The program allows students to pursue a traditional approach as preparation for entry into a doctoral program or an applied approach geared toward policy analysis in a specialized area. Graduates have successfully completed Ph.D. programs at universities across the nation. Others have become economics professors, chosen research and analysis positions in government and private business firms, and some have pursued careers in general business management. Students are trained in theory and research methods and take several courses emphasizing business or government policy analysis in chosen specialty areas. An independent research program is required in permitting students to apply theory and empirical techniques to real world problems.
Interdisciplinary training is encouraged as well.
The program can be adapted for students with diverse backgrounds in a course of study combining economics with graduate courses in sociology, political science, computer science, statistics, finance, marketing research or public administration.