Doctorate in Economics and Data Analysis (DEDA)

The DEDA is a comprehensive doctoral program that combines rigorous theoretical and practical training in applied economics and data science. The program focuses on developing the analytical and quantitative skills that prepare students for careers in public, private, and non-profit organizations (NGO’s), where they will work as high-level analysts and leaders. Students choose whether to emphasize microeconomics or international development.

Note: The PhD in Economic Sciences, not the DEDA, is intended for students who specifically wish to prepare themselves to be professors.

Admission. Admission requirements are detailed in the Admissions section of the current Policies and General Information Bulletin.

University Policies. Policies detailed in the current Policies and General Information Bulletin apply.

General Requirements

Coursework

A minimum of 64 units of graduate-level coursework is required, including completion of the course requirements listed below. Students entering with the prerequisites and attending full time complete the degree in three summers and five academic-year semesters, or about 2.5 years.

Prerequisites

Students entering with a BA/BS should have three or more years of professional experience and the following prerequisites (16 units):

ECON 308- Math for Economists
ECON 381- Probability & Statistics for Econometrics
ECON 313 – Microeconomic Analysis OR ECON 316 – Consumer Theory and General Equilibrium AND
ECON 302 – Modern Macroeconomics

Please note that ECON 308: Math for Economists, or its equivalent, is a prerequisite for ECON 308 and ECON 381.

Students entering with an MA/MS in Economics are assumed to have the equivalent of this coursework but should take courses as needed; any needed prerequisites are in addition to the 64 units required for the DEDA.

Field of Study: Students have 16 units of field-of-study coursework. 12 units are to be chosen in consultation with theiradvisors. Most students will select from Applied Microeconomics or International Economics and Development Policy (IEDP.)

Transdisciplinary Course Requirement: Students will take at least 6 units of Transdisciplinary courses (TNDY), offeredcohort-style in summer intensive formats. Specific courses should be chosen in consultation with their advisor.

Research Tool: Students take at least 24 units of research tools courses.

Qualifying Exams: There are no qualifying exams. Students take 10 units of practicum courses and 8 units of capstone courses.

Practical Experience Milestone: See below.

Dissertation: There is no dissertation requirement. Students complete 10 units of practicum courses and 8 units of capstonecourses, including 4 units of a Capstone Completion course. The rigorous, applied capstone project is in lieu of a dissertation.

Capstone Project:

Students complete 10 units of practicum courses and 8 units of capstone courses, culminating in a rigorous, applied capstone project.

Degree Requirements

Research Tools (24 units)

SPE 489 - Computational Tools for Social Science
ECON 382 - Econometrics I (prerequisites are ECON 308 - Math for Economists, ECON 381 – Probability & Statistics for Econometrics, or equivalent)
ECON 383 - Econometrics II (prerequisite is ECON 382 or equivalent)
SPE 487 - Visualizing Data
ECON 384 - Time Series Econometrics (prerequisit is ECON 383 or equivalent)
ECON 377 - Causal Modeling, Big Data & Machine Learning OR MATH 462 - Mathematics of Machine Learning OR MATH 351: Time Series Data Analysis

Transdisciplinary Studies (6 units)

Six units of Transdisciplinary Studies (TNDY) courses will be chosen in consultation with the student’s academic advisor(s). These courses are generally 1- or 2-unit intensives and may be completed over the summer. One purpose of these courses is cross-disciplinary cohort building, and courses should be taken in person. Topics will cover elements of the following: problem-focused approaches, systems thinking, transdisciplinary communication, wicked problems, leadership, conflict resolution, project management, etc.

Field-of-Study Electives (16 units)

ECON 317 - Game Theory & Asymmetric Information (required)
Twelve units should be chosen in consultation with the student’s academic advisor(s). Most students will select from Applied Microeconomics or International Economics and Development Policy (IEDP).

Practicum Courses (10 units)

DEDA students will take 10 units of practicum coursework. Coursework components should be chosen in consultation with advisor.

2 units of foundational skills
4 units of intermediate skills
4 units of integration and application

Capstone Courses (8 units)

DEDA students will take a total of eight units of Capstone courses, one during the first year; one during the second year; and the 4-unit Completion course during the final semester of the program.

A 2-unit Capstone Proposal course
A 2-unit Capstone Progress course
A 4-unit Capstone Completion course

Division of Politics and Economics Practical Experience Milestone

Doctoral students in the Division of Politics and Economics must meet the Practical Experience Milestone through one of the following:

An applied research project with CGU or 5C faculty OR
An applied research report submitted to a client OR
One or more semesters of relevant work experience between matriculation and graduation OR
Another practical or applied work or research experience approved by the department as achieving one or more program learning outcomes

Students must have their milestones approved by the department prior to the submission of their Final Approval Form. This milestone is to be completed during the time to degree at CGU (maximum of 7 years for doctoral students). Extensions of Time to Degree citing the need to complete this milestone will not be approved. Students can have a maximum of 3 years of experience for the Practical Experience Milestone.