The thesis proposal should be completed within one year of the successful completion of the Special Field Examination. After the proposal has been approved by the thesis committee, the student will proceed to complete the research. The thesis should demonstrate the candidate's ability to perform original research which develops in a scholarly way a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding in the chosen special field. The requirement is that the analysis and evaluation of relevant data yield significant and independent conclusions. Students writing their dissertations are required to present their research in progress before a working seminar in either the Economics Department or the Business School.
Students often make several such presentations, at least once a year.
Completion Normal completion time is four years. To remain in good standing, the candidate should complete the program in six years.