I'm considering applying to the PhD in Economics program at the University of Pittsburgh. Can you tell me about the academic requirements for the first and second years of the program, including any exams or major milestones? Additionally, I'm interested in faculty specializing in 'applied econometrics' or 'empirical IO' – please identify two faculty members with these interests and list their primary research areas. Finally, I'd like to know if there are any upcoming 'McKay Lectures' or 'MQE Events' listed on the department's calendar, and if so, their dates and titles.
Navigate to the 'PhD Program' dropdown menu. Click on the 'Program Timeline' link to understand the first and second-year academic progression. Click on the 'Requirements and Milestones' link to gather detailed academic requirements and exams for the first and second years. Navigate to the 'People' dropdown menu. Click on the 'Faculty' link to find faculty members. Identify two faculty members whose research interests include 'applied econometrics' or 'empirical IO' and list their names and primary research interests. Navigate to the 'Events' dropdown menu. Click on the 'McKay Lectures' link. Note any upcoming McKay Lectures, including their dates and titles. Click on the 'MQE Events' link. Note any upcoming MQE Events, including their dates and titles. Synthesize all collected information into a concise answer.
The agent successfully identifies the academic requirements for the first year, including foundational courses in econometrics, empirical methods, mathematical methods, macroeconomics, and microeconomic theory, and passing preliminary examinations in microeconomics and macroeconomics in the summer. The agent successfully identifies the academic requirements for the second year, including taking courses from six major fields and completing two majors and one minor. The agent identifies at least two faculty members whose research interests include 'applied econometrics' or 'empirical IO' (e.g., Arie Beresteanu: Econometrics, Empirical IO, Environmental Economics; Cuimin Ba: Microeconomic Theory, Learning, Information, Behavioral Economics, Dynamic Games; or another relevant faculty member). The agent lists the names and primary research interests for the identified faculty members. The agent states whether there are any upcoming 'McKay Lectures' and, if so, provides their dates and titles. The agent states whether there are any upcoming 'MQE Events' and, if so, provides their dates and titles.