The primary objective of the graduate program is to educate students as research economists. In the process, students also acquire the background and skills necessary for careers as university teachers and as practitioners of economics.

The curriculum includes a comprehensive treatment of modern theory and empirical techniques. Students are exposed to a broad range of applied fields, and elect specialization in two fields of particular interest. The typical student can expect to spend two full years completing the required course work.

The first year of graduate course work typically consists of a methods course, the core sequences in microeconomic theory and econometrics, plus the first two courses in the macroeconomics sequence. Newly admitted students must arrive on campus in mid-August for a 5 week math review course, and to begin the 1st year econometrics sequence. Comprehensive examinations in micro and econometrics are scheduled at the end of the first year, and in macro in the winter of the second year after completion of the macro sequence in fall quarter. During the second year, courses must be chosen to satisfy general distribution requirements and to achieve specialization in two elective fields. Students are also required to show competence in economic history, generally by taking one course in economic history during the second year. By the beginning of the third year, students should be engaged in serious dissertation research under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Active participation in seminars, including at least two one-hour presentations of work in progress, is required. Students usually complete working drafts of substantial research papers by the beginning of their fourth or fifth year. These drafts are essential for achieving placement in suitable research positions during the course of this year.

Students are encouraged to take the required oral examinations and to complete all work on their dissertation by the end of the fourth year. In some cases, ambitious dissertation research cannot be completed within a four year program. However, we actively discourage students from taking more than five years to complete their degree.

All students must fulfill at least a one quarter paid Teaching Assistant requirement. They are provided the opportunity to improve their teaching skills, with the assistance of a TA coordinator, through several avenues: The Linguistics Department offers course work for foreign Tas, and the Stanford Center for Teaching and Learning offers consultation, evaluation, and training (including videotaping).