Graduate Programs

Student Learning Outcomes

Doctor of Philosophy in Economics (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. program is designed to (i) advance knowledge concerning Health Economics and Philanthropy/Nonprofit Economics; (ii) develop the skills essential for our graduates to conduct independent research in these two areas. The two fields for our Ph.D. program are Health Economics and Philanthropy/Nonprofits Economics. Students completing the Economics Ph.D curriculum will:

  • Demonstrate a high level of understanding of economic theory, and of statistical theory specially relevant for economics.
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the state of knowledge in their fields of specialization within economics, including theoretical models, research methodologies, and empirical results.
  • Demonstrate the ability to critically assess economic issues, and to integrate economic theory and statistical/econometric analysis in order to evaluate these issues.
  • Demonstrate the ability to assemble, organize and analyze economic data, in order to conduct advanced econometric analysis ability to conduct independent, original research in economics.

Master of Arts in Economics (M.A.)

The Master of Arts program has a twofold objective: (1) to provide students with analytical capabilities and research skills for careers in business, government, and the nonprofit sector; and (2) to prepare those who wish to pursue the Ph.D. at IUPUI, Indiana University Bloomington, or another university. Students completing the Economics M.A. curriculum will:

  • Know a wide variety of economic issues.
  • Understand the current state of economic thought with regard to these issues
  • Be able to use mathematical and/or statistical models based on economic theory—including models that are computable—to help under understand and address important economic issues.
  • Be able to understand the limitations of statistical data analysis, particularly in regard to detecting causal relationships between economic variables and be familiar with techniques for addressing these limitations.
  • Be familiar with computer programs for manipulating large data sets and for conducting statistical analysis using these data sets.