Doctor of Philosophy in Economics at Washington State University

All graduates will be able to:

1.  Graduates will understand and be capable of applying economic theory and quantitative methods at the highest professional levels of rigor.
   •  Advanced economic theory and quantitative methods will be well understood.
   •  Emphasis is placed on development of the formal theory and quantitative tools necessary for original research contributions to the field.
   •  Graduates will be capable of making basic research contributions to the literature, as well as conduct applied economic analyses at the highest levels of rigor.
2.  Graduates will be trained in critical, integrative, and evaluative thinking at the highest professional levels of rigor.
   •  Graduates will be able to integrate advanced economic theory, advanced quantitative methods, and institutional knowledge relating to the economic problem context to conduct research at the frontiers of the profession in order to assist consumers, firms, and policy makers in making economically rational decisions.
   • Graduates will be able to conduct advanced analysis and evaluation of broad economic and social problems concerning the allocation of individual, firm and social resources.
   • Graduates with the PhD in Agricultural Economics will be differentiated by their expertise in analyzing resource decisions and institutions involved in the food and fiber sector of the economy, or in analyzing economic issues relating to natural resources and the environment.
3. Graduates will have advanced communication skills oriented towards academic professionals.
   •  Advanced written and oral communication skills are necessary for Ph.D-level economists to contribute effectively to the economics literature, and are also necessary  for efficient and clear dissemination of the knowledge generated from advanced economic analysis to target groups in the private and public sectors.