The graduate program in economics is a joint program of the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Department of Economics in the Poole College of Management. Emphasis is placed on economic theory and quantitative economic analysis and their application to economic problems. Master's students can choose between the terminal master's track and the PhD-prep track. In both tracks, they may further tailor their experience by choosing to concentrate in one or multiple of the four fields: financial economics, international economics, natural resource and environmental economics and applied econometrics. Students can also choose between engaging in a research project culminating in a thesis (the Master of Science in economics degree) and simply pursuing a coursework only option (the Master of Economics degree). The major fields of specialization for doctoral students are: agricultural economics, development and labor economics, econometrics, environmental/resource economics, international economics, macro-monetary economics and microeconomic theory and industrial organization.<br><br>The terminal master's track is for students who will seek full-time employment after graduation. Students may enroll in the track on either a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students can finish the program in 1 year, 18 months or 2 years, depending on their own pace.