A preliminary qualifying examination over economic theory and quantitative skills is administered after completion of the first year courses. The analytical and research tools necessary for a successful career as a professional economist are developed during the second year of study when students take the specifically designed sequence of courses in applied economic skills. Beginning in the program's third semester, students take advanced courses in their chosen applied fields of specialization. Although most courses are taught by the Department of Agricultural Economics and the Department of Finance and Economics, students may, in consultation with their Plan of Study Committee, include courses from related disciplines such as business, public administration, mathematics, and statistics. Upon completion of the applied field courses, all students must pass a qualifying field examination prior to entering the dissertation stage.
Students begin work on the dissertation during their third year.
The dissertation is completed under the supervision of a major professor and committee drawn from the Graduate Economics Faculty.