Program Overview

University of Maryland Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics

The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Maryland offers various programs for undergraduate and graduate students.

Undergraduate Program

• The undergraduate program provides students with a comprehensive education in agricultural and resource economics.
• Advising: The department offers advising services to help students navigate their academic journey.
• Career Outcomes: Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue successful careers in various fields.
• Prospective Students: The department welcomes prospective students to explore its undergraduate program.
• Current Students: Current students can find resources and information on major requirements, academic policies, graduation, internship programs, and frequently asked questions.
• Global Poverty Minor: The department offers a minor in global poverty, which provides students with a deeper understanding of the complexities of poverty and development.
• Education Abroad: Students have the opportunity to participate in education abroad programs, which provide a unique and enriching experience.
• All Undergraduate Courses: The department offers a range of undergraduate courses, which are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in agricultural and resource economics.

Graduate Program

• The graduate program is designed to provide students with advanced training in agricultural and resource economics.
• Application Information: Prospective students can find information on the application process, including financial assistance and frequently asked questions.
• Current Students: Current students can find resources and information on PhD and master's programs, including course requirements, research paper requirements, and dissertation standards.
• PhD Program: The PhD program is designed to provide students with advanced training in research and academic pursuits.
  • PhD Course Requirements: Students are required to complete a set of core courses and electives.
  • PhD Research Paper Requirement: Students are required to complete a research paper worthy of submission to a well-regarded journal.
  • PhD Advancement to Candidacy: Students must meet certain requirements to be advanced to candidacy, including a "B" or better in each of the six first-year courses, a "B" (3.0) average or better in graduate coursework, development of a research paper, and an approved PhD dissertation prospectus.
  • PhD Prospectus: Students must develop a prospectus for their dissertation, which outlines their research goals and objectives.
  • PhD Dissertation Standards: Students must meet certain standards for their dissertation, including originality, significance, and contribution to the field.
  • PhD Satisfactory Performance: Students must demonstrate satisfactory performance in their coursework and research.
• Masters Program: The master's program is designed to provide students with advanced training in agricultural and resource economics.
  • MS Scholarly Paper Requirement: Students are required to complete a scholarly paper, which demonstrates their ability to conduct original research.
• Non-Degree Students: The department also offers non-degree programs for students who wish to take courses without pursuing a degree.
• Graduate Student Awards: The department offers awards to graduate students who demonstrate excellence in their academic pursuits.
• Mentoring: The department provides mentoring services to graduate students, which helps them navigate their academic journey.

People

• Faculty: The department has a diverse and experienced faculty, who are committed to providing students with a high-quality education.
• Staff: The department's staff are dedicated to supporting students and faculty in their academic pursuits.
• Graduate Students: The department has a vibrant community of graduate students, who are pursuing advanced degrees in agricultural and resource economics.
• Job Market Candidates: The department's job market candidates are well-prepared to enter the job market, with a strong foundation in research and academic pursuits.
• Visiting Scholars: The department welcomes visiting scholars, who bring new perspectives and ideas to the department.

Research

• Research Areas: The department has a range of research areas, including agricultural economics, resource economics, and development economics.
• Research Centers: The department is affiliated with several research centers, which provide students and faculty with opportunities for collaboration and research.

Extension

• Extension in AREC: The department offers extension services, which provide outreach and education to the community.
• 2018 Farm Bill Guides: The department provides guides to the 2018 Farm Bill, which helps farmers and agricultural professionals navigate the complex legislation.
• Agricultural Law: The department offers expertise in agricultural law, which helps farmers and agricultural professionals understand their legal rights and responsibilities.
• Beginning Farmer Success: The department provides resources and support for beginning farmers, which helps them succeed in their agricultural pursuits.
• Coastal and Marine Resources: The department has expertise in coastal and marine resources, which helps policymakers and stakeholders make informed decisions about these critical resources.
• Crop Insurance: The department provides expertise in crop insurance, which helps farmers manage risk and protect their investments.
• Farm and Financial Management: The department offers expertise in farm and financial management, which helps farmers make informed decisions about their businesses.
• Farm Transition & Estate Planning: The department provides resources and support for farm transition and estate planning, which helps farmers plan for the future.
• Grain Marketing: The department has expertise in grain marketing, which helps farmers understand the complex markets for their products.
• Land Use and Agricultural Land Preservation Program: The department provides expertise in land use and agricultural land preservation, which helps policymakers and stakeholders make informed decisions about these critical resources.
• Linking Agriculture, Natural Resources, and the Environment: The department has expertise in linking agriculture, natural resources, and the environment, which helps policymakers and stakeholders understand the complex relationships between these areas.
• Smart Growth and Residential Development: The department provides expertise in smart growth and residential development, which helps policymakers and stakeholders make informed decisions about land use and development.
• Water Quality: The department has expertise in water quality, which helps policymakers and stakeholders understand the complex issues surrounding this critical resource.
• Women in Agriculture: The department provides resources and support for women in agriculture, which helps them succeed in their agricultural pursuits.

AREC Seminars

• The department offers seminars, which provide students and faculty with opportunities for learning and discussion.
• The seminars cover a range of topics, including research areas, policy issues, and industry trends.

PhD Advancement to Candidacy

• Admission to candidacy for the PhD degree requires a "B" or better in each of the six first-year courses, a "B" (3.0) average or better in graduate coursework, development of a research paper worthy of submission to a well-regarded journal, and an approved PhD dissertation prospectus.
• Full-time students normally attain admission to candidacy during the third year after admission to the doctoral program, but must be advanced to candidacy within 5 years.
• The student must complete all requirements for the degree, including the dissertation and final examination, during a period of not more than 4 years after admission to candidacy.