The Department of Economics at Purdue University's Krannert Graduate School of Management offers a doctoral program that prepares economists for careers in research, teaching, business and government. The graduate program in economics has a strong quantitative and analytical orientation. It is designed to provide a working knowledge of cutting-edge research skills and to broaden the students' understanding of economic institutions.<br><br>h.D. students must complete a minimum of 50 hours of course work within the plan of study. They must complete 16 credit hours in economic theory (and pass preliminary examinations covering the core courses), 10 credit hours in econometrics, 6 credit hours in research methodology, 6 credit hours in a primary (specialty) field, 6 credit hours in a secondary field and 6 credit hours of electives. Click here for sample schedules of courses. Students also must write and successfully defend a dissertation of suitable scholarly content and scope that demonstrates ability to carry out a substantial independent research project. Students typically take four to five years, including summer school sessions, to complete their Ph.D. studies.