Ph.D. in Economics

The Ph.D. in Economics is a research-oriented doctoral program designed to develop highly qualified economists with advanced capabilities in economic theory, econometrics, research, policy analysis, and empirical economic investigation.

The program aims to prepare scholars who can contribute to higher education, economic policy research, economic analysis, policy formulation, and the generation of new knowledge in economics. 

Program Objectives

The Ph.D. in Economics program aims to:

• Develop qualified economists capable of teaching and advising at higher learning institutions. 

• Strengthen advanced training and postgraduate education in economics. 

• Develop capacity for cutting-edge economic policy research. 

• Contribute to economic analysis and policy formulation. 

• Support the establishment and effective operation of economic policy research activities. 

• Help address the shortage of qualified economists in government and non-government institutions. 

Graduate Profile

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Economics program are expected to be able to:

• Undertake graduate-level teaching and academic advising in economics and related fields. 

• Analyze economic problems and propose relevant policy solutions. 

• Conduct independent research in various fields of economics and produce high-standard research reports. 

• Support public and private sector organizations through scientific and empirical economic investigations. 

• Plan, analyze, monitor, and evaluate development and other projects. 

• Generate new knowledge and contribute to the existing body of economic literature. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the Ph.D. in Economics program must:

• Hold a Master's degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Statistics, or another relevant field with advanced coursework in: 

  • Microeconomics 

  • Macroeconomics 

  • Mathematical Economics 

  • Statistics/Econometrics 

• Pass an entrance examination, where required. 

Admission is subject to the applicable regulations of Bahir Dar University.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the Ph.D. in Economics, a candidate must:

1. Complete at least 17 credit hours of coursework. 

2. Obtain at least a B grade in each core course. 

3. Successfully complete, defend, and submit the Ph.D. Dissertation with a minimum grade of Satisfactory.  

The curriculum specifies a minimum study period of three years and a maximum period of six years for completion of the Ph.D. requirements. 

Program Structure

The program emphasizes a strong foundation in:

• Economic Theory

• Econometrics

• Research Methods

• Economic Policy Analysis

• Independent Doctoral Research

The core coursework is completed during the first year, while the Ph.D. dissertation constitutes the major component of the subsequent study period. 

Core Courses

The five core courses provide advanced preparation in economic theory, research methodology, micro econometrics, and macro econometrics. 

Course Breakdown by Year and Semester

Year I — Semester I

Year I — Semester II

Years II & III — Ph.D. Dissertation

The curriculum states that all core coursework is completed during the two semesters of Year I, while the Ph.D. dissertation runs from the first semester of Year II. 

Ph.D. Dissertation

Students who successfully complete the required coursework are eligible to register for the Ph.D. Dissertation.

The dissertation component includes:

• Development and approval of the dissertation proposal. 

• Proposal defense before an examination panel. 

• Data collection and empirical research. 

• Research methodology and analysis. 

• Dissertation writing. 

• Final dissertation defense. 

• Incorporation of required revisions following the defense. 

The curriculum indicates that the dissertation research requires a minimum of two years, with students expected to complete and defend their dissertation by the end of the third academic year. 

Degree Nomenclature

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are awarded:

Doctor of Philosophy in Economics

Amharic: የፍልስፍና ዶክትሬት በኢኮኖሚክስ