The Department of Economics at Iowa State University presents a unique tradition of excellence in graduate education, overseeing M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs in both economics and agricultural economics. Since the granting of the first M.S. degree in 1913 and the first Ph.D. in 1925, students have come to Ames from many states and nations to receive graduate instruction in economics.
Graduates fill vital positions in academia, government, and businesses around the world.
The combination of economics and agricultural economics gives great flexibility to students in both disciplines. With an agricultural economics group ranked among the top in the country and prominent faculty in general economics, students are assured of receiving both a solid foundation in economic theory and access to top researchers in applied economics. The department's close association with the highly ranked statistics department allows students to develop statistical and econometric skills in courses taught by world-renowned scholars. This combination of excellence in theoretical, statistical, and applied training has made Iowa State a leader in economics education.