Our community
The program welcomes talented, dedicated students with a strong work ethic to contribute to our diverse community of scholars. The approximately 40 students in our economics doctoral program bring a wealth of experience and knowledge from across the world. In the past five years, our department has also hosted three Fulbright Scholars. As such, our program creates an intellectual environment at a small urban university where differences in disciplinary approaches enhance learning, and close faculty-student relationships — including the opportunity to participate in a teaching mentorship program — foster collegiality.
Areas of study
Our program emphasizes the development of the theoretical understanding and empirical skills required to carry out research in applied and quantitative economic analysis.
Economic theory and empirical methods, coupled with an early emphasis on research — students in their second year have opportunities to conduct and present original research — helps students progress quickly after reaching the dissertation stage and assists with their job searches.
- Development economics
- Labor economics
- Urban economics
- International economics
- Environmental and energy economics
Other electives are offered every other year, and it’s possible to combine and cross-electives and research. For example, students have combined environmental economics and economic development, using insights and techniques in both areas for their research.
