The doctoral program in economics offers a firm grounding in the theory and tools of economics as well as in a variety of fields of specialization. Facilities within the department include faculty and student offices, a library of core materials, and a computer center. The size of the department, the breadth of specialties represented among the faculty, the abundance of research workshops and research facilities, and the related programs of other university departments combine to provide an unusually supportive atmosphere for study and research. Students are encouraged to work together, study groups for course work and preliminary examinations are standard. The department currently has roughly 35 faculty members and approximately 140 graduate students. All doctoral students are assigned desk space. The department and students sponsor social events throughout the year.