Courses
Econometrics Sequence
Econometric Methods 1
The first Econometrics course will provide the fundamentals of applied econometrics.
The first section will consist of statistical background useful for regression analysis
and forecasting. The second section will include a thorough review of the Classical
Regression model. Some instruction will occur in the computer lab, where students
will be instructed how to run regressions using actual data. Problem sets and a practical
regression-based project will be assigned to each student.
Econometric Methods 2
This class will build on the classical regression model. Heteroskedasticty and endogeneity
issues will be further developed. Students will learn cross-sectional and panel techniques.
The use of instrumental and dummy variables will be discussed. Problem sets and a
practical regression-based project will be required.
Econometric Methods 3
The third Econometrics course will emphasize time-series methods. We will begin with
the serial correlation violation of the classical model. Then we will turn our attention
to univariate and multivariate times-series econometrics. Students will spend time
in the computer lab where they will apply the techniques they learn to the data. They
will complete problem sets and complete a project using time-series econometric methods.
Economic Modeling
The economic modeling class will be a very practical hands-on class where the end
goal is familiarity with constructing models of economic activity. This course will
take place in the computer lab. We start with study of important data distinctions.
Students will have access to the Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF)
database system. Forecast theory will be studied, including concepts such as model
specification and forecast errors. Then, the remainder of the course will be the study
of the modeling environment. These would include: the model object, model structure,
and practical forecasting considerations. Students will be assigned problem sets and
a modeling project.
Financial Economics
Introduction to Financial Economics - Part 1
Financial theory, the time value of money, portfolio theory, and asset valuation will
be presented with emphases on decision making in real-world situations. Problem sets
will provide realistic applications of the material.
Financial Economics Part 2: Theory and Practice of Derivatives
This course is the second course on financial economics. Topics include the theory
of derivatives valuation, numerical techniques used to value derivatives and implement
hedging programs, interest rate modeling, market risk management and Value at Risk.
Financial Economics Part 3: Risk Management for Financial Institutions
This course is the third course on financial economics. Topics include credit risk
management, financial risk management at financial institutions, bank capital requirements
and applications and opportunities for financial engineers. Students will be expected
to design and implement a risk management program or financial engineering application.
Microeconomic Theory Sequence
Microeconomic Theory - Part 1
This course introduces students to Microeconomics, the study of allocated limited
resources. The theories economists use to describe economic behavior will be extensively
studied. The class will have two sections: Consumer Theory and Production Theory.
Because microeconomics is a math intensive course students will be expected to know
Calculus. This is a tools class and no project will be required. Students will have
extensive problem sets.
Microeconomic Theory - Part 2
This course is a continuation of Microeconomics I. The purpose of the course is to
combine consumer and producer theory into a general equilibrium framework. This course
will study theories that analyze consumers and producers in a market economy.
Macroeconomic Theory Sequence
Macroeconomic Theory - Part 1
This course will establish the core macroeconomic theoretical foundation for the program.
It will begin with study of the Historical Keynesian model. The remainder of the course
will be spent on the most widely used dynamic modeling technique in macroeconomic
research today, the infinite horizon representative agent model. Fiscal policy implications
for the models will be a key part of the course. Class participation and problem sets
will be required.
Macroeconomic Theory - Part 2
This class will be policy oriented, with extensive discussion of current topics. We
will discuss monetary and fiscal policy and the impacts of each. Additional topics
will include incentives and redistribution, moral hazard, and political economy. Students
will be expected to participate in class discussions and to complete a project. Problem
sets and a Paper will be required.
Topics
Environmental Economics
We begin with the theory of public bads/externalities, regulation theory and empirical
analysis in the context of environmental problems. We will examine when markets maximize
net benefits to society and under what conditions they fail to do so. Market failures
that we will discuss include public goods, externalities and common pool problems.
We will study non-market valuation of environmental goods and certain econometric
tools that are used to conduct policy analysis. Then we will study the design of environmental
policies to improve the performance of markets.
Mathematics for Economists
Operations Research will focus on Optimization and Linear Programming. The theory
behind Linear Programming will be revealed and a large variety of practical examples
will be presented. We will generalize the method to include non-linear programming,
again with practical examples. This is a tools class and no project will be required.
Students will have extensive problem sets.
