The Department of Economics offers graduate programs leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. The M. A. degree can be completed in one to two years, and course work for the Ph.D. degree can be completed in three years. The Ph.D. degree also requires passage of preliminary examinations and the completion of a doctoral dissertation.

The graduate program in economics provides a strong foundation in macroeconomic theory, microeconomic theory, and quantitative analysis. In addition, it offers course work by nationally recognized scholars in such fields as development economics, econometrics, urban and regional economics, international economics, industrial organization, labor economics, and monetary theory and policy. 

Advanced course work and secondary fields are also available in agricultural economics, computer science, finance, mathematics, political science, statistics, regional planning, and other disciplines.