Economics Center for Teaching (EcoTeach)
Welcome to Ecoteach, the instructional arm of the Department of Economics, supporting the three economics degree programs: Undergraduate, M.A. and Ph.D.
Established in 2001, the EcoTeach office provides student services and offers assistance with the many aspects of pursuing a degree in Economics, whether as an undergraduate, M.A. or Ph.D. student.
EcoTeach plays an integral role in actualizing the Economics Department's vision of a vibrant research community at the student level. In particular, at the undergraduate level, it has implemented a research initiative designed to move undergraduates from consumers of, to active participants in, economics research. This is accomplished through research focused field classes and senior research seminars that encourage the interchange of ideas, problems, and strategies among undergraduates and faculty in an environment similar to that which exists amongst graduate students and their advisors.
EcoTeach is also constantly creating key field courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level to deepen students' understanding of specialized topics beyond what is covered in economics core courses. Undergraduate students who complete an honors thesis are invited to the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium and ESU (Economics Student Union) Honors Poster Session. Senior theses are also published in the DJE (Duke Journal of Economics).
Undergraduate Program
Services offered to undergraduates include advising each semester on establishing a coherent course of study in Economics, and ensuring that students complete degree requirements in a timely manner. The EcoTeach office also provides assistance with:
-
Registration issues
- Collaboration with the ESU
- Honors theses
- Undergraduate research
- Davies Fellowships
Additional information on the support offered to students can be found on the undergraduate pages, including the popular Duke in New York (DINY) program.
M.A. Program
Key Contacts:
Master’s students, including prospective, current, and alumni, visit EcoTeach for answers to all administrative and academic matters in support of successful completion of their degree requirements. EcoTeach staff help with:
- Academic advising
- Degree progression tracking
- Research and academic assignments
- Career services
- Administrative issues such as: orientation, admissions, financial aid, course registration, graduation completion exercises and payroll.
A primary goal of the MA Program is to secure favorable placement for all our students. As a result the program focuses directly on rigorous training for PhD placement and administrative assistance for career placement. Specifically the program has created the ISCE (International Summit for Careers in Economics), which is a semi-annual conference that invites employers, both large corporations and small businesses, from a variety of fields, to meet with and recruit current students from the program.
Ph.D. Program
Key Contacts:
PhD students come to EcoTeach for a variety of services. The office is a resource for prospective students, current students, and alumni. Beginning with admission and an orientation program, the EcoTeach office guides the PhD student through the degree program, providing assistance with:
- Advising
- Office assignments
- Payroll
- Liaison with the DGS
- Job market preparation.
Students can review their student records and receive guidance for both course and career choices. The EcoTeach office further encourages students' scholarly and professional development by organizing work opportunities as teaching assistants, research assistants, graduate assistants, graders, and tutors within the department, providing information on fellowship opportunities for continuing students, and overseeing the distribution of awards to support travel and data purchases.
EcoTeach strives to provide our PhD students with the resources to successfully navigate the program, prepare for the job market, and obtain employment in the best economics research and teaching positions worldwide.
I encourage you to visit the EcoTeach site often for up-to-date information on the many aspects of studying economics at Duke.
Thomas J. Nechyba
Director of EcoTeach
