The teaching programme at AERC started in 1976 and offers M.A.S./M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees with approval from the University of Karachi. The coursework is intensive and spread over four quarters requiring the completion of 42 credit hours of study. The first quarter introduces students to economic theory and quantitative methods. Second quarter covers topics in advanced economics. The third quarter’s orientation is towards applied economics and computer applications. The fourth quarter is reserved for training in special field courses.

A major component of the degree is training in a special field where students are able to apply the theory and quantitative techniques acquired in the programme to write a thesis. Candidates in the second year are required to write and defend a thesis in one of the special fields. Major areas of such research are Public Finance, Urban and Regional Economics, Industrial Economics, International Trade, Agricultural Economics, Human Resource Economics, Project Evaluation, Finance and Monetary Economics, Islamic Economics and SMEs. The teaching programme aims at a high professional standard and graduates are readily accepted in research and teaching institutions, government departments, and financial and other institutions.