and empirical approaches (i.e., economic, managerial, organizational and institutional). Much of our seminar discussions will focus on identifying and developing interesting research questions raised by this interdisciplinary literature, which offers many opportunities for systematic empirical study.

MGMT9570 - Applied Research Methods Org B (Course Syllabus)

This is a half semester course where we review and apply fundamental lessons related to empirical research (both methods and analyses) in organizational behavior. The course will focus primarily on quantitative research. We will begin by covering the link between theory and empirics as well as core concepts in methods and statistics, including causality, validity, reliability, and statistical power. We will then shift to research methods, including design, sampling, pre-registration, and data collection. A key focus will be on maximizing different forms of validity, with an emphasis on multi-method research designs. Finally, we will consider a variety of the most important analytical approaches in organizational behavior, including regression, structural equation modeling, and multi-level analyses. This is an applied methods course, which means that we will be applying the lessons directly by using statistical software to compile and analyze datasets. The course will introduce you to the broad array of methods and analyses that OB scholars are expected to master in order to consistently publish in the field’s top journals.

MGMT9600 - Non-Market Strategy (Course Syllabus)

This course builds on the foundational material presented in MGMT 955 with a deeper focus on current research examining institutional influences on multinational management. These include regulative supports (e.g., laws, regulations, contracts and their enforcement through litigation, arbitration of incentive compatible self-regulation) but also normative (e.g., socially shared expectations of appropriate behavior, and social exchange processes) and cognitive (e.g., creating shared identity to bridge differences in values, beliefs and framing) elements of the institutional environment. We will examine not only strategic responses in the market environment but also influence strategies of multinational and domestic firms that seek to alter the institutional environment in which they operate. We will draw not only upon the international business literature but also related literatures including political economy, sociology, law, finance, communications, institutional theory, strategic corporate social responsibility, social movements, network theory and the management of extractive industries.

MGMT9610 - Special Topics in Ob (Course Syllabus)

This is a complement course to MGMT 951, and it has the same purpose to examine and understand basics in the theory and empirical research in the field of micro-organizational behavior and to increase our understanding of people's behavior in organizations. To do so, we will cover a blend of classic and contemporary literature so that we can appreciate the prevailing theories and findings in various areas of micro-organizational behavior. In addition, for each topic we will then try to go beyond the existing literature. We will work to increase our understanding by re-framing the research variables, altering the perspective, bringing in new theory, and comparing levels of analysis. The purpose of this course is not meant to be exhaustive, rather it covers approximately half of the organizational behavior literature. For a more complete understanding of the basics of organizational behavior it is mandatory for organizational behavior students to have taken MGMT 951 which covers the remaining topics in basic organizational behavior. However, it is not mandatory to have taken MGMT 951 before MGMT 961 as they cover different sets of topics.

MGMT9620 - Mult Firms Glob Econ (A) (Course Syllabus)

This is a graduate course focusing on the empirical aspects of multinational firms and international trade. The goal of the course is to familiarize graduate students with empirical work on multinational firms in the global economy, by reviewing the recent as well as older literature on this topic. Econometrics and statistical techniques for doing empirical work in international trade will also be discussed. We will focus on a variety of issues that are related to the multinational firm, beginning with trends in multinational activity, then moving to both horizontal and vertical theories of the multinational firm. Topics over the course of the semester will include patterns in the expansion of multinational firms, horizontal and vertical multinationals; the linkages between openness to trade and investment and growth; trade orientation and firm performance; technology transfer and spillovers; innovation and productivity; immigration; labor markets and multinational firms; and global value chains. This course has a mandatory attendance policy.

MGMT9630 - Mult Firms Glob Econ (B) (Course Syllabus)

This is continuation of Multinational Firms in Global Economies (A). It is a graduate course focusing on the empirical aspects of multinational firms and international trade. The goal of the course is to familiarize graduate students with empirical work on multinational firms in the global economy, by reviewing the recent as well as older literature on this topic. Econometrics and statistical techniques for doing empirical work in international trade will also be discussed. We will focus on a variety of issues that are related to the multinational firm, beginning with trends in multinational activity, then moving to both horizontal and vertical theories of the multinational firm. Topics over the course of the semester will include patterns in the expansion of multinational firms, horizontal and vertical multinationals; the linkages between openness to trade and investment and growth; trade orientation and firm performance; technology transfer and spillovers; innovation and productivity; immigration; labor markets and multinational firms; and global value chains. This course has a mandatory attendance policy.

MGMT9700 - Research Methods in Mgmt (Course Syllabus)

Students taking the course will be introduced to the seminal readings on a given method, have a hands-on discussion regarding their application often using a paper and dataset of the faculty member leading the discussion. The goal of the course is to make participants more informed users and reviewers of a wide variety of methodological approaches to Management research including Ordinary Least Squares, Discrete Choice, Count Models, Panel Data, Dealing with Endogeneity, Survival/failure/event history and event studies, experiments, factor analysis and structural equation modeling, hierarchical linear modeling, networks, comparative qualitative methods, coding of non-quantitative data, unstructured text and big data simulations.

MGMT9701 - Quant Research Methods in MGMT (Course Syllabus)

This PhD course exposes students to a range of methodologies and techniques in applied econometrics as seen in latest research papers. The approach is to take a detailed look at 1-2 papers per week for a thorough understanding of each topic. Students are required to carefully read and prepare the readings for each week with an emphasis on “how it was done” rather than the results of the paper. A provisional list of topics are: Field Experiments with Firms; Replication with confidential and non-confidential data; Difference in Difference Estimation & Linear Panel Event Studies; Instrumental Variable Regressions; Synthetic Controls & Natural Experiments; Regression Discontinuity Design

Additional Program Information

• Q&A for Potential Applicants
• Visiting Doctoral Student Policy

For Current Students

Doctoral Programs Resources

• Doctoral Forms Library
• Doctoral Inside: Policies and Procedures
• Doctoral Inside: Resources for Current PhD Students
• International Students and Scholar Services
• Independent Study Course Approval Form

Management PhD Guidelines and Requirements

• Guidelines on Overlapping Topics for Course Papers
• First Year Exam Guidelines
• Second Year Exam Guidelines
• Second Year Paper Requirements

Guide to Graduate Studies

The PhD Program The Ph.D. program of the Harvard Department of Mathematics is designed to help motivated students develop their understanding and enjoyment of mathematics. Enjoyment and understanding of the subject, as well as enthusiasm in teaching it, are greater when one is actively thinking about mathematics in one’s own way. For this reason, a Ph.D. dissertation involving some original research is a fundamental part of the program. The stages in this program may be described as follows:

• Acquiring a broad basic knowledge of mathematics on which to build a future mathematical culture and more detailed knowledge of a field of specialization.
• Choosing a field of specialization within mathematics and obtaining enough knowledge of this specialized field to arrive at the point of current thinking.
• Making a first original contribution to mathematics within this chosen special area.

Students are expected to take the initiative in pacing themselves through the Ph.D. program. In theory, a future research mathematician should be able to go through all three stages with the help of only a good library. In practice, many of the more subtle aspects of mathematics, such as a sense of taste or relative importance and feeling for a particular subject, are primarily communicated by personal contact. In addition, it is not at all trivial to find one’s way through the ever-burgeoning literature of mathematics, and one can go through the stages outlined above with much less lost motion if one has some access to a group of older and more experienced mathematicians who can guide one’s reading, supplement it with seminars and courses, and evaluate one’s first attempts at research. The presence of other graduate students of comparable ability and level of enthusiasm is also very helpful.

University Requirements

The University requires a minimum of two years of academic residence (16 half-courses) for the Ph.D. degree. On the other hand, five years in residence is the maximum usually allowed by the department. Most students complete the Ph.D. in four or five years. Please review the program requirements timeline .

There is no prescribed set of course requirements, but students are required to register and enroll in four courses each term to maintain full-time status with the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Qualifying Exam

The department gives the qualifying examination at the beginning of the fall and spring terms. The qualifying examination covers algebra, algebraic geometry, algebraic topology, complex analysis, differential geometry, and real analysis. Students are required to take the exam at the beginning of the first term. More details about the qualifying exams can be found here .

Students are expected to pass the qualifying exam before the end of their second year. After passing the qualifying exam students are expected to find a Ph.D. dissertation advisor.

Minor Thesis

The minor thesis is complementary to the qualifying exam. In the course of mathematical research, students will inevitably encounter areas in which they have gaps in knowledge. The minor thesis is an exercise in confronting those gaps to learn what is necessary to understand a specific area of math. Students choose a topic outside their area of expertise and, working independently, learns it well and produces a written exposition of the subject.

The topic is selected in consultation with a faculty member, other than the student’s Ph.D. dissertation advisor, chosen by the student. The topic should not be in the area of the student’s Ph.D. dissertation. For example, students working in number theory might do a minor thesis in analysis or geometry. At the end of three weeks time (four if teaching), students submit to the faculty member a written account of the subject and are prepared to answer questions on the topic.

The minor thesis must be completed before the start of the third year in residence.

Language Exam

Mathematics is an international subject in which the principal languages are English, French, German, and Russian. Almost all important work is published in one of these four languages. Accordingly, students are required to demonstrate the ability to read mathematics in French, German, or Russian by passing a two-hour, written language examination. Students are asked to translate one page of mathematics into English with the help of a dictionary. Students may request to substitute the Italian language exam if it is relevant to their area of mathematics. The language requirement should be fulfilled by the end of the second year. For more information on the graduate program requirements, a timeline can be viewed at here .

Non-native English speakers who have received a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics from an institution where classes are taught in a language other than English may request to waive the language requirement.

Upon completion of the language exam and eight upper-level math courses, students can apply for a continuing Master’s Degree.

Teaching Requirement

Most research mathematicians are also university teachers. In preparation for this role, all students are required to participate in the department’s teaching apprenticeship program and to complete two semesters of classroom teaching experience, usually as a teaching fellow. During the teaching apprenticeship, students are paired with a member of the department’s teaching staff. Students attend some of the advisor’s classes and then prepare (with help) and present their own class, which will be videotaped. Apprentices will receive feedback both from the advisor and from members of the class.

Teaching fellows are responsible for teaching calculus to a class of about 25 undergraduates. They meet with their class three hours a week. They have a course assistant (an advanced undergraduate) to grade homework and to take a weekly problem session. Usually, there are several classes following the same syllabus and with common exams. A course head (a member of the department teaching staff) coordinates the various classes following the same syllabus and is available to advise teaching fellows. Other teaching options are available: graduate course assistantships for advanced math courses and tutorials for advanced undergraduate math concentrators.

Final Stages

How students proceed through the second and third stages of the program varies considerably among individuals. While preparing for the qualifying examination or immediately after, students should begin taking more advanced courses to help with choosing a field of specialization. Unless prepared to work independently, students should choose a field that falls within the interests of a member of the faculty who is willing to serve as dissertation advisor. Members of the faculty vary in the way that they go about dissertation supervision; some faculty members expect more initiative and independence than others and some variation in how busy they are with current advisees. Students should consider their own advising needs as well as the faculty member’s field when choosing an advisor. Students must take the initiative to ask a professor if she or he will act as a dissertation advisor. Students having difficulty deciding under whom to work, may want to spend a term reading under the direction of two or more faculty members simultaneously. The sooner students choose an advisor, the sooner they can begin research. Students should have a provisional advisor by the second year.

It is important to keep in mind that there is no technique for teaching students to have ideas. All that faculty can do is to provide an ambiance in which one’s nascent abilities and insights can blossom. Ph.D. dissertations vary enormously in quality, from hard exercises to highly original advances. Many good research mathematicians begin very slowly, and their dissertations and first few papers could be of minor interest. The ideal attitude is: (1) a love of the subject for its own sake, accompanied by inquisitiveness about things which aren’t known; and (2) a somewhat fatalistic attitude concerning “creative ability” and recognition that hard work is, in the end, much more important.

• Utility Menu

• Department Intranet

Program Overview

The Department of Philosophy offers programs covering a wide range of fields in philosophy. The department’s graduate program is primarily a PhD program. In addition to the standard PhD in Philosophy, the department offers a PhD in Classical Philosophy in collaboration with the Department of the Classics, a PhD in Indian Philosophy in collaboration with the Department of South Asian Studies, and a joint JD/PhD program in conjunction with the Harvard Law School. Below you will find a list of the requirements for each program. The department does not admit applicants who wish to study only for the master’s (AM) degree. The AM may be taken as a step toward the PhD after a minimum of two terms in residence.

PhD in Philosophy

Graduate advising.

The department’s arrangement for advising students is structured to correspond to four stages of a student’s progress toward the PhD. These stages include the first year, the second-year paper, reading and research toward a dissertation topic, and work on the dissertation.

• The director of graduate studies is assigned as an advisor to all first-year students and continues to meet with all students at the beginning of each term and sign their study cards throughout their time in the program. Their advising role is particularly important during the coursework stage (generally through the second year), because they have principal responsibility for monitoring the student’s progress toward fulfilling the general requirements for the degree: the preliminary requirement, and the distribution requirement. In addition, each first-year student is assigned an informal faculty advisor.
• At the end of the first year, students should arrange with a member of the faculty to supervise the student’s second-year paper. That faculty member will be the student’s advisor during the second year. If necessary, the director of graduate studies is available to assist a student in finding a suitable faculty member.
• At the beginning of the third year, after the second year paper is completed, a student arranges for a faculty member to be their advisor during the process of exploring areas for a possible dissertation and formulating a topic and a prospectus. This advisor may be the same person as the second-year paper advisor but need not be. Normally, a student will continue with this advisor until the topical examination, but change is possible by arrangement among the parties involved.
• When a prospectus is well along, the student should discuss the formation of a dissertation committee with the advisor, the director of graduate studies, and possible committee members.  Normally, this committee has three members, two of whom must be Harvard faculty as members; however, the committee may consist of only two members at the time of the topical examination.  Committees may have a fourth member, who may be, with permission of the DGS, a faculty member in another Harvard department or at another institution. This committee conducts the topical examination and, after a successful topical, will continue supervising the student’s work on the dissertation. Normally it conducts the dissertation defense when the dissertation is completed.
• During work on the dissertation, change is possible by arrangement with the parties involved and with the approval of the director of graduate studies. At this stage, one member of the committee will be designated as the student’s advisor. The significance of this will vary as the supervision of dissertations is more collective in philosophy, for example, than in many other fields. In some cases, the advisor will be the principal supervisor, in others the role of the committee members will be close to equal and the choice of one advisor is a matter of convenience.

Preliminary Requirement

Candidates must pass at least twelve approved philosophy courses or seminars. The norm is that these course are completed during the first four terms in the department. Courses numbered 301 or above do not count toward this preliminary requirement, save that the two required terms of Philosophy 300, the First Year Colloquium, may be counted as two of the twelve. Independent Studies (Philosophy 305) may also be used to satisfy distribution requirements but not the preliminary requirement with the prior approval of the DGS. For a letter-graded course philosophy course to be considered satisfactory, the candidate’s grade in the course must be B or higher.  The average grade for all letter-graded philosophy courses taken during the candidate’s time in the program must be at least B+.

Courses taken to meet the preliminary requirement must be approved in advance by the department’s director of graduate studies. Students must take and complete Philosophy 300a plus two letter-graded courses or seminars during their first term and Philosophy 300b plus three letter-graded courses or seminars more in their second term, thus completing five letter-graded courses during the first two terms of residence.

These courses, like the rest of the twelve, should be among those designated “For Undergraduates and Graduates” or “Primarily for Graduates” in the course catalogue. At least ten of the courses must be taught by members of the Department of Philosophy (including visiting and emeritus members). This requirement can be modified for students specializing in Classical or Indian Philosophy.

All graduate students must complete two semesters of the Pedagogy seminar, Philosophy 315hf. Normally this is done during a student's third year in the program, when students begin functioning as teaching fellows. Exceptions to taking 315hf in the third year must be approved in advance by the DGS.

Students who have done graduate work elsewhere may petition the DGS to obtain credit for up to three courses, which may be counted toward the preliminary requirement. If they are in philosophy (as would normally be the case), such courses will be regarded as equivalent to those taught by members of the department.

Distribution Requirement

This requirement, intended to ensure a broad background in philosophy, is met by completing eight distribution units of work, normally before the beginning of the fourth year of graduate study. A distribution unit may be fulfilled (i) by completing an approved course or seminar (which may also be counted toward the preliminary requirement), or (ii) by writing a paper under the guidance of a faculty member, with the approval of the director of graduate studies. In the latter case the work does not count toward the preliminary requirement.

The units are to be distributed as follows:

• Contemporary Theoretical Philosophy: Three units in core areas of twentieth- and twenty-first century metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, philosophy of mathematics, and the like.
• Practical Philosophy: Two units in contemporary or historical ethics, political philosophy, aesthetics, and the like.
• History of Philosophy: The distribution requirement in history is intended to assure that students have knowledge of the philosophical tradition out of which contemporary Anglo-American philosophy has grown, as well as an ability to work though texts whose philosophical presuppositions are different enough from those of contemporary Anglo-American philosophy that careful historical and philosophical analysis is required to bring them to light.

Three sorts of courses satisfy the requirement:   A. Courses in ancient Greek, Roman, or medieval philosophy.   B. Courses in early modern European philosophy up to and including Kant.   C. Courses on the foundations of philosophical traditions other than contemporary Anglo-American philosophy. These might include courses on traditional South Asian or East Asian philosophy, 19th century Continental European philosophy, early 20th century work of Heidegger, and so on.   A student must take three history courses to satisfy the requirement; at most one of these may be in practical philosophy. Save in the most exceptional circumstances (and with the approval of the DGS), at least one of these courses must be of category A and at least one must be of category B. Students should verify (with the DGS) in advance of taking a course to satisfy the requirement that the course will in fact satisfy it.

The First-Year Colloquium (Philosophy 300a and 300b) may not be used to fulfill any part of the distribution requirement. Philosophy 299hf, the second-year paper, may be used to fulfill a distribution requirement.

Logic Requirement

Candidates for the Ph.D. are expected to have mastered the fundamentals of logic and to have an understanding of the elements of logic’s metatheory. Normally, this requirement is satisfied by successfully completing one of the Department’s 100-level courses in logic: 140 (Introduction to Mathematical Logic), 144 (Logic and Philosophy), or 145 (Modal Logic). It can also be satisfied by taking an appropriate mathematics course (for example, Mathematics 143, 144a, or 145b). The requirement may also be satisfied by an examination set by the DGS in consultation with appropriate Department members or by serving as a TF in a Department logic course.

Second-Year Paper

Students are required at the end of their second year in residence to submit a paper whose length is between 7,500 and 12,000 words including footnotes.

The expectation is not that the second-year paper should constitute a kind of Master’s Thesis; a better model is that of a journal article: i.e., an essay that sets out a focused philosophical problem, articulates its significance, and makes a significant contribution rather than a mere intervention. Given this goal, the second-year paper may under no circumstances be over 12,000 words, and generally will be significantly shorter. Students must annotate the paper with an accurate word count.

By the end of the first year, students need to have a faculty advisor who will supervise the second year paper. Together the advisor and advisee will write a plan of study for the summer and the first term of the second year, and submit it to the DGS. This plan of study will specify a schedule for submitting work and receiving feedback, and will also specify a benchmark to be met before the beginning of the second semester.

A preliminary draft of the second-year paper is to be submitted by the end of the spring vacation of the second semester, and a final draft is due by June 1st. Under extraordinary circumstances and with the written approval of both advisor and the DGS, the final version of the paper may be submitted after June 1st, but no later than August 1st.

Once the second-year paper is submitted to the advisor, the advisor forwards the paper to the DGS, who selects a faculty member to act as the paper’s reader. The author, advisor, and reader meet in a timely manner to discuss the paper, after which the examiner in consultation with the advisor awards the paper a grade. This grade will be recorded as the student’s grade for their two semesters of 299hf.

Normally, a student is not allowed to participate in a dissertation workshop until they have submitted their second-year paper.

The Third Year

In a successful third year, graduate students do two things: they acquire pedagogical skills and confidence as teachers; they make enough progress on isolating a dissertation topic that they are able, at the end of that year or by the end of the first term of the fourth year, to write a prospectus and have a successful topical exam.

Normally, at the end of a student's second year, the student's 2YP advisor and the DGS consult and then assign a pre-prospective advisor to the student. The pre-prospectus advisor need not, and often will not, be someone who specializes in the area in which a student expects to write a dissertation. Rather, the advisor is someone with whom the student is comfortable discussing philosophy and who can advise about directions of research. In many cases the pre-prospectus advisor may be the 2YP advisor, since the student has formed a working relationship with that faculty member.

The student and pre-prospectus advisor should meet before the end of spring exams. The meeting's purpose is to discuss the student's general area(s) of interest for a dissertation and, if the student is ready, to devise a tentative list of articles or books which the student will read and reflect on over the next twelve months.

G3s meet with their pre-prospectus advisor in the first days of the fall term. The aim of this meeting is to give the student a manageable set of concrete tasks to complete toward settling on a prospectus topic. In this meeting, advisor and student should decide on: a collection of at least six articles or book chapters to discuss at meetings; a schedule for meetings during the fall (the norm being a meeting roughly every two weeks); the written work the student commits to doing in advance of each meeting. This work need not be elaborate --it might, for example, be a few pages of critical summary and discussion of the reading for the meeting.

Until a successful defense of a prospectus, students register of that section of Philosophy 333 associated with their pre-prospectus advisor.

The norm is that in the fall term of year 3 students do research in the area in which they expect to write so that they can fashion a fairly specific topic for the prospectus; spring term is then devoted to writing a prospectus. Students normally aim at having a prospectus and a topical before the beginning of classes in the fourth year; the expectation is that students have done a topical by the end of the first term of their fourth year.

Students who have completed their second year paper are required to enroll each term in one of the two dissertation workshops, Philosophy 311, Workshop in Moral and Political Philosophy or Philosophy 312, Workshop in Metaphysics and Epistemology. In an academic year in which a student is actively seeking post Ph.D. employment, they are not required to enroll in a workshop.

This a requirement for the Ph.D.; it is only in unusual personal circumstances that students may fail to enroll in a workshop. Permission not to enroll in a Workshop must be granted by the director of graduate studies. G3s are not required to present more than once a year in a workshop, and it is understood that their presentations may consist of such things as (constrained) literature reviews, overviews of the particular area in a sub-discipline, or drafts or presentations of a prospectus.

Prospectus and Topical Examination

When the prospectus is complete, a candidate must pass an oral topical examination on the prospectus. The examining committee consists of at least two Philosophy Department faculty members. If the topical examination is not passed, it must be taken again and passed by the beginning of the winter recess in the year immediately following. Normally students have a successful topical by the end of their fourth year in the program.

Requirements for a prospectus are set by a student's dissertation committee and may vary with committee membership. That said, in many cases a good default model for a prospectus will simply be a list of clear, straightforward answers to the following five questions: (1) What question(s) do you intend your dissertation to answer? (2) Why do you consider these questions to be important? (3) What is a good summary of what you consider to be the most important contributions to these questions in the literature? (4) Why, in your view, do these contributions leave more work to be done? (5) What is your tentative plan of attack (including a list of sources you anticipate using)? Think of your answers to these questions as building a case for why your dissertation project needs to be done , along with a sketch of how you in particular plan to do it. Finally, limit yourself to about 5000 words.

Although called an examination, a topical (which is approximately ninety minutes in length) is in fact a conference on the dissertation topic, not an occasion on which the candidate is expected to produce a complete outline of arguments and conclusions. The conference is intended to determine the acceptability of the topic on which the candidate wishes to write a dissertation, the candidate’s fitness to undertake such a dissertation, and the candidate’s command of relevant issues in related areas of philosophy. A dissertation on the proposed topic may be submitted only if the topical examination is passed.

Application to take the topical examination must be made to the director of graduate studies at least two weeks in advance. At the same time, the candidate must submit copies of a dissertation prospectus to the director of graduate studies and members of the student’s prospective committee.

Financial Support, Travel and Research Funding, and Teaching

Beyond tuition remission, Ph.D. students receive the following financial support from the Graduate School.

· A stipend for their first two years. During this period, students do not teach.

· Financial support via guaranteed teaching in the third and fourth year . During this period, students are hired as teaching fellows; the normal workload for a teaching fellow is two sections a term.

· A dissertation completion fellowship. This includes a full stipend for one academic year.

In addition, various university fellowships (for example: Term Time and Merit Fellowships, Fellowships at the Safra Center) are available on a competitive basis.

The Department also grants each Philosophy graduate student one academic term of stipend support through Philosophy Department Fellowships and also a total of $5500 in fellowships for professional development. For details see: Funding | Department of Philosophy (harvard.edu)

Dissertation and Dissertation Defense

Once the topical exam is passed, the examining committee (which must consist of at least two faculty members of the Philosophy Department) normally becomes the dissertation advisory committee.  One member of the committee is the dissertation’s primary advisor (aka, the dissertation director).  It is expected that a student will have a committee of at least three members within a few months of the defense; the committee must have three members at the time of the defense.  It is possible, with the approval of the primary advisor and the DGS, to add a faculty member from another institution.  Normally a dissertation committee has no more than four members; larger committees must be approved by primary advisor and the DGS.

The primary advisor has primary responsibility for supervision for the dissertation.  The norm is that the student and the dissertation committee set out in advance how often students will meet with and receive feedback from advisors.  The expectation is that the committee and the student will meet as a body once a term to discuss progress on the dissertation.

At least three months before a final defense of the dissertation can be scheduled, the candidate must submit a draft of the dissertation or at least a substantial part of it to the committee.  Until this is done, a defense of the dissertation cannot be scheduled.  Assuming the committee approves scheduling a defense, the candidate completes a draft and circulates it to the committee. While it is a matter for the committee and the candidate to decide, the expectation is that the complete draft of the dissertation which will be defended will be circulated to the committee at least three weeks before the date of the defense . 

Dissertation defenses are public, and may be attended both by department members and other interested parties.  They are normally two hours in length, and normally begin with a brief summary by the candidate of what the candidate has accomplished in the dissertation, followed by a conversation between the candidate and the committee.  The purpose of this conversation is not so much to test the range and detail of the candidate’s knowledge as to judge the candidate’s skill in presenting and discussing matters considered in the dissertation as well as the candidate’s ability to meet friendly but searching criticism.

PhD in Classical Philosophy

The departments of the Classics and Philosophy collaborate in an interdisciplinary PhD program in Classical Philosophy for students registered in either department. Candidates whose major field is philosophy are expected to take the Proseminar for graduate students in the classics, as well as attend seminars or other courses in classics relevant to their interests. With the approval of the director of graduate studies, students in the Classical Philosophy program may be permitted to count an appropriate course in ancient philosophy toward the distribution requirement in metaphysics and epistemology and one (in addition to the one already required) toward the requirement in history of philosophy.

Language requirements:

Candidates who plan to write a dissertation in Classical Philosophy are expected to have learned at least one of the classical languages (Greek or Latin) before they are admitted. Depending upon the level of fluency they have reached before entering the program, they may be asked to take additional language or reading courses. If they have not previously studied the second language, they will be required to reach the level of one year of college coursework. This can be done either by taking courses or by passing a language examination. In addition, candidates will be expected to have acquired a reading knowledge of German sufficient for reading scholarly literature and to pass a departmental examination on a suitably chosen text. The rules and procedures for the dissertation will, in general, be those established for candidates in philosophy.

PhD in Indian Philosophy

The departments of Philosophy and South Asian Studies collaborate in an interdisciplinary PhD program in Indian Philosophy for students registered in either department. Candidates whose major field is Philosophy are expected to take advanced language courses in South Asian studies and pass AM qualifying examinations. Candidates whose major field is South Asian studies are expected to fulfill the requirements of students in Philosophy, including distribution and logic requirements. With the approval of the director of graduate studies, students in Indian Philosophy may be permitted to count appropriate course in advanced Sanskrit or Tibetan toward the distribution requirement in metaphysics or epistemology and one toward the requirement in history of philosophy.

Language Requirements:

Candidates who plan to write a dissertation in Indian Philosophy are expected to have learned at least one of the relevant classical languages (Sanskrit or Tibetan) before they are admitted to the program. Depending upon the level of fluency they have reached before entering the program, they may be asked to take additional language or reading courses. In addition, candidates will be expected to satisfy the specific language requirements of their home department. The rules and procedures for the dissertation will, in general, be those established for candidates in Philosophy.

For more information please see the PhD in Indian Philosophy section .

JD/PhD in Philosophy and Law

A coordinated JD/PhD in Philosophy and Law is available. Students wishing to obtain the coordinated degrees must be admitted separately to both programs. Students admitted for the coordinated degrees must begin either with the first full year of law school or the first two years of philosophy; after that they may alternate terms as they choose. The program in Law may be completed in five terms. The requirements for philosophy are the same as for regular philosophy graduate students. For more information please see the JD/PhD Coordinated Program section .

The Master of Arts (AM) in Philosophy

The Department does not admit students for degrees other than the PhD. Students who have been admitted for the PhD and who have completed all course requirements for the degree may apply to be awarded an AM in Philosophy.

Harvard PhD students from programs (such as African and African-American Studies) which require PhD students to take courses required for an AM in another program are not required to take the first year colloquium required of Philosophy PhDs. (Students from these programs who wish to the take the colloquium must consult with the DGS.) Students from these programs who have completed 10 philosophy courses which satisfy the course requirements for a PhD and who have satisfied the distribution requirements for the PhD may apply to be awarded an AM in Philosophy.

A student who is pursuing an ad hoc degree administered in part by the Philosophy Department may petition to receive a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy. To receive this degree the student must have taken a total of 10 courses in Philosophy at the level of 100 or higher. At least two of these courses must satisfy the graduate distribution requirement in metaphysics and epistemology, two must satisfy the practical philosophy distribution requirement, two the history distribution requirement, and one must be a logic course. All must be passed with a grade of B or better. Students may receive this degree only when the Department has voted to support their petition.

Secondary Field in Philosophy

Much work in philosophy speaks directly to one or more disciplines which have Harvard PhD programs --literature, physics, statistics, science, mathematics, linguistics, and economics, to name a few. A secondary field in Philosophy gives students from other disciplines an opportunity to step back and look at the big picture in their discipline, putting students from discipline X in a position to do "philosophy of X" as part of doing X, thereby helping them both to understand their field more deeply and to open a path to developing it in innovative ways.

Graduate students may apply to the Philosophy Department to do a secondary field after their first term as a graduate student at Harvard. Secondary field students normally begin the secondary field in the second or third semester at Harvard, normally taking one or two courses a semester until they have completed the secondary field requirements.

Applicants should contact the Philosophy DGS before applying to do a secondary field in Philosophy. Applications must include: a brief statement explaining what the applicant hopes to achieve with the secondary field, including a brief summary of the applicant's background in philosophy; a copy of the undergraduate transcript (this can be a copy sent from the student's home department at Harvard) and a brief letter from a Harvard faculty member of the student's home department discussing how a secondary field in philosophy would contribute to the student's work in the home department.

To complete a secondary field in philosophy, a student completes four courses in philosophy at the 100 level or higher with a grade of B+ or better. One course must be in the area of one of the Department's PhD distribution requirements: moral and political philosophy; metaphysics and epistemology; logic; history of philosophy. A second course must be in another of these areas. At least one course must be a graduate seminar. In principle, an independent study with a member of the Department may be used to complete the secondary field. A capstone project is not required. Courses are counted towards satisfying the secondary field requirements only when approved to do so by the Philosophy DGS.

A student completing a secondary field in philosophy is assigned an advisor from the Philosophy Department, normally the DGS.

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

PhD Course Descriptions

Fnce9110 - financial economics (course syllabus).

The objective of this course is to undertake a rigorous study of the theoretical foundations of modern financial economics. The course will cover the central themes of modern finance including individual investment decisions under uncertainty, stochastic dominance, mean variance theory, capital market equilibrium and asset valuation, arbitrage pricing theory, option pricing, and incomplete markets, and the potential application of these themes. Upon completion of this course, students should acquire a clear understanding of the major theoretical results concerning individuals' consumption and portfolio decisions under uncertainty and their implications for the valuation of securities.

Prerequisites: ECON 6100 OR ECON 7100

FNCE9120 - Corp Fnce and Fin Instit (Course Syllabus)

This course provides students with an overview of the basic contributions in the modern theory of corporate finance and financial institutions. The course is methodology oriented in that students are required to master necessary technical tools for each topic. The topics covered may include capital structure, distribution policy, financial intermediation, incomplete financial contracting, initial and seasoned public offerings, market for corporate control, product market corporate finance interactions, corporate reorganization and bankruptcy, financing in imperfect markets, security design under adverse selection and moral hazard, and some selected topics.

FNCE9210 - Intro Empir Methods Fin (Course Syllabus)

This course is an introduction to empirical methods commonly employed in finance. It provides the background for FNCE 934, Empirical Research in Finance. The course is organized around empirical papers with an emphasis on econometric methods. A heavy reliance will be placed on analysis of financial data.

Prerequisites: FNCE 9110 AND STAT 5100 AND STAT 5110

FNCE9220 - Continuous-Time Fin Econ (Course Syllabus)

This course covers some advanced material on the theory of financial markets developed over the last two decades. The emphasis is on dynamic asset pricing and consumption choices in a continuous time setting. The articles discussed include many classical papers in the field as well as some of the most recent developments. The lectures will emphasize the concepts and technical tools needed to understand the articles.

Prerequisites: FNCE 9110 AND ECON 7100 AND 7110

FNCE9230 - Fin Econ Under Imp Info (Course Syllabus)

This course covers general equilibrium and rational expectations, foundations of the theory of information; learning from prices in rational expectations equilibrium models, moral hazard, adverse selection, and signaling bidding theories.

Prerequisites: FNCE 9220

FNCE9240 - Intertemporal Macro Fin (Course Syllabus)

This is a doctoral level course on macroeconomics, with special emphasis on intertemporal choice under uncertainty and topics related to finance. Topics include: optimal consumption and saving, the stochastic growth model, q-theory of investment, (incomplete) risk sharing and asset pricing. The course will cover and apply techniques, including dynamic programming, to solve dynamic optimization problems under uncertainty. Numerical solution methods are also discussed.

FNCE9250 - Topics in Asset Pricing (Course Syllabus)

This course exposes student to recent development in the asset pricing literature. The starting point for the course is the standard neo-classical rational expectations framework. We will then investigate where this frameworkhas succeeded and where it has not. Recently documented deviations from the framework in the literature are discussed and placed in context. The course will also focus on hypothesis development, recent research methods, and research writing. The ultimate objective is for students to develop their own hyoptheses and research ideas, resulting in a paper.

FNCE9260 - Empirical Meth Corp Fn (Course Syllabus)

The course will cover a variety of micro-econometric models and methods including panel data models, program evaluation methods e.g. difference in differences, matching techniques, regression discontinuity design, instrumental variables, duration models, structural estimation, simulated methods of moments. The structure of the course consists of lectures, student presentations, and empirical exercises. Published studies will be utilized in a variety of fields such as corporate finance, labor economics, and industrial organization to illustrate the various techniques. The goal of the course is to provide students with a working knowledge of various econometric techniques that they can apply in their own research. As such, the emphasis of the course is on applications, not theory. Students are required to have taken a graduate sequence in Econometrics, you should be comfortable with econometrics at the level of William Green's "Econometric Analysis of Cross-Section and Panel Data".

Prerequisites: STAT 5210

FNCE9320 - Topics in Corp Finance (Course Syllabus)

This course covers advanced theory and empirical investigations; financial decisions of the firm, dividends, capital structure, mergers, and takeovers.

FNCE9330 - International Finance (Course Syllabus)

To provide an understanding of selected topics of current academic research in the areas of international finance and its intersection with international macroeconomics; to teach interested students the tools for conducting research in this field. Each topic will be developed beginning with early classic papers and then updated through the current status of the profession. The typical target audience comprises students in their second year or later. Prerequisite: Completion of first year course requirements

FNCE9340 - Empirical Meth in Asset (Course Syllabus)

This course has three main objectives: The first object is to introduce students to the fundamental works and the frontier of research in dynamic asset pricing. We will cover recent models that have been proposed to shed light on intreguing and important empirical patterns in the cross section and in the time series. Topics include non-separable utilities, market incompleteness, learning, uncertainty, differences of opionions, ex-ante and ex-post asymmetric information, ambiguity and Knightian uncertainty. The second objective is to teach students how to think of asset pricing research under a bigger or richer framework. We shall focus on the interactions between asset pricing and other fields such as macroeconomics, corporate finance, financial institutions, and international finance. The goal of inventigating the joint dynamics is not only to better understand how asset prices are determined, but also (maybe more importantly) how would asset pricing dynamics affect other important economic vaiables such as investment, corporate payout and financing, unemployment, risk sharing, and international capital flows. Students will learn production-based asset pricing models, particularly the asset pricing models with investment-specific technology shocks, risk shocks, financial friction, searching frictions and information frictions. Of course, the advanced solution methods will focus too. The third objective is to introduce advanced empirical methods to analyze the data and the quantitative dynamic models. It includes how to estimate structural dynamic models, how evaluate structural models beyond goodness-of-fit tests, how confront the models predictions with empirical data by simulation and re-sampling techniques, and how to efficiently test models and explore new patterns using asset pricing and macro data.

Prerequisites: FNCE 9110 AND FNCE 9210

FNCE9360 - Household Finance (Course Syllabus)

The primary goal of this 0.5cu course is to introduce students to the main areas of research in household finance. The emphasis will be on discussing papers on the research frontier on topics such as consumption, portfolio choices, housing, inequality and entrepreneurship. This course complements REAL 9480, Advanced Topics in Urban Economics: Household Real Estate Decisions-Making. Students are encouraged to take REAL 9480 in the first half of the spring semester and FNCE 9360 in the second half of that semester.

FNCE9370 - Topics in Macro Finance (Course Syllabus)

This is an advanced course in quantitative theory applied to macro and finance models. It is intended for doctoral students in finance, economics and related fields. The course focuses on four broad theoretical literatures: (i) firm investment and growth; (ii) corporate, household and sovereign debt; (iii) asset pricing in general equilibrium; and (iv) equilibrium macro models with a financial sector. My approach is to develop and discuss in detail a unified framework that is suited to address most topics, usually covering a few central topics and the core papers. We then discuss the more recent literature, highlighting how authors combine and expand upon the core ideas. This part of the course usually relies on regular student presentations.

Prerequisites: FNCE 9110

FNCE9500 - Research Seminar in Fin (Course Syllabus)

This course may be offered (and taken by a student) several times a year with varying topics.

PhD Program

• Course Descriptions
• Course Schedule
• Dissertation Committee and Proposal Defense
• Meet our PhD Students
• Program of Study
• Visiting Scholars

More Information

• Apply to Wharton
• Doctoral Inside: Resources for Current PhD Students
• Wharton Doctoral Program Policies
• Transfer of Credit
• Research Fellowship

Finance PhD Curriculum

The Finance Department at the Eller College of Management comprises world-class researchers, scholars and teachers in all areas of finance.

The doctoral program in finance prepares its graduates primarily for careers as university professors, with research agendas in corporate finance, financial institutions and market microstructure and the pricing of financial securities. The faculty members , with degrees from internationally recognized universities, conduct research in these areas.

The following is an outline of the coursework students can expect to complete during the first year of the Finance PhD program. The coursework is subject to change due to the availability of classes.

Prior to the Start of the Program

Three weeks prior to the first semester of study (generally starting late July), entering Finance PhD students will be required to take Economics 519, Math for Economists, a boot camp designed to help prepare students for the mathematical rigors of the program. This course will continue through the fall semester.

Prior to the start of the Math for Economists course, generally in mid-July, students will also be required to complete two SAS workshops hosted by the Accounting and Finance Departments and designed to demonstrate the use of SAS in financial research. 

The First Year focus is on developing a foundation in economics and on acquiring the necessary skills to be a first-rate scholar in finance.

First Semester

Courses students take in the first semester (fall) include:

• Economics 501A, Microeconomic Theory I. A PhD level microeconomics course focusing on individual and firm-level optimization.
• Economics 501B, Microeconomic Theory II. An economics course focusing on general equilibrium and competitive analysis as well as market failure. These subjects are becoming increasingly important in the study of finance.
• Economics 519, Mathematical Economics. Introduction to the theory and methods of mathematical economics and its applications. Designed primarily for entering graduate students majoring in economics.
• Economics 520, Theory of Quantitative Methods in Economics. A statistics course designed to prepare students to study econometrics.

To do well in Economics 501A, 519 and 520, students should be very comfortable with calculus and the principles of optimization, as well as know some linear algebra and analysis. Students with below this level of mathematics background are strongly encouraged to plan to attend courses at The University of Arizona in the summer prior to their enrollment to cover the necessary mathematics topics.

Second Semester

Courses the second semester (spring) will include:

• Finance 601, Financial Decision Making. Theoretical and applied financial economics relating to uncertainty in markets, information and choice.
• Finance 695A, Investments. The exchange of scholarly information and/or secondary research, usually in a small group setting. Instruction often includes lectures by several different persons. Research projects may or may not be required of course registrants.
• Economics 522A, Econometrics I. The first course in the econometrics sequence studying the theory of econometric estimation of single and simultaneous equation models. 

Finance 525, Empirical Methods in Finance : This course familiarizes students with the database and various statistical methods needed to undertake research in finance using Python. Students use Python programming to work with data sets, produce statistics and perform tests on data.

Other classes might include:

• Finance 542, Fixed Income. To introduce students to fixed income portfolio management. The course objective is to provide students with a set of tools to analyze fixed income markets.
• Math 522, Advanced Applied Analysis. Review of multivariable calculus, series solutions of differential equations, Laplace transforms, Fourier series, introduction to partial differential equations.
• Accounting 696A, Taxation. The development and exchange of scholarly information related to accounting theory, usually in a small group setting.
• Accounting 696D, Accounting Theory. The development and exchange of scholarly information related to accounting theory, usually in a small group setting.
• Available Economics, Finance or Accounting seminars (695, 696 and 697 courses).

Required Economics Minor

Each student is required to meet the requirements of a minor in Economics, which includes the required first year coursework in economics as listed above (ECON501A, ECON501B, ECON520, ECON522A) and passing the first year written qualifying examination administered by the Economics Department faculty in May/June following the first year of study.

Qualifying Examination

The Qualifying Examination is taken by PhD students at the end of the first year in the program, typically in early June. It is a written examination in either theory or quantitative methods and is based on the material taught in the Economics courses taken during the first year of the program. The theory examination covers the material in the microeconomic core courses (ECON 501A and 501B). The quantitative examination covers the material in the statistics and econometrics courses (ECON 520 and 522A). Copies of the questions on earlier preliminary exams can be obtained from the Economics Department Graduate Coordinator.

The goal of the exam is to ensure that students have developed an appreciation for how all of the material fits together in a broader framework of economic reasoning. In addition, the exam will help students solidify their knowledge about the core of economics. The qualifying examination is a requirement for continuation in the program.

If the student does not pass the exam at the end of the first year of the program, the department may elect to dismiss the student from the PhD program, withdraw financial assistance awarded in prior semesters or allow the student to retake the exam in August (around the start of Fall semester of the second year of study, per the Economics Department schedule) at which time the first year qualifying examination must be completed with a passing grade.

Major Advisor

In the student’s first year, the Faculty PhD Advisor serves as student's advisor. By the summer after their first year, the student will arrange for another faculty member to serve as “major professor” and provide advice and guidance on the second year paper. The Faculty PhD Advisor and major professor are jointly responsible for approving the student’s Plan of Study (to be submitted to the Graduate College no later than the third semester). Eventually, the student will arrange for a tenure-track faculty member to serve as dissertation supervisor. The student and dissertation supervisor work together to form a dissertation or examining committee, which provides timely input to the student and ultimately is responsible for approving the dissertation. The dissertation committee should be formed no later than the end of the third year.

Second Year

The following is an outline of the coursework students can expect to complete during the second year of the Finance PhD program. The coursework is subject to change due to the availability of classes.

During the second year of the program, courses tend to be more specialized and are designed to introduce students to a number of different areas in which they potentially could do research. In the second year, courses could include:

• Economics 522B, Econometrics II. The second course in the econometrics sequence studying the theory of econometric estimation of single and simultaneous equation models.
• Economics 597C, Teaching Methods in Economics (required). The purpose of this workshop is to familiarize graduate students with the key skills and understandings that are important in being an effective teacher.
• Finance 602, Dynamic Assets Pricing.  Financial models and empirical tests: asset pricing models, financial behavior; corporate financial decisions.
• Finance 620A, Finance Markets and Corporate Finance. Financial models and empirical tests: asset pricing models, financial behavior; corporate financial decisions.

Other courses could include:

• Economics 549/AREC 549, Applied Econometric Analysis. A course designed to provide students with hands on experience in econometric modeling (using SAS).
• Economics 696A, Experimental Economics. The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting.
• Economics 696E, Econometric Modeling I. The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting.
• Economics 696F, Econometric Modeling II. The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting.
• Economics 696I, Labor Economics II. The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting.
• Economics 696P, Industrial Organization and Regulation I. The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting.
• Economics 696Q, Industrial Organization and Regulation II. The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting.
• Economics 696W, Environmental and Energy Economics-Empirical. The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting.
• Economics 697B, Applied Economic Analysis. The practical application of theoretical learning within a group setting and involving an exchange of ideas and practical methods, skills and principles.
• Math 522, Advanced Applied Analysis. Review of multivariable calculus, series solutions of differential equations, Laplace transforms, Fourier series, introduction to partial differential equations. 
• Available 500-level Mathematics courses.

Second Year Paper

In addition to completing their coursework and qualifying examinations, all students must submit a second-year paper in order to continue in the program. This second year paper could be an extension of a paper discussed in FIN 601, FIN 695A or ACCT 682, a seminar paper presented during the first year, or a faculty member’s current research. The topic must be approved by the PhD Faculty Advisor and the student’s “major professor” by the end of the summer after the first year. Approval will require that the student submit a literature review and hypotheses, and that these be deemed acceptable.

The preliminary second year paper must be presented to the faculty in February of the second year. Satisfactory progress on the second year paper is required in order for a student to take their written comprehensive exam. The completed paper must be presented to the faculty in the summer following their second year.

Summer Funding

Additional summer funding may be available to PhD students and, if available, will be awarded on a competitive basis. This may take the form of summer teaching opportunities, guidance of MSF projects or competitive research grants.

Plan of Study

"In conjunction with his/her major professor or advisor, each student is responsible for developing a Plan of Study during their first year in residence, to be filed with the Graduate College no later than the student's third semester in residence.

"The Plan of Study identifies (1) courses the student intends to transfer from other institutions; (2) courses already completed at The University of Arizona which the student intends to apply toward the graduate degree; and (3) additional course work to be completed in order to fulfill degree requirements. The Plan of Study must have the approval of the student's major professor and department head (or Director of Graduate Studies) before it is submitted to the Graduate College."

(For more information, review the UA Graduate College catalog .

To access the Doctoral Plan of Study form, log in to UAccessStudent with a student UA Net ID and click on "GradPath." Note that dissertation hours are not included on the form as coursework. 

Comprehensive Written Examination

In the beginning of the summer following the second year (usually in early June, shortly after classes end), students will take the comprehensive written examination covering the entire field of finance. Students are expected to be able to answer questions from all areas of finance, although the emphasis will be on topics discussed in the finance courses the students have taken during the first two years of the program and department seminars the students have attended during the same time. 

Students who do not pass the comprehensive examination may, at the discretion of the faculty, be given a second chance to pass the exam prior to the start of the following fall semester, be awarded an MS degree if they have satisfied the Master's requirements and/or be dismissed from the PhD program.

The Graduate Council and the Faculty Senate require that students must complete their degree within five years of passing the Comprehensive Examination. Should a student not finish within that time period, he or she may be allowed to re-take the Comprehensive Examination with permission of the program. 

Master of Science

Students in the doctoral program will not be awarded a master's degree in finance for coursework completed toward the PhD program requirements. However, if a student does not pass the finance comprehensive written examination after the second year of study, the Finance Department Head and/or PhD Faculty Advisor may elect to offer an alternative course of action and plan of study for the student to complete and earn an MSF degree.

Third and Fourth Years

The following is an outline of the requirements students can expect to complete during the third and fourth years of the Finance PhD program.

Credit Requirements

During the third and fourth years of the PhD program, students will complete the required coursework for the degree, including 18 units of dissertation as required by The UA Graduate College. The PhD in Management with a major in Finance will require not less than 66 total credit hours, including at least 36 hours in the major, 12 hours in the minor and 18 hours of dissertation credit.

Dissertation Proposal

No later than the September following the third year, students are required to successfully complete the dissertation proposal and comprehensive oral examination on related topics.

The typical dissertation proposal and oral exam starts with extensive questioning on the student's dissertation proposal and related research and then expands over time into the fundamentals of finance and economics that the student must know to complete their research and also to be considered a good finance researcher. In addition, the comprehensive oral examination will test a student's ability to understand at a deeper level the state of the knowledge on a particular topic and his/her ability to formulate and defend a research proposal on this topic. 

Under the supervision of one or more Finance faculty members (dissertation chair(s)), students are expected to prepare and submit a research proposal at least one month prior to the date of the dissertation proposal for review by the Finance faculty members.

After consulting with the PhD Faculty Advisor and the dissertation chair(s), the student chooses a dissertation committee. The dissertation committee typically consists of three members of the Finance faculty and one member from the department of the student's minor field. The examining committee members are appointed by the Dean of the Graduate College upon the recommendation of the heads of the academic departments involved. 

The dissertation research proposal should demonstrate an understanding of the literature in an area of the student's choosing and should contain a research strategy that has the potential to advance knowledge in the area. This document should contain:

• An introduction, overview and outline of the entire dissertation;
• A relatively polished chapter with results; and,
• A second chapter in-process and demonstrating that the student is relatively far along in the research.

Once the student and dissertation committee members have agreed on a date and time for the dissertation proposal presentation and oral comprehensive examination, the "Comprehensive Examination Committee Appointment" form must be completed in UAccessStudent, GradApp.  Following the committee form, the "Application for Oral Comprehensive Examination for Doctoral Candidate" must also be completed and routed for approval.

Oral Examination

The oral examination typically starts with a 10 to 15 minute presentation and overview of the dissertation proposal that briefly touches on all aspects of the thesis, including overheads for key tables as appropriate. The focus during the examination will be on the student answering the committee's questions, first concentrating on the student's dissertation proposal and the financial and economic issues related to the proposal.

Students will also be asked about the value of such a strategy, as well as its feasibility and limitations. The questioning will expand to address the fundamental knowledge that the student must have mastered to complete their research in the field and the general knowledge that professional researchers in finance should know. This is the occasion when faculty committee members have both the opportunity and obligation to require the student to display a broad knowledge of the chosen field of study and sufficient depth of understanding in areas of specialization. The examining committee must attest that the student has demonstrated the professional level of knowledge expected of a junior academic colleague.

At least three members of the faculty dissertation committee must be in attendance for the entire exam, which should be at least one hour in length, but not exceed three hours. Students should expect the typical length to be roughly an hour and a half to two hours.

If a student fails the oral exam on the first try, a reexamination may be given in certain circumstances. However, any reexamination must be recommended by the examining committee, endorsed by the major department, and approved by the Graduate College. Four months must elapse between the first and second attempt. The Graduate College allows no more than one retake of the oral exam.

Additionally, if the student does not pass the comprehensive oral examination by the start of the fourth year of the program, the department may elect to dismiss the student from the Ph.D. program, withdraw financial assistance awarded in prior semesters and/or set a date (before the end of the Fall semester of the fourth year of study) by which time the comprehensive oral examination must be completed with a passing grade.

If a student does not take the comprehensive oral examination before the Fall semester of the fourth year, the Department may elect to dismiss the student from the PhD program, withdraw financial assistance awarded in prior semesters and/or set a date (before the end of the Fall semester of the fourth year of study) by which time the comprehensive oral examination must be completed and passed.

Advancement to Candidacy

Satisfaction of the course requirements and passing all examinations advances the student to the candidacy for the PhD degree.

"When the student has an approved doctoral Plan of Study on file, has satisfied all course work, language and residence requirements and passed the written and oral portions of the Comprehensive Examination, he or she will be Advanced to Candidacy.

Dissertation of Defense

The PhD degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of the dissertation. An acceptable dissertation is one that the faculty judges to make sufficient contribution to financial knowledge that, with minor revisions, will be publishable in a top academic journal. 

A Final Oral Defense examination of the dissertation (dissertation of defense) in both the major and minor subjects is scheduled upon completion. Faculty committee members will require the student to display a broad knowledge of the chosen field of study and sufficient depth of understanding in areas of specialization. The examining committee must attest that the student has demonstrated the professional level of knowledge expected of a junior academic colleague.

To notify the Graduate College of your scheduled final oral defense examination, complete the "Announcement of Final Oral Examination" form in UAccessStudent, GradPath. The form will be routed for approval through both the Finance and minor departments.

"The exact time and place of this examination must be scheduled with the Graduate Degree Certification Office at least three weeks in advance and announced publicly in Lo Que Pasa at least one week in advance. The dissertation director presides over the examination. The examination is closed to the public, except for an initial seminar portion during which the student presents the dissertation and entertains questions."

(For more information, read the  UA Graduate College catalog. )

The dissertation director presides over the examination. The initial seminar portion during which the student presents the dissertation and entertains questions is open to the public.  The committee's deliberation is closed to the public.

There is no minimum time limit for the Final Oral Examination, but the entire proceedings may not exceed three hours. Members of the committee must be present for the entire examination. More instructions and links to forms are available on the Graduate College website . 

A Ph.D. dissertation represents the student, the department, and The University of Arizona in the international scholarly community. This work is important and worthy of professional presentation. Therefore, The  UA Graduate College website  has resources detailing the required dissertation format to ensure it meets these high standards. Please refer to this page for specifications on the type, title page, table of contents, references and more. A few sample pages (including doctoral approval page and title page) are also available on the UA Graduate College website .

At your final dissertation defense, provide an Approval Page Form to the dissertation committee members to sign. This will be inserted as the second page of your submitted dissertation. Also, please ensure that a Change of Grade form is available to provide to your major advisor. The Change of Grade form indicating your grade (Superior/Pass/Fail) for the dissertation as determined by your committee must be submitted to the Graduate College immediately upon completion of your final defense.

When you have reached this point, the degree requirements have been completed and hearty congratulations are given and well deserved.

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

PhD Course Descriptions

Acct9300 - empirical design in accounting research (course syllabus).

This is an empirical research design course covering topics related to empirical methodology, causal inference, econometric analysis, and panel data approaches. At least one graduate level course in econometrics is recommended.

ACCT9400 - Research in Accounting I (Course Syllabus)

This is Part I of a theoretical and empirical literature survey course covering topics that include corporate disclosure, cost of capital, incentives, compensation, governance, financial intermediation, financial reporting, tax, agency theory, cost accounting, capital structure, international financial reporting, analysts, and market efficiency.

ACCT9410 - Research in Accounting II (Course Syllabus)

This is Part II of a theoretical and empirical literature survey sequence covering topics that include corporate disclosure, cost of capital, incentives, compensation, governance, financial intermediation, financial reporting, tax, agency theory, cost accounting, capital structure, international financial reporting, analysts, and market efficiency. Please contact the accounting doctoral coordinator for information on the specific upcoming modules/topics that will be taught.

ACCT9420 - Research in Accounting III (Course Syllabus)

This is Part III of a theoretical and empirical literature survey sequence covering topics that include corporate disclosure, cost of capital, incentives, compensation, governance, financial intermediation, financial reporting, tax, agency theory, cost accounting, capital structure, international financial reporting, analysts, and market efficiency. Please contact the accounting doctoral coordinator for information on the specific upcoming modules/topics that will be taught.

ACCT9430 - Research in Accounting IV (Course Syllabus)

This is Part IV of a theoretical and empirical literature survey sequence covering topics that include corporate disclosure, cost of capital, incentives, compensation, governance, financial intermediation, financial reporting, tax, agency theory, cost accounting, capital structure, international financial reporting, analysts, and market efficiency. Please contact the accounting doctoral coordinator for information on the specific upcoming modules/topics that will be taught.

ACCT9810 - Workshop Colloquium I (Course Syllabus)

Students attend workshops in departments outside of accounting to provide student exposure to theory, research designs and methods that are being explored outside of accounting to provide breadth of exposure to foster innovative research ideas. Students are required to attend 15 non-accounting workshops over one academic year and write up a referee report for 8 of those workshop papers. They are also required to write up at least one research proposal that stems from theories or research methods gleaned from one or more of the workshops attended.

ACCT9820 - Workshop Colloquium II (Course Syllabus)

Additional PhD Information

• Apply to Wharton
• Doctoral Inside: Resources for Current PhD Students
• Welcome to Philadelphia Video
• Policies and Procedures

• We’re on your favourite socials!

PhD Syllabus & Subjects 2024

• Admission Process
• Popular Colleges
• PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) Syllabus & Subjects

The syllabus for a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) program depends on the student's specialization and includes core and elective subjects. The syllabus typically includes topics from Psychology (Research methodology, psychological testing, emergence of psychology, and psychological thought in some major Eastern systems), Sociology (Sociological theory), Science (Combinatory, linear algebra, calculus, probability, and programming and data structure), General aptitude (Vocabulary, reading comprehension, reasoning, aptitude, and data interpretation).

PhD syllabus includes all about Research Methodology, Research Ethics, and other topics. The PhD subjects that students study during the course are determined by the aspirant's specialisation, but there are some fundamental subjects that all students must learn about. PhD syllabus majorly depends on the student's specialisation. The syllabus includes topics from10+2, Graduation, Postgraduation, Technology, Life sciences, Mathematics, Sciences, General aptitude. 

Some core PhD subjects include:

• Research methodology
• Ethics of research
• Literature review
• Ethics of using social media in research
• Research tools
• Proposing a research
• Formulation of research proposal 

PhD is the highest academic level degree granted to students who conduct original and independent research in a specific domain. Students in a PhD programme conduct research and write an original thesis on a specific topic. Typically, it takes three to six years to complete a PhD course syllabus. However, the PhD course duration may vary depending on the regulations of the institutions. The PhD degree is primarily offered in two areas: Humanities and Science. The PhD course curriculum and PhD course subjects differ depending on the course type. The PhD syllabus is designed to motivate students to conduct research. Apart from research, students participate in seminars, presentations, and other activities. 

Also Read: PhD Admission 2024

A PhD student must publish at least one paper, per the current UGC guidelines, before submitting their thesis. According to the universities, different numbers of seminars and papers are published. The PhD programmes offer a comprehensive perspective and advance both knowledge and skill to the level of scholarly inquiry. Students conduct extensive research before deciding on PhD programmes. They must review the course syllabus and the PhD stream-specific topics. Also, PhD job scope is diverse and ever-changing, making it an exciting and demanding career path.

Table of Contents

Phd (doctor of philosophy) course details: highlights, phd (doctor of philosophy) syllabus year-wise, stream wise phd (doctor of philosophy) syllabus, phd subjects, phd (doctor of philosophy) optional subjects, specializations offered in phd (doctor of philosophy), phd (doctor of philosophy) entrance exam syllabus 2024, phd important books, phd course structure, faqs about doctor of philosophy syllabus.

The major highlights of the PhD course are listed in the table below. 

Also Read: Best Certificate Courses in India  

PhD is an advanced research study for students who have both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. Therefore, the PhD course syllabus is framed keeping the students and their research objectives in mind. The PhD syllabus depends on the specializations a student wants to earn their PhD degree. If we check the syllabus, then some modules can be found the same for a particular domain. The syllabus and PhD subjects completely depend on the domain, guide, and institute that offers the course. Hence, we have provided a general idea of that. 

The below-given table will help to understand how a PhD course syllabus goes on.

PhD 1 st year Syllabus

In the first year, a student needs to work on the following subjects.

PhD 2 nd -year Syllabus

Get an idea of the 2 nd  year syllabus pattern of PhD courses:

PhD 3 rd -year Syllabus

Check the third-year syllabus and PhD course subjects in the table below:

PhD or Doctor of Philosophy courses is offered on numerous streams. Science, Arts and Humanities, and Management are some of the major streams of a PhD. A large number PhD courses are there in India. The stream wise syllabus for some of the PhD courses is mentioned in the table below:  

By learning the PhD subjects of a particular domain students develop strong methodological skills that are needed to perform the research. These PhD course subjects work as a background for their research paper. Students can check out the list of subjects for some major Doctor of Philosophy specializations in the given table:

The PhD subjects included as optional papers help in improving the understanding ability. For a challenging course like Doctor of Philosophy, optional subjects help to balance the load of learning. It introduces some subjects that the students might not have studied ever. An important benefit is that these subjects make the learners more skilled in the field. With the added advantage of additional learning, students get the scope of increasing their knowledge of their domain and related areas. 

While selecting these subjects, students should consider their interest and confidence in the subject as important factors. There is a large number of optional subjects in the PhD course syllabus. Optional of two major Doctor of Philosophy courses are listed below:

Being a traditional higher-level academic course, the Doctor of Philosophy comes with a vast range of specializations. Therefore, for the PhD aspirants, the options are abundant. Be it a science stream or the Arts stream, students have immense opportunities for earning a degree in their subject of interest. Students can check out the below-given lists to know about the kind of PhD specializations available in Indian colleges or universities. Among a large number of specializations, only a few are mentioned below:

PhD entrance exams are conducted at both national and institute levels. The students who score a minimum of 50% marks are allowed to seat for the entrance test. The universities/institutes want to test a students’ understanding level of the subject he/she wants to earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree. The course has been mainly preferred by students who want to avail research studies in their post-graduate subject. In the present century, the number of individuals doing PhD has increased a lot. 

India is giving some excellent research opportunities to post-graduate students. The universities want to enrol only talented students in their Doctor of Philosophy courses. Here comes the importance of the PhD entrance test. Some popular entrance tests are CSIR UGC NET , UGC NET, etc. 

The syllabus for PhD entrance exams covers common topics from 10+2, graduation, and postgraduate levels, such as technology, life sciences, mathematics, science, and general aptitude. The subjects and topics covered in the PhD syllabus vary depending on the PhD Specialisation and sub-stream chosen. The subjects included in the PhD Syllabus are centred on the research and practical aspects of the subject, with little emphasis on theoretical knowledge.

A list of PhD syllabus for the entrance exam is tabulated below:

Books play a pivotal role to complete a course like a PhD. Immense information is required for the research work involved in this course. Therefore, students need to be updated on their research topics. PhD students should take help from subject-oriented books. Usually, a Guide who supervises the students in their research work, recommends books. However, here is a list of books on research methodology that the PhD students can refer to complete the course with ease:

Once the students get enrolled in a PhD course, they are required to prepare and submit their research topic and the proposal of research. Then the institutes from where a student pursues the course allocate a guide to the students. Once the students get a Guide, he/she informs the PhD course syllabus, course work, teaching schedule, and assessment technique. Usually, in most universities or institutes students require to submit their work reports at an interval of six months. Another important part of the PhD course is seminar presentations. A student pursuing this course mandatorily gives at least two seminars and then submits his/her Certificate to the Research Unit. The next phase is thesis submission. Before making the final submission of the thesis, students require to publish one research paper in a peer-reviewed journal. This Certificate is also required to submit to the Research Unit. A Pre-Seminar Submission is organized by the Guide before the final submission of the thesis. 

Based on the performance, a report is prepared and submitted. The students get some valuable suggestions for improvement and they incorporate them into the final thesis. Then they prepare a summary of the thesis which they need to submit 45 days before the thesis submission. Once the thesis is finally submitted, it is examined by the experts and students must take part in the viva-voce where they can express their perspectives before the group of experts. Those who successfully get through all these phases are awarded a PhD Degree. In brief, we can structure the Doctor of Philosophy course in the following structure:

·   Submission of Research Proposal

·   Research Report

·   Seminar

·   Certificate Submission

·   Publication of one research paper

·   Pre-seminar submission

·   Thesis Submission

·   Viva Voce

Can anyone complete a PhD in Two Years?

How many papers can a phd have.

A brief introduction to the overall topic, which might include crucial background information, usually comes before the three papers in the thesis. A general literature review might also be included, though it is not required.  

How many PhD candidates succeed?

There is a broad variation in the percentage of students who don't finish their PhDs; some institutions report as high as 71% and others as low as 9%. The likelihood of not finishing a PhD is influenced by a variety of variables, including the field or department you are studying in, your age, and the calibre of your mentor.

What is the PhD syllabus like?

The subjects covered by the PhD Syllabus primarily emphasise research and application, with a small amount of emphasis on theoretical understanding. The PhD course curriculum also includes thesis work and research projects that are presented after the course is over, in addition to the core subjects and electives.

How many different PhD subjects are there?

There are plenty of PhD subjects available, such as animal studies, the arts and humanities, biology and medicine, business and economics, chemistry, computer science and mathematics, education, engineering and technology, geography, history and philosophy, law, literature, languages, and communication, among others.  

Do PhD students get stipend?

Why should one pursue a phd degree, does anyone start a phd at the age of 35, is a phd good for the future, what if i fail in phd, what are the best colleges for phd, are phd and doctorate the same, which phd course is the easiest one, is phd first year tough, what are the entrance examinations required for phd admission, how many hours does a phd student need to invest for the course, what is the average placement package for phd, is net compulsory for phd, what is the average course fee for phd, related news.

Mar 26, 2024 | By: Rohan Tyagi

Mar 26, 2024 | By: Mahima Gupta

Mar 26, 2024 | By: Aman Agarwal

Related Articles

Mar 26, 2024 | By: Yash Dhamija

Mar 26, 2024 | By: Shilpa Pradhan

Mar 26, 2024 | By: Simran Saini

Mar 26, 2024 | By: Sakunth Kumar

Mar 26, 2024 | By: Chinmayai Bobade

Mar 26, 2024 | By: Diksha Nautiyal

Mar 26, 2024 | By: Mahima Bahl

Popular Courses

Phd colleges in states, phd colleges in cities, phd colleges by college type.

• Doctor of Philosophy
• Common Application form
• Job Ready Courses
• ETP Admissions
• Scholarships
• Visual Stories (English)
• Visual Stories (Hindi)
• Career Compass
• Write a review
• DU Predictor
• Unit Calculator

Pride Hulkul, 6th floor, No 116, Lalbagh Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560027

Godrej Genesis, 15th floor, 1509, Salt lake Sector 5, Kolkata, West Bengal - 700091

6th & 7th Floor, 29, Moji Colony, Calgiri Marg, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan - 302017

6th Floor, CollegeDekho Office, Capital Cityscape, Sector 66, Gurugram Haryana 122002

• 1800-572-9877
• [email protected]

Trending Links

• GATE Rank Predictor 2024
• JEE Main College Predictor 2024
• JEE Main Syllabus 2024 PDF
• Top Medical Colleges in India
• JEE Main Rank Predictor 2024
• GATE College Predictor 2024
• Visual Stories
• JEE Mains 2024 Mark Vs Percentile
• CBSE Grading System Class 12
• Engineering Colleges in India
• MBA Courses
• Medical Courses

Most Viewed Links

• Master of Arts
• Aeronautical Engineering
• BFIT Dehradun
• Chandigarh University
• Hindi Articles
• Merchant Navy
• Manipal University or Amity University
• List of B.Sc Courses
• SRM University vs VIT Vellore
• JEE Main 2024
• B.ED Course
• Neet vs JEE Main

Courses in india

• B. Tech : B Tech Mechanical Engineering Software Engineering Aeronautical Engineering Electronics and Communication Engineering Chemical Engineering Biomedical Engineering Automobile Engineering B Tech IT Computer Science Engineering
• M. Tech : M Tech M Tech in Data Science M Tech in Computer Science M Tech in Civil Engineering M Tech in Mining Engineering M Tech in Electrical Engineering M Tech in Food Technology M Tech in Chemical Engineering M Tech Geoinformatics M Tech ECE
• MBA : MBA BBA MBA Project management MBA in finance PGDM Executive MBA BBM MBA in Business Analytics MBA in HR MBA in Marketing
• BBA. : BBA BBA Aviation BBA in Finance BBA International Business BBA in Airport Management BBA Logistics BBA in Digital Marketing BBA in Marketing BBA MBA Integrated Course BBA in HR
• LAW : LLB BA LLB BBA LLB BSc LLB LLM course Criminal Law Labour Law Corporate Law Business Law Company Law
• Science : BSc MSc BSc Computer Science Actuarial Science BSc Biotechnology BSc Microbiology BSc IT BSc Forensic Science BSc Chemistry BSc Physics
• Commerce : BCom MCom Banking Course CA Course CFA BAF ACCA Course MFC BFM BBI Company Secretary
• Medical : MBBS MDS BUMS BDS BHMS Doctor of Medicine Doctorate of Medicine BPT Course MPH BAMS
• Para Medical : BPMT Medical Transcription BMLT MPT Biomechanics BVSC BSMS Anesthesia Course Master of Surgery DHMS Master of Physiotherapy
• Hotel Management : MHA BTTM Hospitality Management BHM MBA in Hotel Management Travel and Tourism Management BHMCT BSc in Hospitality and Hotel Administration Masters in Hotel Management BBA in Hotel Management
• BA : BA Archaeology Company Secretary home science BFA BA Psychology BA English BA english BA Economics
• MA : Master of Arts MPhil MA Hindi MFA MA English MA Psychology MA Economics MA Political Science MA History MA Public Administration
• Media And Mass Communication : Photography Course Journalism Course BMM Fashion Photography BJMS Radio Jockey BSc Visual Communication Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication BA Mass Communication Masters in Mass Communication
• Agriculture : Agricultue BSc Agriculture BSc horticulture MSc agriculture BSc Hons Agri Business Management Diploma in Horticulture BSc Sericulture
• Pharmacy : B Pharma D Pharma Pharm D Course M Pharmacy M Pharm M Pharma Pharmaceutical Analysis M Pharm in Biotechnology B Pharm Hons Pharma D
• Nursing : BSc Nursing GNM Nursing ANM Nursing Post Basic BSc Nursing Nursing Assistant Course OT nursing Course M Phil Nursing MSc Pediatric Nursing MSc in Medical Surgical Nursing Maternity Nursing Course
• Information Technology : MCA Data Science BCA MSc Data Science Ethical Hacking Course MSc IT MBA IT BSc MSc Data Science Computer Hardware Course BBA in Computer Application
• Design : Graphic Designing Interior Designing Animation Jewellery Designing Web Designing Fashion Designing Course Furniture Design Textile Designing Fashion Styling BDes
• Education : B Ed B P ED Diploma in Elementary Education M Ed B EL ED BSc B Ed BA B Ed BEd Special Education MA Education BED in Commerce

Popular Universities

• DOON University
• MNIT Jaipur
• NIT Jalandhar
• NIT Jamshedpur
• NIT Silchar
• TECHNO India University
• TEZPUR University
• University of Hyderabad
• University of Mysore
• VIDYASAGAR University
• ANNA University
• JAYPEE University
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Registrations Closed

The registrations for spring term have been closed. Registrations for Academic session 2018-19 will start in the month of March 2018. Click here to enquire

LPUNEST Applications for Ph.D. (Spring Term) are closed. Applications for the next term will be updated shortly. For any kind of query please call 01824-404404 or Click here

LPUNEST Applications for Ph.D. (Spring term) will be updated shortly. For any kind of query please call 01824-404404 or Click here

Question Paper Pattern

Due to steep spike in infection cases in India and adhering to the central government’s guidelines to safeguard health and safety of candidates, conduct of physical test is postponed for now,  so currently LPUNEST for Ph.D. would be conducted in online mode only i.e. remotely proctored online LPUNEST from home will be conducted. Click here  to view General Guidelines for Remotely Proctored Online Exam from home.

It is divided into two papers, i.e. Paper-I and Paper-II.

• Paper I of Agriculture disciplines will consist of questions from basic agriculture
• Each question will carry 1 mark. There would be no negative marks for a wrong answer.
• Political Science
• Public Administration
• Film and TV Production
• Interior and Product Design
• Product and Industrial Design
• User Experience
• Tourism Management
• Hotel Management
• Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Sciences
• Food Science and Technology
• Forensic Science
• Mathematics
• Microbiology
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Analysis
• Pharmaceutics
• Pharmacognosy
• Pharmacology
• Pharmacy Practice
• Genetics and Plant Breeding
• Horticulture (Fruit Science)
• Horticulture (Vegetable Science)
• Plant pathology
• Soil Science
• Computer Science
• Electronics and Communication
• Molecularbio-Genetic
• Geospatial Information Science and Technology

Share your Feedback

Admission - 2023 live video counselling.

To continue interaction with our expert admission counsellors enter the passcode 123456 for career guidance to discover the best suited programmes for you. Available from 10 am to 5 pm on all working days.

• The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
• UGC ( Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of sexual harassment of Women employees and students in Higher Educational Institutions ) Regulations, 2015
• Handbook on Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace issued by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
• Internal Complaints Committee against Sexual harassment
• Internal Complaints Committee
• Sexual Harassment Complaint Registration: - [email protected]
• Anti Sexual Harrasment Policy

Admissions for 2017-2018 are closed, except for the following programmes.

Integrated b.ed. - m.ed., important information - lpu admissions 2020 update., for b.tech. admissions:.

• Last date to apply has been extended from 31st March, 2020 to 20th April, 2020. Click here to apply
• LPUNEST Test Dates will be informed as and when Government announces JEE Mains schedule in order to provide candidates with clash free schedule. University is also evaluating the options to offer Online proctored LPUNEST remotely.
• Two Schedules of Counselling will be conducted (both online):
• Regular Schedule of Counselling – After the conduct of LPUNEST exam which is dependent upon Government decision on lockdown due to Covid-19.
• Special Schedule of Counseling – Before the conduct of LPUNEST exam, for all those candidates who already have JEE Mains or LPUNEST score (exams conducted in January 2020).
• Special Schedule of Counselling will be conducted online only as per the dates mentioned below:
• This Special Schedule of counselling will help the students with existing score of JEE (Mains) or LPUNEST to confirm their admission and they need not to appear for LPUNEST exam again.
• Regular Schedule of counselling may be conducted only on the basis of LPUNEST exam and not on the basis of JEE (Mains) score so all candidates having JEE Mains (Jan Schedule) score are advised not to wait for Regular Schedule of counselling and try to confirm the admission through Special Schedule of counselling .
• Applicants who do not have LPUNEST score or JEE (Mains) score because they did not appear for exams in January / February shall apply on or before 20th April, 2020. The schedule of LPUNEST exam and counselling / admission process will be informed later.
• Candidates participating in Special Counselling schedule (as per Table mentioned above), if interested, may appear for LPUNEST to improve their score for Scholarship and/or participate in Regular Schedule of counselling again for changing / improving the allotted branch.
• The ranks declared in Special Counselling schedule will not be used for LPUNEST Study Grant.

For MBA Admissions:

• Last date to apply has been extended till 20th April, 2020. Click here to apply
• University has decided to conduct remote video Interviews for admission in MBA during the national lockdown period due to Covid-19. LPUNEST will now be conducted for scholarship only.
• Considering the current COVID-19 Pandemic situation, University has also decided to extend the Last date of MBA Admissions for January applicants till 30th April, 2020.

For All other Programmes:

For ph.d. programme:.

• LPUNEST and subsequent interview will be conducted as per schedule communicated earlier.
• Slot booking for exam will be open from 15 April 2020 onwards. Click here to apply

Toll Free: 1800-102-4057

• Students should download and install the “LPU Live” App for online/remote academic connect (the details in this regard have been updated on UMS). The students shall continue their studies through the “LPU Live” App and LPU-UMS.
• The University shall remain functional and faculty/staff shall be available during the working hours for all kinds of academic support required by the students.
• Incase students opt to undertake any personal domestic travel; it is advised that all necessary precautionary measures and hygiene advisories should be followed.
• International travel by the students is strongly discouraged.
• Students should avoid participation in large gatherings or venturing out to crowded places.
• All University events scheduled till March 31st, 2020 stand postponed till further notice.
• There shall be no changes in the Academic Calendar of the current term.

Notifications/ Events

LPUNEST Studygrant 4th Edition result declared Result for LPUNEST Studygrant 4th Edition has been declared. Details of the award ceremony will be communicated shortly. Candidates who are eligible to get studygrant can check their result at https://lpu.in/studygrant.

LPUNEST Application Invited for Study Grant Lovely Professional University launched LPUNEST Study Grant 5th Edition to augment the same spirit of expanding the purview of previous Editions of LPUNEST Study Grant i.e. ‘LPUNEST Study Grant 1st Edition, 2019’, ‘LPUNEST Study Grant 2nd Edition, 2020’ and ‘LPUNEST Study Grant 3rd Edition, 2021’ LPUNEST Study Grant 4th Edition, 2022’.

• Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA) - 2020
• Email ID for Comments & Feedback : [email protected]
• Report of NIRF Data Capturing System: Management
• Report of NIRF Data Capturing System: Pharmacy
• Report of NIRF Data Capturing System: Engineering
• Report of NIRF Data Capturing System: Overall
• Report of NIRF Data Capturing System: Law
• Report of NIRF Data Capturing System: Architecture
• Report of NIRF Data Capturing System: Agriculture

Applications for academic session 2020-21 are closed. For 2021-22, details will be updated shortly. You may call 01824-404404 or Click here to submit your query.

LPUNEST Applications for 2020-21 will be updated in 2nd week of September. For any kind of query please call 01824-404404 or Click here

LPUNEST Applications for 2020-21 will be updated Shortly. For any kind of query please call 01824-404404 or Click here

Applications are closed in Post Graduate Agriculture Programmes. If seats remain vacant after the first counselling, we will inform you and will guide you for further process. However to apply for any other Post Graduate Sciences Programme Click Here. For any kind of query please call 01824-404404 or Click Here.

• Top Colleges
• Top Courses
• Entrance Exams
• Admission 2024
• Study Abroad
• Study in Canada
• Study in UK
• Study in USA
• Study in Australia
• Study in Germany
• IELTS Material
• Scholarships
• Sarkari Exam
• Visual Stories
• College Compare
• Write a review
• Login/ Register
• Login / Register

Ph.D Education Syllabus and Subjects 2024

PhD Education is a 3 to 5 years course and the subjects are related to the study of Learning in the fields of education. The course syllabus contains both core and elective subjects as part of the curriculum. The curriculum aims to make sure that the students get important knowledge about the study of origin and development of the subject as well

Semester Wise PhD Education Syllabus

PhD in Education Syllabus covers everything from the philosophical foundation of the subject to literature learning. PhD Education course aims to ensure that the students get an in-depth understanding of the subject. Semester-wise PhD Education subjects list is given in the table below:

First Year PhD Education Syllabus

Second year phd education syllabus, third year phd education syllabus, phd education subjects.

A PhD is the most common degree at the highest academic level awarded following a course of study. PhDs are awarded for programs across the whole breadth of academic fields. PhD Education syllabus is very flexible. Here is the subjects list of course:

• Early Childhood Education
• Special Education
• Adult Education
• Teacher Leadership
• Curriculum and Pedagogy
• Educational Psychology
• Leadership 

PhD Education Course Structure

PhD education course structure includes both theory and practical papers and is curated for three to five years, divided into six to ten semesters. The course structure is made in such a way that both classroom training and practicals are included in the course curriculum. The course structure is given below:

• Six semesters
• Literary theory and practice
• Core Subjects
• Elective Subjects

PhD Education Teaching Methodology and Techniques

The curriculum takes into consideration different teaching techniques. Classroom learning includes practical sessions for students who are passionate about education. Here are the teaching methodology and strategies:

• Assignments
• Following course module books
• Case studies/ Research work
• Internships

PhD Education Projects

PhD Education curriculum includes research projects. Projects are given to students to understand the concepts and help students in getting hands-on experience. These projects are to be completed by the end of the sixth semester. Some popular PhD Education projects topics are:

• Platforms and the political economy of digital childhood
• Developing entrepreneurial ecosystems in Higher Education
• Investigating the use of multi-sensory environments in educational settings for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities
• English literacy acquisition and wellbeing among refugee children

PhD Education Reference Books

PhD Education books are available both online and offline by many authors and publications. These books are made to gain an in-depth understanding of concepts. Books on this course differ according to specializations. Some of the reference books for Ph.D. Education Subjects are:

Get Free Scholarship worth 25000 INR

UGC NET Syllabus 2023

UGC NET Syllabus 2023 has been released on the official website. UGC NET Syllabus PDF is released by National Testing Agency (NTA). The University Grant Commission – UGC prescribes the NET exam syllabus for paper 1 and Paper 2.  

Knowing the UGC NET syllabus of Paper 1 and 2 is the first step toward Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowship exam preparation. Being well versed with the latest UGC NET exam Syllabus is crucial and will help candidates to prepare well for the examination. 

Read in detail about the University Grant Commission on the linked page.

Aspirants of other government exams can check the links to know about different examinations.

UGC NET Paper Pattern

Before going through the detailed UGC NET syllabus for both paper 1 and Paper 2 given below are the important facts related to the NET exam- 

• UGC NET exam is held in a single session (unlike previous pattern) and comprising 2 different papers. All three papers will be on a single day. There is no break in between the papers.
• The medium of the UGC NET question paper is in English and Hindi languages only.
• Both the papers will have multiple-choice questions (MCQ).
• UGC NET paper 1, and 2 will have a total of 300 marks with a total time duration of 3 hours.
• UGC NET paper 1 will have 100 marks and paper 2 will have a total of 200 marks.
• For each correct answer in both the papers candidates will be awarded 2 marks.
• There is no negative marking for incorrect responses.
• No marks will be awarded for questions left blank or unanswered.

Go through the detailed UGC NET Exam Pattern for in depth knowledge of the pattern.

UGC NET Syllabus Paper 1

UGC NET Paper 1 is common and compulsory for every candidate. The paper 1 syllabus of UGC NET comprises topics from General Paper on Teaching and Research Aptitude. There are a total of ten sections/subjects in UGC NET Paper 1 Syllabus 2023. Subjects include Research Aptitude, Teaching Aptitude, Communication, Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Information & Communication Technology,  Maths, etc. The  paper 1 is designed in such a way that it will test the candidate’s teaching and research ability. The UGC NET Paper 1 syllabus is as follows – 

UGC NET Syllabus Paper 1 PDF – Download Here

Aspirants can check details information regarding UGC NET exam by the following links – 

UGC NET Syllabus Paper 2

The subject for UGC NET Paper 2 needs to be chosen by the candidate. A candidate can choose the subject of his/her post-graduation or a related subject. NTA UGC NET is conducted for a total of 82 subjects (earlier 81).

In 2023, the UGC added a new subject ‘Hindu Studies’ (Subject code 102) to the list of UGC NET 2023 subjects. 

The subjects covered in UGC NET exams are as follows-

• Streams: Economics, Political Science, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Science and Application, Electronic Science, Environmental Science, Politics, etc
• Indian Languages: Maithili, Bengali, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Singhi, Bodo, Santali, etc
• Foreign Language: Chinese, French, Spanish, Russian, Persian, German, Japanese,
• Cultures: Arab Culture and Islamic Studies, Indian Culture, Buddhist, Jaina, Gandhian & Peace Studies, Yoga, etc.

Aspirants can go through the UGC NET Subjects and codes on the linked page.

The knowledge about the complete UGC NET Syllabus for Paper 2 of your desired subject helps to plan your timetable and strategize your study in the most effective way. Hence, download the UGC NET Syllabus Paper 2 PDF provided in the table below.

UGC NET Books

Good UGC NET study materials are very important for any candidate to get success in the exam. There are millions of UGC NET books available in the market for the exam, but candidates must choose the right books for them.

Here we are providing some important books for UGC NET Paper I, and for Paper II candidates must follow the post-graduation and graduation books to revise the topics and excel in the exam.

To pursue a good career through UGC NET, you must prepare well for the exam with the best study material. For the Best preparation strategy for competitive exams , candidates can visit the linked article and get detailed study material and preparation tips to excel in the examination.

Aspirants can check the following links for assistance – 

Aspirants who shall be appearing for the exam for the first time and are willing to get some preparation tips and study material for the competitive exams can turn to BYJU’S for assistance. 

Connect with us for Free Preparation

Get access to free crash courses & video lectures for all government exams., register with byju's & download free pdfs, register with byju's & watch live videos.

• Test Pattern

Note: There will be Negative Marking and use of calculators is not allowed in the Admission Test.

Download Sample Test Papers

• BBA/BS (AF)
• MS(Applied Linguistics)
• MS(English Language Teaching)

Download PhD Test Guidelines

• PhD (CS) & PhD (SE)

The request to the URL needs to be verified.

The request to the URL is paused, and must be verified for you to access it. This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor, and to prevent automated spam submission.

What code is in the image submit

Incident ID: 14604593420166131049

For comments and questions: [email protected]

List of shortlisted candidates for PhD admissions July 2024 session NEW

List of shortlisted candidates for PhD admissions July 2024 session:

• Regular/Non-Regular candidates --- Download
• Interdisciplinary candidates --- Download
• JD-BHU candidates ---- Download
• Dual Degree (M.Tech + PhD) candidates --- Download

Instructions for regular and non-regular candidates including IATMLA and Dual Degree candidates

Please read the following instructions carefully regarding interview and selection of interview panel for regular and non-regular studentships.

• There are three interview panels: (1) Fluids and Thermal Panel (2) Machine Design Panel and (3) Manufacturing and Materials Panel corresponding to the three PhD specializations available in the department.
• Panel choice forms are attached herewith to provide your choice.
• A candidate who has been shortlisted for the interview (offline) and has M.Tech/M.E/MS(R) degree must select only one panel out of the three interview panels as stated above. The candidate will be interviewed only in that panel. Once selected a panel for the interview, in no circumstances it will be changed.
• A candidate who has been shortlisted for the interview (offline) and has only B.Tech/B.E degree and doesn’t have M.Tech/M.E/MS(R) degree are allowed to appear for interview in all the three interview panels (if they wish so) as stated above. This is also true for the Dual Degree (M. Tech + PhD) candidates. These candidates shall submit the panel form of their first choice. After coming to IIT Guwahati, remaining two panel options will be taken.
• The following four instructions are specifically for IATMLA test candidates. Others may please ignore.
• Each IATMLA candidate mandatorily write the offline examination by choosing one of the three papers (a) Fluids and Thermal Engineering (b) Machine Design and (c) Manufacturing and Materials.
• The syllabus for all the above three papers is available at https://iitg.ac.in/acad/admission/doctoral/studentship.php
• If you choose Fluids and Thermal Engineering panel, then you must write Fluids and Thermal Engineering paper in IATMLA test. Similarly, if you choose Machine Design panel then you must write Machine Design paper in IATMLA test and so on. Thus your interview panel automatically fixes your paper in IATMLA test. In no circumstances incompatible IATMLA paper and interview panels are allowed.
• All IATMLA candidates must bring their non-programmable calculators. No calculator will be provided by IIT Guwahati. In no case mobile phones are allowed to use as the calculators. Barrowing calculators from other candidates in the examination hall is not allowed. Mobile phones are not allowed inside the examination hall.

To assist you in selection of a panel and to know the list of faculty members in each panel (specialization), the candidates are strongly suggested to do the following

• Please click here to know the list of faculty members available in a particular specialization along with research topics published in the advertisement.
• Visit the webpage ( https://www.iitg.ac.in/mech ) for understanding typical topics/research areas generally covered under (1) Thermal and Fluid Engineering (2) Machine Design Engineering and (3) Manufacturing and Materials Engineering specializations of the department.
• Visit the faculty profiles in the webpage ( https://www.iitg.ac.in/mech/faculty/ ) to know more about research carried out by the faculty members listed in each specialization.
• If a candidate is given admission , then the candidate need to select supervisor(s) from the list of faculty members associated with the panel in which the candidate appeared for the interview (see below) and work on the research topic of that panel specialization. Selection of supervisor is based on the mutual consent of the candidate and the faculty members.

Once you have decided your interview panel, download the Panel Selection Form corresponding to your choice of interview panel.

Form No. 1: Fluids and Thermal Panel Form

Form No. 2: Machine Design Panel Form

Form No. 3: Manufacturing and Materials Panel Form

Please completely fill up the selected interview panel form without leaving any information blank and put your signature, date and place. Please do not forget give your email ID and mobile phone number. Convert the duly filled form(s) into a single PDF file with the name of the file must be your name. Upload the duly filled and signed PDF form in the following Google Form (whose link is given below).

https://forms.gle/nuRYwWD1wXnNhaLH7

• The last date for uploading the panel form in the above google form is 06 JUNE 2024, 11:59 PM.
• All shortlisted candidates are strongly advised to visit the following departmental webpage time to time to know the updates/instructions/results etc. on the PhD Admission Process.

https://iitg.ac.in/mech/news-and-announcements/list-of-shortlisted-candidates-for-phd-admissions-july-2024-session/

• Jobs 👨‍🔬
• Career Advice 👧🏻
• Scholarship 🎓
• Admission 🎟️
• Exams 📘
• Biotech Internships & Projects 🏴
• Research Proposals ✍️
• Awards 🏆
• Events 🌏
• Workshop 👩‍⚕️
• Promote & Earn
• Teach & Earn
• BioTecNika Global
• 💰 Earn from BioTecNika
• 👩‍🚀 Work @ BioTecNika
• 📜 Advertise With us
• 🤙 Contact Us
• 👬 About Us

The Origin of the Cockroach: How a Notorious Pest Conquered The…

The Increase in Scientist Harassment and Institutional Remedies

Human Trial HIV Vaccine Effectively Generates Strong Antibodies

Breaking News: AstraZeneca Shocks the World with Global Withdrawal of COVID-19…

The i3c BRIC-RCB Ph.D. Programme in Biosciences – Application Portal Open,…

Subject-Wise Approach For NEET Exam – Expert Strategies Discussed

10 Easy Tips To Qualify NEET 2023 Exam

List of Best Reference Books To Crack NEET Exam + Preparation…

How To Crack NEET 2023 Exam In First Attempt – Top…

NEET UG 2022 Question Paper Discussion By Biotecnika NEET

Clini India Offering Advance Program in Clinical Research & Management (APCRM)…

100 Days – 100 Important Topics To Study For CSIR NET…

ISRO IN-SPACe Offering Course in Space Life sciences Technology. Apply Now!

Unlocking the Power of R Programming for Biologists – A LIVE…

Clinical Research & Development Certificate Course By Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre &…

35 Days To Success in CSIR NET – An Exclusive CSIR…

45 Days To Success in CSIR NET – An Exclusive CSIR…

49 Days To Success in CSIR NET – An Exclusive CSIR…

56 Days To Success in CSIR NET – An Exclusive CSIR…

57 Days To Success in CSIR NET – An Exclusive CSIR…

Biotecnika Times Newsletter 31.01.2023 DBT-RA Programme, TIFR Summer Research With Stipend

Biotecnika Times Newsletter 01.12.2022 RCB PhD Admission 2022, Coca Cola Job

Biotecnika Times Newsletter CIAB, IGIB Jobs, CSIR NET Final Ans Key,…

CSIR NET LIFE Science & GATE Biotech Syllabus Comparison

Genetics career Scope and Opportunities

• Biotech Admissions
• Biotech News

The i3c BRIC-RCB Ph.D. Programme in Biosciences – Application Portal Open, Start Applying!

The i3c BRIC-RCB PhD Programme in Biosciences

Introduction

A need was felt to establish a nationally cohesive, interdisciplinary Ph.D. programme in biosciences to expand the scale of generating highly skilled, globally competitive human resource. It was envisioned that the trained human resource produced through this programme would be better equipped to provide bioscience-based pioneering solutions to contemporary problems relevant nationally and globally. The main objective of the proposed programme would be to foster greater academic and research interaction among the institutions of the DBT BRIC (iBRICs), RCB and ICGEB, and to increase the professional networking opportunities for the Ph.D. scholars.

Programme Overview

About The i3c BRIC-RCB Ph.D. Programme

Key Highlights

• The collaborative initiative between the Institutions of BRIC (iBRIC), RCB and ICGEB aims to promote excellence in biotechnology research and education in India.
• The programme provides extensive learning opportunities in the fields of life sciences and biotechnology through classroom and online teaching, workshops and hands-on training in high- end technology platforms.
• It offers an interdisciplinary Ph.D. programme in Biosciences to students with a Master’s degree in Life Sciences as well as Medicine graduates & BTech/BE in non-biological sciences.
• It includes a three-month immersion programme, supported by a generous additional grant, to expose students to real-world challenges and aims to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship among young scientists.

Eligibility & Selection

The new i3C BRIC-RCB Ph.D. programme is expected to include highly talented students from backgrounds in the broad fields encompassing biotechnology, medicine and engineering. There will be two proposed tracks of entry into the programme.

Number of seats: Up to 70

Fellowship emoluments:  As per extant fellowship norms of the respective funding agency

Educational qualification :   Indian/ international (e.g. TWAS) students with an MSc/ MTech in any of Life Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, MPharm, MVSc, MBBS or an equivalent degree would be eligible to apply. An aggregate score of 55% or an equivalent grade in the preceding qualifying degree examination would be a necessary qualification (with a 5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC- NCL/differently-abled allowed as per extant statutory norms). Four-year undergraduates from all of the above disciplines are also eligible as per UGC guidelines.

Selection Criteria:

Admission to the i3C BRIC-RCB Ph.D. programme in biosciences would require qualification in a national level fellowship examination such as the DBT-BET, CSIR-JRF, UGC-JRF, ICMR-JRF, or similar, which provides a five-year valid fellowship for pursuing a Ph.D. tenable at any of the iBRICs, RCB or ICGEB. Eligible applicants will be screened and shortlisted for interviews to be conducted around June-July each year.

Up to ten additional fellowships are likely to be instituted to encourage engineering (BTech/BE) and medicine graduates (MBBS) to apply to the programme. Undergraduates in any branch of engineering (BTech/ BE) or medicine (MBBS) with 55 % aggregate marks in the preceding qualifying degree examination would be a necessary qualification (with a 5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/differently-abled allowed as per extant statutory norms). The selection process will involve a separate written examination and/or an interview.

Allotment of institution and Ph.D. supervisor

The selected students will be assigned iBRIC institutions and Ph.D. supervisors along with their admission offer. The assignment of supervisors and iBRIC institutions will be made based on the interview merit scores and the students’ preferred research areas and supervisors, which would be submitted by the student prior to the interviews. It is expected that about five students from the programme will join each iBRIC/RCB/ICGEB in the first year, totaling about 75 students. All students inducted into this programme will receive their Ph.D. degree from RCB.

Registration and enrolment

The selected students will take admission at the assigned institutions and report to RCB Faridabad for registration and the first semester of coursework. A one-page description of the Ph.D. project, prepared in consultation with the assigned supervisor in a prescribed format, would need to be submitted along with the registration. Selected students will be housed at RCB- administered accommodation for the first semester, during which all campus facilities available to RCB students will be made available to the selected students. These include twin shared, off- campus leased accommodation, transport to and from the campus, meal facilities in the mess and cafeterias, access to campus medical facilities, and access to library, IT, and sports facilities.

The selected students will be provided counselling at RCB and assigned iBRIC institutions and Ph.D. supervisors along with their admission offer. The assignment of supervisors and iBRIC institutions will be made based on the interview merit scores and the students’ preferred research areas and supervisors, which would be submitted by the student prior to the interviews. In order to streamline the process, each iBRIC would be requested to provide the available list of supervisors before each admission cycle. It is expected that about five students from the programme will join each iBRIC/RCB/ICGEB in the first year, totaling about 75 students. Since all students inducted into this programme will receive their Ph.D. degrees from RCB, BRIC/ each iBRIC would be required to maintain an academic affiliation with RCB. Similarly, each iBRIC supervisor is also required to be an adjunct (affiliated) faculty of RCB.

The selected students will register with RCB immediately after admission and be required to activate their Ph.D. fellowships. A one-page broad description of the Ph.D. project, prepared in consultation with the assigned supervisor in a prescribed format, would need to be submitted along with the registration. The selected students will also be required to activate their respective Ph.D. fellowships directly through their respective parent iBRICs. During the scholars’ stay at RCB in the first semester, RCB will provide the monthly attendance record to the respective institutions to facilitate fellowship disbursement from the funding agencies. Selected students will be housed at RCB-administered accommodation for the first semester, during which all campus facilities available to RCB students will be made available to the selected students. These include twin shared, off-campus leased accommodation, transport to and from the campus, meal facilities in the mess and cafeterias, access to campus medical and counselling facilities, and access to library, IT, and sports facilities.

Programme Structure

The courses offered in the first semester at RCB (~August to December) will be taught by RCB and iBRIC faculty members and external experts. In line with current UGC guidelines, students will be expected to complete 12 (twelve) mandatory credits during the coursework. The overall structure of the course is outlined below:

Compulsory courses – 9 credits

• Research methodology (4 credits) – theory
• Science communication and ethics (2 credits) – theory
• Biostatistics with computation (3 credits) – theory
• High-end instrumentation

Optional (elective) courses: one mandatory

• Biochemistry (3 credits)
• Molecular biology (3 credits)
• Cell and developmental biology (3 credits)
• Microbiology (3 credits)
• Basic neuroscience (3 credits)
• Basic immunology (3 credits)
• Basic plant biology (3 credits)
• A selection of online courses

The three-month mandatory immersive field internships will follow the first semester of coursework. Students will be required to submit a report to RCB and the concerned iBRIC at the end of the internship.

High-end platform technology courses in modern biotechnology

Training modules will be provided on high-end instrumentation facilities at the Advanced Technology Platform Centre (ATPC) of RCB and iBRIC facilities. The purpose of this module is to acclimatise scholars to the latest technology platforms being used in modern biosciences, such as protein purification, optical imaging, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, data analysis, next-generation genomics.

These modules will be taught by dedicated, qualified technical personnel who will be recruited for this purpose. These training modules represent a novel component of the doctoral coursework pioneered through this programme.

Monitoring Ph.D. research progress

The supervision of the thesis will be conducted by the designated Ph.D. supervisor at one of the iBRICs/ RCB/ ICGEB. A thesis committee (student advisory committee, or SAC), constituted for each student as per RCB norms, will regularly monitor the research progress.

An annual conclave will be held for scholars and supervisors at iBRICs/ RCB/ ICGEB in rotation. Each registered scholar will be required to participate in two such conclaves during the third and fifth years of their Ph.D. tenure. Third year students will present posters of their research. Fifth year students will make oral presentations of their research work. Poster and oral presentation prizes will be presented to recognize meritorious work. Participating students may meet the expenses related to attending the conclave from their respective fellowship contingency funds.

APPLY ONLINE HERE

Editor’s Note: The i3c BRIC-RCB PhD Programme in Biosciences. Please ensure you are subscribed to the  Biotecnika Times Newsletter  and our  YouTube  channel to be notified of the latest industry news. Follow us on social media like  Twitter ,  Telegram ,  Facebook   and  Instagram . The i3c BRIC-RCB PhD Programme in Biosciences Launch. The i3c BRIC-RCB PhD Programme in Biosciences Fees. The i3c BRIC-RCB PhD Programme in Biosciences Eligibility.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

The origin of the cockroach: how a notorious pest conquered the world.

If we don’t have any clearance of exam like any kind of jrf… So can we apply it or not?

Comments are closed.

Short Research Trip to France! Scientific High Level Visiting Fellowships (SSHN) 2024 For Indians!

Jeet research program 2024 – call for applications – register online, 2nd edition uk-india toefl scholarship – win scholarship worth rs. 2.5 lakhs*.

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• Advertise on BioTecNika