Historically, the department of economics has emphasized complementary teaching and research, and the faculty excels in both areas. The scope and breadth of the faculty's research interests and activities are reflected in the stature and diversity of the general interest and field journals in which their work has been published. In recent years, the faculty has placed articles in leading journals. 

The department has also been able to successfully recruit a balanced mix of junior and senior-level professors, which ensures the infusion of new approaches and interests into both the classroom and the department's research agenda.