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PH-D in Economics at S.N.M. College, Maliankara, Moothakunnam
Ernakulam, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Economics at S.N.M. College, Maliankara, Moothakunnam Ernakulam?
This Ph.D. Economics program at Sree Narayana Mangalam College, affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University, is designed to cultivate advanced research skills and contribute original knowledge to the field of economics. It offers a rigorous academic environment for scholarly inquiry into complex economic issues relevant to India and globally, preparing scholars for high-level analytical and academic roles. The program emphasizes innovative methodologies and theoretical foundations.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for highly motivated individuals holding a Master''''s degree in Economics or a cognate subject, particularly those with strong analytical skills and a passion for in-depth research. It attracts aspiring academics, policy analysts, and researchers looking to contribute to economic discourse. Working professionals seeking to enhance their credentials and deepen their specialized expertise for leadership roles in economic research or policy formulation are also suitable candidates.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program are well-prepared for prestigious careers as university professors, research fellows in national and international think tanks, senior economists in government ministries, or policy advisors in various organizations. In India, initial salaries can range from INR 7-18 LPA for entry-level academic and research positions, with significant growth potential. The Ph.D. provides a robust platform for intellectual leadership and impactful contributions to economic theory and policy formulation.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Coursework and Research Fundamentals- (Semester 1)
Engage rigorously with the mandatory coursework, especially Research Methodology and Advanced Economics. Focus on building a strong foundation in econometric techniques, theoretical models, and research design. Attend all lectures, participate in seminars, and actively seek clarification from faculty to solidify understanding.
Tools & Resources
M.G. University Ph.D. Regulations and guidelines, Standard Ph.D. level textbooks in Economics and Econometrics, Reference works on research methods
Career Connection
A robust foundation in coursework is essential for developing a strong thesis proposal and for succeeding in any academic or research career.
Proactively Identify Research Area and Supervisor- (Semester 1-2)
Start exploring potential research topics early, aligning with your interests and the expertise available within the Department of Economics at Sree Narayana Mangalam College. Initiate discussions with potential supervisors to ascertain their research domains and identify a suitable mentor who can guide your intellectual journey.
Tools & Resources
Departmental faculty profiles, Leading academic journals in your areas of interest, University library resources for broad topic exploration
Career Connection
Early clarity on your research area and a good supervisory match ensure focused progress and timely completion of the Ph.D.
Cultivate Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicating time to enhance academic writing proficiency is critical. Practice writing literature reviews, research proposals, and early drafts of thesis chapters. Actively participate in departmental seminars to refine your presentation skills and learn to articulate complex ideas clearly. Seek peer and supervisor feedback.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing handbooks (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style), Grammar and plagiarism check software, Presentation software and design guides
Career Connection
Strong writing and presentation skills are fundamental for publishing research, securing grants, and excelling in teaching roles.
Intermediate Stage
Conduct Comprehensive and Systematic Literature Review- (Years 1-2 (post-coursework))
Undertake an exhaustive literature review to identify significant research gaps, refine your research questions, and firmly situate your study within existing academic scholarship. Utilize advanced search strategies and citation management tools to effectively organize and synthesize relevant studies.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley, Zotero, or EndNote for citation management, JSTOR, EconLit, Scopus, Web of Science databases, Google Scholar alerts
Career Connection
A thorough literature review forms the bedrock of a robust thesis and demonstrates your mastery of the chosen field, crucial for scholarly recognition.
Master Advanced Data Analysis and Software Proficiency- (Years 1-3)
Deepen your expertise in statistical and econometric software pertinent to your research methodology, such as Stata, R, EViews, or Python for data science. Practice rigorous data cleaning, analysis, and interpretation techniques. Consider specialized online courses or workshops to acquire advanced skills.
Tools & Resources
Official documentation and tutorials for Stata/R/Python, Coursera/edX courses on advanced econometrics/data science, Access to relevant national/international statistical databases (e.g., NSSO, RBI)
Career Connection
High proficiency in data analysis tools is a highly valued skill in academia, research institutions, and various quantitative roles in the private and public sectors.
Present Research at Academic Forums and Workshops- (Years 2-4)
Actively seek opportunities to present your ongoing research at departmental seminars, inter-university workshops, and national-level academic conferences. Engaging with feedback from peers and senior scholars is invaluable for refining your arguments, methodology, and overall research contribution. This also builds your academic network.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar schedules, Calls for papers from recognized academic associations, Professional networking platforms like LinkedIn and ResearchGate
Career Connection
Regular presentations enhance your academic visibility, provide critical feedback for your thesis, and are crucial for networking and job market preparation.
Advanced Stage
Target Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications- (Years 3-5)
Strategically convert distinct chapters or findings from your thesis into publishable journal articles. Aim for reputable, peer-reviewed journals in Economics, preferably those listed in the UGC-CARE list or indexed in Scopus/Web of Science. Collaborate closely with your supervisor to refine manuscripts and navigate the submission and revision process.
Tools & Resources
UGC-CARE List of Journals, Journal websites for author guidelines and submission portals, Academic writing support services
Career Connection
A strong publication record is a paramount requirement for securing academic positions, post-doctoral fellowships, and demonstrating scholarly impact.
Intensive Thesis Submission and Viva-Voce Preparation- (Years 4-6 (Final Year))
Dedicatedly focus on completing, proofreading, and refining your entire thesis manuscript. Ensure strict adherence to Mahatma Gandhi University''''s formatting guidelines for thesis submission. Prepare thoroughly for your pre-submission seminar and the final viva-voce examination, anticipating potential questions and rehearsing comprehensive defenses of your research findings.
Tools & Resources
M.G. University Ph.D. thesis submission guidelines, University research office support, Mock viva sessions with faculty and peers
Career Connection
Successful thesis defense and timely submission are the ultimate milestones for degree conferral and validation of your advanced research capabilities.
Proactive Post-Ph.D. Career Strategizing- (Final Year (Years 5-6))
Actively explore various post-Ph.D. career pathways, including academic positions (post-doctoral fellowships, assistant professorships), research roles in national laboratories or think tanks, and positions in government or international organizations. Network extensively, meticulously tailor your CV/resume, and prepare compelling job talks and interviews.
Tools & Resources
Academic job portals (e.g., Times Higher Education, Naukri), LinkedIn and professional networking events, Career counseling resources (if available at university/college)
Career Connection
Proactive and strategic career planning is crucial for a seamless transition from doctoral studies into your desired professional and intellectual trajectory.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Economics or a cognate subject with at least 55% marks (or an equivalent grade). Relaxation for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-abled categories as per UGC norms. Candidates must qualify an Entrance Examination conducted by M.G. University or be exempted as per UGC regulations (e.g., UGC-NET/JRF, SET, GATE, Teacher Fellowship Holders).
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (full-time scholars). Minimum 4 years, Maximum 8 years (part-time scholars), as per Mahatma Gandhi University Ph.D. Regulations.
Credits: Minimum 12 credits for coursework (as per M.G. University Ph.D. Regulations). Overall Ph.D. program credit calculation varies as thesis research is the primary component. Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHDECO101 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Philosophy of Social Sciences Research, Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Collection Methods and Sampling, Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis, Academic Ethics and Report Writing |
| PHDECO102 | Advanced Economics / Core Subject | Core | 4 | Advanced Microeconomic Theory, Advanced Macroeconomic Theory, Econometrics and Applied Statistics, Theories of Economic Growth and Development, Public Economics and Policy Analysis |
| PHDECO103 | Elective Paper (Area of Specialization) | Elective | 4 | Specific to candidate''''s chosen research area, May include Environmental Economics, Development Economics, Financial Economics, Agricultural Economics, International Economics, Labour Economics |
