The program combines a sequence of seven required core courses, three directed electives, and six free electives. The required coursework also includes an interdisciplinary course on the European Union and a capstone interdisciplinary research seminar. The breadth of knowledge gained by examining Europe from various vantage points provides students with a solid foundation in the underlying issues in contemporary European affairs. Students choose their electives from a large menu of courses that are offered by participating academic departments. The electives must be chosen to form a coherent concentration.
Students define their own field concentrations in consultation with their faculty advisors.
Some students choose to hone their professional skills, concentrating in areas such as international business diplomacy, or media and communications. Others focus on a geographical or subject area, such as security issues, democratization, or the transition to market economies in Eastern Europe. All students must submit a formal plan of study for faculty approval early in the second semester of their first year. This course of study is oriented towards students with well-defined doctoral aspirations in Economics who wish to augment their Ph.D. coursework with a multidisciplinary regional focus on Germany and Europe. In order to receive the Ph.D., candidates must also complete all requirements for the Ph.D. in Economics program as outlined in the Economics section of this Catalogue.