seeking a thesis-only Ph.D in Economics

I apologize in advance if my question has already been dealt with. I researched many posts, but I didn't see anything that addresses my issue. If this topic is specifically addressed elsewhere, perhaps you would be so kind to direct me to that discussion.

I changed careers 11 years ago, and transitioned from a product development/international business professional with 20+ years of experience to teaching. I got my Masters of Science in Economics from a reputable university in the US Midwest, and I have since been teaching at various levels. I have taught graduate level economics for some time already, and I am thrilled that my university allows a non-Phd economist to do that. My thesis dealt with regional studies of Okun's Law, which I would love to resurrect and use as a basis for a doctoral dissertation given that this areas of study has since gone through several iterations. I don't have anything published and I cannot make ANY claims for having contributed to the body of knowledge. I am just a teacher. But I am working on two papers with Ph.D. colleagues of mine that believe in what I have to offer. I teach full time, and I am the only member of the economics faculty without a terminal degree. Do I need one? Perhaps not, after all I don't have any research obligations because I am technically unqualified, but I do do research, anyway, and I would love to go through the rigor of a thesis only program. I also want to strengthen my position at the university, and not have to constantly correct students that call me Dr. xyz - I find it somewhat embarrassing if you know what I mean. I may be overreacting, but frankly, I feel like a second tier instructor. That said, I am very fortunate to enjoy the respect and collegiality of my colleagues as if I was "one of them." I believe I have substantial experience and intellectual curiosity that a dissertation-only distance program best applies to me. I have looked at the "safe" options in the UK, South Africa and Australia, as well as Monarch Business School in Switzerland (affordable but judging by your posts questionable). I guess the reputation of the school is important to me, but not at the expense of NOT getting the degree.

I would welcome any comments or guidance that you might be able to offer. Based on what I said, does the direction that I am taking seem reasonable to you? Also, is there a compiled list of distance dissertation-only programs in economics?

Grazie.

 

I suggest that you check out the University of Leicester in England, Charles Sturt University in Australia and UNISA in South Africa. These are the main three countries we look at for dissertation-only doctoral programs.

 

Thank you Kizmet. Leicester seemed a bit pricey, if I recall. I have not checked out the other two. Is there an exhaustive list of current dissertation-only universities? At any rate, I will check out your suggestions.

 

Steve, I am not sure that I am attracted to a particular school. I am more of a centrist when it comes to teaching, and therefore my research (albeit informal) tends to explore issues that are not necessarily associated with specific economic schools. I work with neoclassical stuff all the time, but I am not married to it. If I had the opportunity to work on a dissertation-only Ph.D. in economics I would love to concentrate on non-fiscal and non-monetary policies, such as might be the case with supply-side economics.

 

I checked out the University of Leicester and it appears to be a reasonably good fit for me. I noticed that the distance learning program is expected to be completed in 6 to 6 1/2 years. I am not sure how to interpret this. Most other thesis-only programs are generally in the 3- to 4-year time span. I would be interested in your thoughts.

 

Since you are already teaching somewhere, and sound like someone who had a life outside of academia before, you may find the DBA from Heriot-Watt to fit your needs. The program's methodology actually has its roots from the research Professor Lumsden did on teaching economics many years ago. It is not strictly "dissertation only" however, you will have to take a few courses on research methods, but they are self paced, and you would only need to take about 3 exams total. Also, you can pay as you go, so that helps with the cost. Last I heard, Heriot-Watt was ranked up there next to LSE for economics education, so I don't think you will have a problem with reputation.

The other option I would suggest would be to reach out the economics department of your nearest state school. Some departments will accept 3 or 4 peer reviewed articles in lieu of having to the the dissertation, which sounds like what you are working towards. You still may have to take a few research methods or graduate seminar type classes however.