Graduate Studies

Master of Science

The Department of Agricultural Economics offers a degree program leading to the Master of Science in Agriculture with a concentration in Agricultural Economics. This program stresses thorough mastery of advanced economic theory, methods of quantitative analysis, and the applications of these methods to the problems of agriculture. The broad program of economic research conducted by the department affords a wide selection of areas from which the student may choose a specific problem for research.

M.S. graduates are qualified to enter a wide variety of careers in both the public and private sectors. Recent graduates are employed by agribusiness firms, federal and state agencies, interest groups, and non-governmental organizations. M.S. graduates are also qualified to enter Ph.D. programs in Agricultural or Applied Economics.

M.S. students must successfully complete all 26 hours of required coursework in the program of study. In addition, students must complete at least 6 hours of thesis research credit. The thesis is completed under the supervision of the student's graduate committee. Completion of the degree requires students to present and defend their research work to the satisfaction of the Agricultural Economics faculty.

M.S. students must begin graduate coursework in the fall semester; thus, the student must submit application materials prior to July 1. However, graduate research assistantship decisions are usually made in March, and admission to the program must be obtained before an assistantship may be granted. Students are encouraged to apply no later than February.

Master of Agribusiness Management

The Master of Agribusiness Management (MABM) program is an interdisciplinary degree between the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Business and is administered by the Department of Agricultural Economics. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in the exciting world of food and agribusiness management. Students take coursework that includes core MBA courses in accounting, finance, and marketing along with graduate courses in agricultural economics. The MABM is a highly marketable degree due to the combination of general business training along with courses that focus on unique challenges facing food and agribusiness firms.

Students begin the MABM program during the first summer term. In the two weeks prior to the start of the program students attend one week of MBAMath during which certain prerequisite deficiencies can be addressed and a mandatory one week orientation (known as Springboard Week). The degree requires a minimum of 30 hours of coursework, which includes a required internship. MABM students must also successfully complete a comprehensive oral examination. Research assistantships are not available for students in the MABM program.

Check out the new Distance Master of Agribusiness Management program. Earn your master's degree in agribusiness management from anywhere in the world. The program curriculum is based on a total of 31 credit hours.