Easiest Econ Ph.D programs to get into...in the U.S

[damusda]

Hey everyone, thanks for the great inputs.
A few points I'd like to make though:
- I'm not a U.S. citizen and with it comes time constraints, which I need to consider
- Funding isn't too big of a problem for me
- The reason for my deficiencies in Math is simply because I was lazy the 1st 2 years, and when I decided to take it seriously after switching to ECON as a major (last year) I had to blow through all my requirements to graduate on time. I've already taught myself differential equations and linear algebra, so I'll probably just enroll in a few community college courses to makeup for my deficiency.
- I respectfully disagree with the argument that a lack of interest in academia will hamper my ability to get through the degree. I'm interested in research, just not necessarily seeking a position in academia.
- I've unofficially taken 2 courses with ph.D students in China, and performed fairly well in them (macro & game theory), of course these students were first/second year ph.D students, so I don't know how that would compare to U.S programs
- The difference in the amount of respect and credibility given by a ph.D versus a Masters in some foreign countries isn't quite the same as the U.S.
So in essence, I'm asking if anyone could give me examples of a few easier ph.D programs to enter ( Western Michigan U was a great example, thanks), of course I'll consider other alternatives, but with my current situation I'd be giving up a lot.
Again, thanks everyone for your input, it's been most helpful.

[applicant12]

I'm an international student too and I'm not quite sure I understand what you mean by time constraint.... If you have no problem with funding, you should be able to stay in the US as long as you are enrolled at a college/university and meet all the things required by law. If you want to graduate early to enter the workforce or you have personal reasons, then ignore my comment. I don't mean to mock or anything like that, so please understand

[seacucumber]

- Isn't "time constraint" a reason for taking the MA instead of taking a PhD? I still don't understand why you absolutely have to go through the PhD route.

- I'm not sure you'll be able to conduct any significant quantitative research with the skills you have. If you haven't taken multivariable calculus, your econometrics/stats training is probably very limited. It's much more likely that you'll end up doing more qualitative research. Not necessarily a bad thing, but that's not what an econ PhD teaches you to do. You'll be much, much better off with a degree in political science or public policy.

- It's good that you've taught yourself some necessary math courses, but that's not sufficient. It's much more important to have taken some proof-intensive courses before. Usually that comes with real analysis. Community colleges will not benefit you at this point, either in admissions or for your own learning.

- I understand there's a difference in respect/credibility between MA and PhD, especially in foreign countries (or maybe I should say my country, since I'm Chinese). I am not entirely sure how big the difference is. But I think you'll be treated with much more respect if you get an MA from some reputable university in Europe than if you get a PhD from a basically unknown university in the U.S. Even if it is not true, I doubt it's worth 3-4 extra years of time, which will mostly be wasted, just to get a nicer-sounding degree.