phd graduation msu

Department of Economics

PhD Programs

• Ph.D. Program

The Ph.D. program in MSU’s Department of Economics is a leader in economic research and training, routinely being ranked between the 25th and 35th best economics departments in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report. According to the current Research Papers in Economics (RePEc) rankings, MSU is 24 th in the United States and is in the top-three in the Big 10 in Econometrics, International, Labor, Micro, and Public. For additional rankings, see the  American Economic Association .

We recognize that the best education comes from building a strong theoretical and econometrics foundation and working closely with faculty members and fellow classmates. As a department, we have taken steps to maximize these opportunities by offering competitive support packages, keeping field class sizes small, and fostering a collaborative environment within and between cohorts.

Our goal is that students will leave MSU with the research tools, experience, and professional network necessary to succeed in their desired careers. Recent graduates have gone on to work in tenure-track positions at top research institutions (Rutgers, Georgia Tech, Arizona, Oregon State, Iowa State, Melbourne, Essex), top government agencies (Census, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Food and Drug Administration, Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. Government Accountability Office), and top private sector firms (Abt, Amazon, Citi, J.P. Morgan, Mathematica).

• Dual Doctoral Degrees

Course Selection

While our course selection changes from year to year, we have structured the program so that we can offer at least one course in all of our primary fields each year:

• Microeconomic Theory
• Macroeconomics
• Development
• Econometrics
• Environmental and Resource
• Industrial Organization
• International Trade

In addition to working on topics in these primary fields, we frequently have students working in secondary fields, including Aging, Behavioral, Education, and Health. Please see Michigan State University's  schedule of courses for a complete and up-to-date course offering.

Funding Information

All admitted students are automatically considered for funding and fellowships. In recent years, all admitted students received some form of funding, ranging from university-wide fellowships that require no teaching to teaching and research assistantships. We will communicate a student’s funding offer in the official admissions offer letter.

For more information, please contact Scott Imberman , Director of Graduate Studies, or Jay Feight , Graduate Program Coordinator. 

• Application Info
• Past Ph.D. Placements
• Job Market Candidates

Your Next Step

Learn how to apply

• Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. Program Requirements

Course of study.

Doctoral students work closely with their guidance committee to formulate their plan of study. This includes an annual evaluation by the guidance committee made up of four regular MSU faculty members (as further defined in the Graduate Handbook) and a meeting with the guidance committee chair each semester to discuss the annual evaluation, progress toward the degree, and professional development. The guidance committee will administer the comprehensive examination by the end of the sixth semester.

The purpose of the comprehensive examination is twofold. First, it ensures that doctoral students have mastered the necessary background material in philosophy to begin their own specialized dissertation research. Second, it provides doctoral students with close supervision and advice in the early stages of their dissertation project. To accomplish these related purposes, the comprehensive examination is divided into three steps:

• The guidance committee and the graduate students determine the format and topic of the comprehensive exam over the area in which the student has chosen to write the dissertation — the format may be, for example, one or more papers or a take-home exam with multiple questions;
• If the guidance committee passes the written exam, then the student will propose a bibliography and prospectus for the dissertation;
• If the guidance committee approves the bibliography and prospectus, the guidance committee will meet with the student, offer advice on the dissertation, and in consultation with the student set the timetable for writing the dissertation.

Finally, each student must write a dissertation and defend it orally to the satisfaction of the guidance committee.

The comprehensive examination and all course work must be completed by the end of the eighth semester; all requirements for the degree must be completed within sixteen semesters of the time a student first enrolls as a doctoral candidate. Students should consult the MSU Graduate Programs bulletin for University regulations.

Requirements

• PHL 800—Proseminar in Philosophy and PHL 801—Teaching Philosophy
• a minimum of 33 credits must be graduate seminars
• at least two courses/seminars in each of 4 areas: Logic and Philosophy of Science (includes Philosophy of Language); Metaphysics and Epistemology; Value Theory (includes Social and Political); History of Philosophy
• one in the field of the dissertation
• one in the minor field
• two in areas other than the dissertation or minor field
• a minor field within philosophy, distinct from the field of the dissertation OR
• an interdisciplinary minor field consisting of a PHL course/seminar and two courses/seminars in one or two other disciplines
• Pass the Comprehensive Examination
• Complete an approved dissertation prospectus or topic statement
• Complete, defend and submit to the graduate school an approved dissertation
• Meet the department logic requirement
• Meet the foreign language requirement (if required)
• Develop a teaching portfolio
• a minimum of 24 (maximum of 36) credits of PHL 999
• Satisfy the general requirements of the university and college for the Ph.D. degree (The university requires one year of residence (2 consecutive semesters and 6 credits); normally students spend three or more years in residence.)
• Foreign language courses
• Credits taken to fulfill the logic requirement
• Non-PHL courses/seminars (exception: up to 6 non-PHL credits can be counted toward the 45 credits as long as they are relevant to the dissertation work or part of the interdisciplinary minor)
• Credits for courses or seminars for which the student has earned a grade of less than a 3.0.

Students who enter the program with an M.A.

Students who enter the doctoral program with an M.A. in Philosophy may have up to 21 credits waived upon recommendation of their guidance committee; of the remaining 24, a minimum of 18 must be seminars (excluding PHL 801). Students entering with other master’s degrees (not in philosophy) may have up to 15 credits waived, and of the remaining 30, a minimum of 24 must be at the 800-level (excluding PHL 801). These waiver rules set maxima; the guidance committee may waive fewer credits, depending on the student’s prior preparation in the discipline.

Students who enter the program with a B.A.

For all students entering the program from the B.A., the guidance committee, in the first semester, reviews the student’s previous academic preparation and files a “Distribution Requirement Report” in which it may waive a maximum of 3 credits in each of 2 areas, or 6 credits in one area, citing upper division courses on the previous transcript. Students who previously completed an M.A. in Philosophy may have up to 3 credits in each of 4 areas waived. These rules set maxima; committees may waive fewer or none, depending on the student’s prior academic experience and achievement.

• Undergraduate
• Philosophy Major
• Philosophy Minor
• Philosophy and Law Minor
• Philosophy BA-MA
• Independent Research
• Prizes & Awards
• Bioethics & Philosophy of Medicine
• Socially Engaged Philosophy of Science
• Critical Social and Political Thought
• Environmental Philosophy and Ethics
• Application & Admissions
• Doctoral Placements
• Awards & Financial Support
• Graduate Seminars
• Community & Activities
• Resources (Forms, etc.)
• Faculty & Staff
• Graduate Students
• Support MSU Philosophy
• Alumni Highlights
• Language, Truth and Gossip

Office of Admissions

Graduate applicants

Michigan State University has a decentralized graduate admissions process. Applicants should contact the department/program of their interest to find out program requirements, deadline dates and admissions procedures before filling out an application. A department and program directory is available to find appropriate contact information. A listing of interdisciplinary programs can be found on the interdisciplinary programs page .

Graduate degrees

Admission to a graduate degree program (DMA, EdS, MA, MFA, MM, MS, PhD) begins with the completion of the graduate student application for admission, submission of the application fee, and any additional requirements as determined by the college or department of the major. This same department reviews the application and determines the final admission decision. You may submit up to two (2) applications to different graduate majors in the same semester. Each must be accompanied by a full set of documents as required by MSU and the individual graduate programs. Each application requires payment of the application fee.

Start a graduate application

Graduate certificates

Students applying to one of the Graduate Certificate programs should complete a Graduate Certificate application.

Start a graduate certificate application

Professional degrees

To apply for a professional degree program (such as DNP, DO, DVM, MBA, MD, JD), you will need to complete the appropriate application for admission. Unlike general graduate applications, most professional degrees have a separate application and specific requirements through their corresponding college. The only exceptions to this are the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP) and the MBA, which can be applied to through the general graduate application.

Apply for a professional degree

• MD from the College of Human Medicine
• DO from the College of Osteopathic Medicine
• DVM from the College of Veterinary Medicine
• DNP from the College of Nursing
• MBA from the Broad College of Business
• JD from the MSU College of Law

The college that offers the program will review your application and make the final admission decision.

Commencement

Cap and Gown & Other Graduation Orders

Cap and Gown & Other Graduation Orders

Order all you need from the Official MSU Commencement Store at the Spartan Spirit Shop at the MSU Union, 49 Abbot Road. 

• Cap and Gown ( bachelor’s , master’s and doctoral )
• Diploma frames
• Announcements (via CB Announcements)

Contact the Spartan Spirit Shop with any questions by  emailing  [email protected]  or calling 517-355-5116.

Honor Cords

For seniors who are graduating  With Honor  or  With High Honor , the dean’s office of your college will contact you a few weeks prior to commencement to invite you to pick up a gold honor cord.  With Honor  and  With High Honor  receive the same cord.

To confirm grade point averages for the semester in which you graduate, and how graduation honors are calculated, please see  the Office of the Registrar Graduation Honors page.

Josten's Ring Sale Event

Check back soon for Spring 2024 ring sales events!

Class rings are a beautiful and personal way to commemorate a graduate's time at Michigan State University.

Visit their website to view ring designs.

• Souvenirs & Gifts
• Bachelor's
• Master's
• Bachelor's Graduation Packages
• Master's Graduation Package
• Doctoral Regalia
• Doctoral Rentals
• Law School Regalia
• Bachelor/Master
• PhD/Medical
• College of Law
• Alumni Items
• Josten's Class Ring Information
• Custom Graduation Announcements

Graduation regalia is available online for shipment. Purchase in store at our MSU Union location! Located on the 1st floor across from the main lounge.

Find the latest information about commencement ceremonies at   commencement.msu.edu

Contact Spartan Spirit Shop: [email protected]

Shop our available Bachelor and Master Bundles and save!

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.
• Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device

Academic Programs

Graduate certificates, other links.

• International Students
• Human Resource Management
• Strategic Management
• Tuition & Financial Aid
• HR Management & Development
• Leadership & Managing Teams

Academic Calendar

• (855) 300-1310
• [email protected]

Graduate Certificate in HR Management & Development

Leverage Human Resources and Align as a Strategic Partner

As companies form and expand, there is demand for HR managers and executives who can strategically manage and develop an effective workforce. Focused on leading individuals as well as meeting long-term organizational goals, MSU’s  Graduate Certificate  in Human Resource Management and Development helps you connect core functions of HR, including compensation, training and development, talent management, and labor relations to overall business strategy. Gain the knowledge and skills to improve the performance and competitive position of your organization through this focused program comprised of only five courses (9 credits). All five courses are included in MSU’s Master of Science in Management, Strategy and Leadership, so the credits you earn can be applied toward a master’s degree if you decide to pursue your education further.*

August 2, 2024

August 26, 2024

December 4, 2024

January 6, 2025

The  Broad College of Business  graduate programs instill a roll-up-your-sleeves work ethic most top employers seek. This program combines a foundation of HR courses covering topics from compensation systems, staffing, developing learning organizations and more to help you advance in this upwardly mobile career path. This curriculum was designed by some of the top researchers in their field, including many who teach in MSU’s MBA Human Resource Management Concentration.

*Students must be accepted into the master’s program for the credits to be applied.

Graduate certificates designed for you now exclusively online.

This graduate certificate, offered exclusively online, was designed specifically for self-directed professionals like you, looking to continue their education. This credential leverages the convenience of anytime, anywhere interactive, video-based e-learning, opening doors to career advancement opportunities, while fitting into the constraints of your busy schedule. Breaking the mold of traditional online graduate courses, 5-week courses allow you to gain more skills and knowledge in an accelerated time frame. The length of time it takes to complete the graduate certificate is dependent on course availability.

What You’ll Learn

• How to leverage human resources and align with organizational strategies to create competitive and global advantages
• Ways to develop a learning organization that inspires and nurtures top talent, helping to retain the leaders your organization needs to succeed
• Management of labor, compliance and regulatory issues
• How theory, research and legal foundations impact staffing decisions
• Ways to link rewards and compensation packages with recruiting, employee selection, training and development, and performance reviews
• Methods for motivating, providing meaningful feedback and influencing change
• How to analyze the cost, benefit and ROI of training programs

Who should Enroll

The For-Credit Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management and Development is designed for professionals who have earned a bachelor’s degree and have at least three years of full time managerial experience in a supervisory role. Ideal candidates will have earned a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA.

Those who might be interested in the graduate certificate include:

• General managers
• Human resource specialists
• Training and development managers
• Compensation and benefits managers
• Administrative services managers
• Human resource managers

Curriculum & Tuition

Required courses.

Perform a supervised analysis of your employing organization, by interviewing the CEO or other visible leader. Then assess the correspondence between the leader’s vision and concepts presented in the program. * MGT 802 must be completed in the last semester .

Identify the human resource management functions all managers perform as you explore human resource activity design, administration and evaluation. You’ll also review needs assessment, program implementation and evaluation, information management and decision support, and international human resource management.

Skills: Leadership, Strategic Thinking, People Management, Collaboration/Coordination, Communication, Decision Making, Innovation/Creativity, Analysis, Adaptability, Coaching, Change Management

Complete Any Three of the Following Courses

Scientific, legal, and administrative issues in talent acquisition, placement, and promotion.

Skills: Strategic Thinking, People Management, Collaboration/Coordination, Communication, Decision Making, Analysis, Culture/Cross-Culture, Global Mindset, Critical Thinking

Explore how organizations can benefit from differences in ethnicity, age, tenure, education and more. You’ll also discover some of the challenges that may arise and learn techniques to manage conflict.

Skills: Leadership, People Management, Communication, Decision Making, Culture/Cross-Culture, Adaptability, Global Mindset, Change Management, Critical Thinking

Learn how to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities within an organization. This enables you to match future employee skill needs with appropriate learning strategies as well as link employee knowledge, skills, and abilities with overall organizational strategies.

Skills: Leadership, Strategic Thinking, People Management, Collaboration/Coordination, Adaptability, Coaching, Global Mindset, Critical Thinking

How do you manage human resources to realize an organization’s goals and mission? Learn strategies for employee recruitment and development, performance management, succession planning and retention, career management and leadership development.

Skills: People Management, Coaching

Learn how to apply compensation principles to organizational objectives and strategically use compensation systems to attract, motivate and retain employees. You’ll also discover the managerial aspects of paying employees at all organizational levels.

Skills: People Management, Analysis, Global Mindset, Critical Thinking

Total Courses

Tuition is determined by the University and does not include books or other fees that may apply. These rates are subject to change at any time during the program or enrollment process.

Let us know if you have any questions or need assistance.

Toll Free: 855-300-1310

International: +1 813-612-4295

Take the next step in your career with our program guide!

" * " indicates required fields

Admission Requirements

• At least three years full-time managerial experience in a supervisory role strongly preferred
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college
• 3.0 cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA)
• A high degree of potential for advancement to an organizational leadership role
• Important personal and managerial attributes, such as intellectual curiosity, strong communication skills, maturity, openness to new ideas and change, leadership qualities, analytical thinking ability, perseverance, and an ability to lead and work in teams
• Background knowledge of and exposure to word processing, spreadsheets and presentations

Transfer Credit Policy

• At the sole discretion of Michigan State University, up to 9 graduate credit hours (excluding research and thesis credits) may be transferred from other postsecondary accredited institutions of comparable academic quality. Only courses in which at least a 3.0 grade or its equivalent was received will be considered for transfer. Transfer credit can only be used towards a master’s degree of 30 credits minimum; not towards a Graduate Certificate.

Applicants must submit the following items:

• A completed application
• A one-time, nonrefundable $100 application fee
• Official undergraduate transcripts from a bachelor’s degree program at an  accredited college  or university and official transcripts of other programs or courses of study from any accredited college or university attended prior to Michigan State University. Transcripts from Michigan State are not required.
• If an applicant selects they are a Service member or a Veteran of the military an official military transcript will be required
• Current resume detailing professional work experience, academic credentials and related accomplishments, and pertinent biographical information
• Three letters of recommendation from professional, work-related references, preferably supervisors. Letters that attest to your ability to work within and lead teams, as well as to your contribution to a professional business environment, are strongly recommended.
• A statement of intention essay, no more than two pages, including details of your direct supervisory and/or project/program management experience, as well as a statement on how you intend to leverage the  degree  in your career
• GMAT scores may be submitted if your bachelor’s degree GPA was below 3.0 in your last two years of undergraduate work*

*Qualified applicants with 3 or more years’ full-time managerial experience in a supervisory role and a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher are typically not required to submit GMAT scores for admissions consideration. Admissions decisions are determined by several factors, including: quantity and quality of professional and/or military experience; academic degrees (including graduate degrees) and grade point averages; institution(s) where credits were earned; Letters of Recommendation; and the Statement of intention. Applicants may be requested to submit GMAT scores based on these criteria. Applicants who have earned below a cumulative 3.0 GPA, especially from non-regionally accredited institutions, are encouraged to provide a strong GMAT score along with their application. Applicants with cumulative GPAs above 3.0 from non-regionally accredited institutions or for-profit institutions may be asked to take a GMAT depending upon the quality of their overall application. Submitted GMAT scores must not be more than five years old.

Get Connected with Broad:

• Business College Complex
• 632 Bogue St
• East Lansing, MI 48824

Jump to navigation

Search form

The Graduate School

• Faculty/Staff Resources
• Programs of Study Browse the list of MSU Colleges, Departments, and Programs
• Graduate Degree List Graduate degrees offered by Michigan State University
• Research Integrity Guidelines that recognize the rights and responsibilities of researchers
• Online Programs Find all relevant pre-application information for all of MSU’s online and hybrid degree and certificate programs
• Graduate Specializations A subdivision of a major for specialized study which is indicated after the major on official transcripts
• Graduate Certificates Non-degree-granting programs to expand student knowledge and understanding about a key topic
• Interdisciplinary Graduate Study Curricular and co-curricular opportunities for advanced study that crosses disciplinary boundaries
• Theses and Dissertations Doctoral and Plan A document submission process
• Policies and Procedures important documents relating to graduate students, mentoring, research, and teaching
• Academic Programs Catalog Listing of academic programs, policies and related information
• Traveling Scholar Doctoral students pursue studies at other BTAA institutions
• Apply Now Graduate Departments review applicants based on their criteria and recommends admission to the Office of Admissions
• International Applicants Application information specific to international students
• PhD Public Data Ph.D. Program Admissions, Enrollments, Completions, Time to Degree, and Placement Data
• Costs of Graduate School Tools to estimate costs involved with graduate education
• Recruitment Awards Opportunities for departments to utilize recruitment funding
• Readmission When enrollment is interrupted for three or more consecutive terms
• Assistantships More than 3,000 assistantships are available to qualified graduate students
• Fellowships Financial support to pursue graduate studies
• Research Support Find funding for your research
• Travel Funding Find funding to travel and present your research
• External Funding Find funding outside of MSU sources
• Workshops/Events Find opportunities provided by The Graduate School and others
• Research Opportunities and programs for Research at MSU
• Career Development Programs to help you get the career you want
• Graduate Educator Advancement and Teaching Resources, workshops, and development opportunities to advance your preparation in teaching
• Cohort Fellowship Programs Spartans are stronger together!
• The Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society (BGHS) A national network society for students who have traditionally been underrepresented
• Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) A gateway to graduate education at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities
• Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) A community that supports retention, and graduation of underrepresented doctoral students
• Recruitment and Outreach Ongoing outreach activities by The Graduate School
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Funding Funding resources to recruit diverse students
• Graduate Student Organizations MSU has over 900 registered student organizations
• Grad School Office of Well-Being Collaborates with graduate students in their pursuit of their advanced degree and a well-balanced life
• Housing and Living in MI MSU has an on and off-campus housing site to help find the perfect place to stay
• Mental Health Support MSU has several offices and systems to provide students with the mental health support that they need
• Spouse and Family Resources MSU recognizes that students with families have responsibilities that present challenges unique to this population
• Health Insurance Health insurance info for graduate student assistants and students in general at MSU
• Safety and Security MSU is committed to cultivating a safe and inclusive campus community characterized by a culture of safety and respect
• Why Mentoring Matters To Promote Inclusive Excellence in Graduate Education at MSU
• Guidelines Guidelines and tools intended to foster faculty-graduate student relationships
• Toolkit A set of resources for support units, faculty and graduate students
• Workshops Workshops covering important topics related to mentor professional development
• About the Graduate School We support graduate students in every program at MSU
• Strategic Plan Our Vision, Values, Mission, and Goals
• Social Media Connect with the Graduate School!
• History Advancing Graduate Education at MSU for over 25 years
• Staff Directory
• Driving Directions

Apply to a Graduate Program at MSU

BEFORE you complete this application,  please contact the department or school that interests you to learn about program requirements. The  Department and Program Directory  with links to graduate study majors is available on the web at  http://grad.msu.edu/departments/ . For general information, consult the Academic Programs catalog ( https://reg.msu.edu/AcademicPrograms/ ).

Admission decisions are made by the graduate department/program. However, your admission to the University is not official until it has been approved by the Office of Admissions. The Office of Admissions will send out official offer letters through the Student Portal. Admission decisions are made after a departmental review of your academic records, test scores (where required), recommendations, qualifications and experience, and proposed program of study.

Since graduate education involves personalized instruction, consideration is also given to the availability of space in the chosen academic program. Michigan State University is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, non-discrimination, and affirmative action. The University complies with all federal and state laws and regulations relating to these principles.

Start your Graduate Application Here

Once you've submitted an application for admission, you will receive a confirmation email. You should then log into the student portal to see the status of your application and upload any needed documents.

Programs with Different Applications

Applicants for the following Master's programs must complete a different application:

• MS in Healthcare Management  
• MS in Management, Strategy and Leadership
• MS in Supply Chain Management  

Graduate Application fees

Application information.

Michigan State University has a decentralized graduate admissions process.  Applicants should contact the department/program of their interest to find out program requirements, deadline dates, admissions procedures, etc. BEFORE filling out an application.

A directory with contact information can be found at  Department and Program Directory .

A listing of interdisciplinary programs can be found on our  Interdisciplinary Programs page .

You may submit up to two (2) applications to different graduate majors in the SAME semester. Each must be accompanied by a full set of documents as required by MSU and the individual graduate programs. Each application requires payment of the application fee.

Michigan State University reserves the right to make changes in its programs, policies, rules, regulations, procedures, fees, tuition, housing rates, organizational structure, and faculty and staff through the appropriate university processes. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as is possible in the event of such changes.

Application Status

Admission decisions are made by the graduate department/program. However, your admission to the University is not official until it has been approved by the Office of Admissions.  The Office of Admissions will send out official offer letters.

If you wish to check the status of your application, please log into the  Student Admissions Portal  or contact your  department .

• Call us: (517) 353-3220
• Contact Information
• Privacy Statement
• Site Accessibility
• Call MSU: (517) 355-1855
• Visit: msu.edu
• MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.
• Notice of Nondiscrimination
• Spartans Will.
• © Michigan State University