Written Preliminary Exams

Each graduate student is required to pass four written preliminary exams before the student can progress to the oral preliminary exam.  Students must pass exams in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory and two field exams of the student's choice.  Preliminary exams are offered twice a year, in May and August.  Fields offered include the following:

• Econometrics

• Economic Development

• Financial Economics

• Game Theory

• Industrial Organization

• International Trade

• Labor Economics

• Mathematical Economics

• Monetary Economics

• Public Economics

In addition, one examination offered by a related program at the University of Minnesota may be substituted for one of the fields listed above.  Students may also petition for a special examination in a field not listed above.

Although the written preliminary exams are difficult and require thorough preparation, all but a small number of students complete this requirement within 36 months.  This reflects the faculty's view that the principal function of the examinations is to set standards, while screening is a function of the selective admissions policy.

Prelim Archive