The PhD degree in economics from the University of New Hampshire is a research degree that imbues students with a deep understanding of economic theory, institutions, and empirical analysis. Most program graduates move into faculty positions at institutions of higher learning where teaching is an important component of their responsibilities.

The Whittemore Difference

Graduate programs in economics traditionally focus on developing sophisticated research skills, with little or no emphasis on the history of economic thought, methodology, and institutions, and no formal training in the teaching of economics at the college level. These traditional programs produce students who are well-trained in technique, but who often find it difficult to talk about real-world problems with undergraduates.

Most colleges and universities have a primary goal is of hiring faculty who can generate interest in economics and build undergraduate majors, but few institutions have accepted the challenge of training first-rate economists and college teachers. The Department of Economics at UNH has embraced this challenge.

Excellence in Teaching

In conjunction with the UNH Graduate School's Teaching Excellence Program, the department has developed a doctoral program track that provides formal training in pedagogy for students whose career goals include teaching at the college level. This track, called the Cognate in College Teaching, is an option that PhD students may select in addition to the requirements of the doctoral degree. The Cognate is a 12-credit program and is awarded, upon satisfaction of all requirements, with the PhD degree. The Cognate can only be awarded in conjunction with the PhD, and none of the course requirements of the Cognate can substitute for those of the PhD.

The Program

To enter the program, a student must formally apply to the Graduate Dean after at least one year of full-time graduate studies in Economics. Admission to the Cognate will be decided by the Graduate Dean, based upon recommendations from the Director of Graduate Studies in Economics and the Teaching Excellence Program Director.

Requirements of the Cognate

Course Work (12 credits)

• GRAD 940      Foundations in College Teaching (2 credits)
• GRAD 951      Teaching with Writing (2 credits)
• ECON 978      Teaching Economics (4-credits)
• GRAD 990      College Teaching Praxis (4 credits)

The Teaching Portfolio

• The student must submit an approved teaching portfolio. The portfolio is a relatively short collection of materials selected to document, summarize, and highlight one's growth, experiences, and strengths as a teacher. For those new to the academic job market, the portfolio can help set them apart from other candidates.

Upon completion of the foregoing requirements, the Cognate in College teaching is awarded and noted on the graduate transcript. For more information see the UNH Academic Program in College Teaching.