What are the goals of the DED program?
Unlike graduates of regular Ph.D. programs, DED graduates are not expected to go into academic research; they are expected to actively apply their skills and knowledge to make a difference in local economies. Our graduates will use the academic knowledge of economics to solve real problems in the field. Students and faculty will work on actual economic development problems submitted by state and local governments. We will challenge our faculty to think about economic development more broadly, and to deal with some very practical issues. Students will get an overview of economic development from local, regional and international perspectives; explore existing theory in the field and how it is applied; and learn the tools used for financial analysis of economic development projects.
