Masters Programs that are helpful stepping stones to a PhD

[lindseybuck95]

Hello all,

 

I know that some masters programs are better than others if one's ultimate goal is to obtain a PhD. Some explicitly state that they are not to be used as a stepping stone for a PhD, but others, such as UT- Austin, state that they are a useful stepping stone. Could people provide examples of other masters programs that may be good for a student looking to up their mathematical and economic skills before applying for a PhD?

 

Thank you!

[DDQuanta]

There are not many I can think of. Off the top of my head are LSE's Econ/EME and CEMFI, all 1 year. I would also consider SSE if you come directly from undergrad and want research experience, it's 2 years with full thesis. I heard some good things about UCL's and UBC's too, also 1 year.

 

May be other members can help adding.

[startz]

Traditionally, Duke has the best stepping stone to PhD program in the U.S. Wisconsin also seems to produce good results at least for the top of its class. In comparing 1 year and two year programs, give thought to what kind of letters of recommendation you will be able to get.

[econphd1992]

US econ master programs dont give funding. If you can afford it go for duke or NYU or chicago's new MAPSS with econ concentration - all the while being sure to take math classes or preferably phd micro/metrics. Alternatively you could look at top schools in canada (toronto, queens) or in europe (lse eme is hard to get into depending on your background) or CEMFI/Bocconi/BGSE.