Program Overview

Master of Science in Agricultural and Resource Economics, Plan A

The Master of Science in Agricultural and Resource Economics, Plan A, is a program of study consisting of 30 credit hours, including the preparation and defense of an original M.S. research thesis (up to 6 credits of research work). Completion of this degree implies a mastery of fundamental microeconomic theory and econometrics, with an ability to conduct applied economic research under supervision. Graduates are competitive for employment in the public and private sectors as analysts, consultants, researchers, and other occupations involving analytical skills.

Program Overview

The program provides a solid foundation in microeconomics and quantitative methods, coupled with direct experience in applied economic research. This course of study represents an excellent basis for those inclined to pursue doctoral degrees, and many of our students have entered our own Ph.D. program or other top-level institutions across the country.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

1. Conduct impactful economic analysis and use quantitative tools to solve problems relevant to their sub-discipline specialty.
2. Demonstrate competency in the theoretical and quantitative foundations to successfully enter and complete a Ph.D. program in applied economics.
3. Communicate economic concepts, analysis, and findings in both oral and written forms across a wide range of professional settings.
4. Support the teaching of economic theory and methods as applied to agricultural and natural resource problems.

Course Requirements

• Core Courses:
  • AREC 506/ECON 506: Applied Microeconomic Theory (3 credits)
  • AREC 507: Applied Welfare and Policy Analysis (3 credits)
  • AREC 535/ECON 535: Applied Econometrics (3 credits)
  • ECON 501: Quantitative Methods for Economists (3 credits)
• Methods Courses:
  • Select one from the following:
    • AREC 615: Optimization Methods for Applied Economics (3 credits)
    • AREC 635/ECON 635: Econometric Theory I (3 credits)
• Field Courses:
  • Select one group from the following:
    • Group A:
      • AREC 540/ECON 540: Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (3-6 credits)
    • Group B:
      • AREC 605: Agricultural Production and Cost Analysis (3-6 credits)
      • AREC 610: Agricultural Marketing and Demand Analysis (3-6 credits)
• Electives:
  • Electives 1 (3-6 credits)
• Thesis:
  • AREC 699: Thesis (6 credits)
• Program Total Credits: 30

Program Procedures

1. Application for admission
2. Diagnostic examination when required
3. Appointment of advisor
4. Selection of graduate committee
5. Filing of program of study
6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD)
7. Report of preliminary examination
8. Changes in committee
9. Application for Graduation
10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee
11. Final examination
12. Report of final examination
13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form
14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically
15. Graduation

A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program. Select courses with approval of advisor and committee. For more information, please refer to the Requirements for All Graduate Degrees.