These programs are designed to train students for teaching and research positions in colleges and universities, government agencies, and private organizations. The curriculum is designed to meet the different needs of both master's and Ph.D. students by offering separate master's and Ph.D. courses in microeconomic theory and econometrics.
All programs emphasize a strong foundation in economic theory and econometrics.
An additional area of specialization is the economics of growth and change, an area of study that gives students the opportunity to study international economics, industrial organization and technological change, urban-regional economics, productivity analysis, human capital, and resource and environmental economics. This focuses study on a set of complementary fields that combine program strengths in economic theory and econometrics and the research interests of the faculty. Quality is assured not only by remaining focused, but also by remaining small. The program also benefits from a close working relationship with the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics and the Department of Forest Resources. Core courses are taught by outstanding faculty from all three departments.