Applied Economics (M.S.)

Master of Science. Major in Applied Economics.

The M.S. program in applied economics is designed to prepare students for management, research, and policy positions in the public and private sectors of the economy, and for further graduate study.

The M.S. thesis option is offered as a 32 credit stand-alone degree or as a 32 credit thesis degree with optional emphasis area(s). The minimum of 32 required credits can be satisfied by taking a combination of 500 and 400 level courses, with at least 18 credits at 500 level, plus no more than 3 credits of 300 level courses in supporting areas.

An emphasis may be selected in any of the following three areas: Agricultural Economics, Natural Resources, and Agribusiness. Both thesis options include six letter graded thesis credits (AGEC 500) and 26 credits of course work including the following:

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
AGEC 506	Faculty Seminar Series	0
AGEC 525	Master's Econometrics	3
AGEC 526	Master's Microeconomics Analysis	3
AGEC 527	Mathematics for Economists	3
AGEC 529	Research Methods (Max 2 credits)	1-2
AGEC Electives		15
Total Hours		25-26

A student has the option to not pursue an emphasis in which case the student must complete as part of the 15 credits of AGEC electives, 9 credits chosen from the following courses:

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
AGEC 532	Natural Resource Economics and Policy	3
AGEC 533	International Trade and Policy	3
AGEC 534	Production Economics	3
AGEC 535	Industrial Organization	3
AGEC 587	Regional Economic Development Methods	3
Total Hours		15

If an emphasis area is chosen, two courses must be selected from those specifically listed in that emphasis area, which will be used as part of the 15 credits of AGEC electives. Emphasis areas are:

Agribusiness

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
AGEC 535	Industrial Organization	3
AGEC 533	International Trade and Policy	3
AGEC 534	Production Economics	3
Total Hours		9

Agricultural Economics 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
AGEC 534	Production Economics	3
AGEC 535	Industrial Organization	3
Total Hours		6

Natural Resources

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
AGEC 532	Natural Resource Economics and Policy	3
Select one additional course:		3
Total Hours		6

More than one emphasis area may be completed as long as each emphasis area requirement is met. However, only the declared emphasis area will appear on the student’s transcript.

Students may take a non-thesis option M.S. degree. Under this option, a student will take a minimum of 32 credits of coursework including the 26 credits of departmental course requirements, which are the same as the stand-alone thesis option. For the non-thesis option, a three-credit paper will be written and presented by the student addressing a topic determined jointly by the student and the student's graduate committee. This option is only available for students not receiving financial support from research funds.

1. Students will possess understanding of the fundamental theories of microeconomics.
2. Students will be able to identify key economic issues and their determinants and develop a systematic approach to answer economic questions.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to quantitatively analyze economic problems and make statistical inferences as to the effects of explanatory variables on dependent variables.
4. Students will have the ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, the findings of their economic research.
5. Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively collaborate with other students, faculty, and constituents on economic research.
6. Students will show the ability to conduct themselves in a professional manner to fellow students, faculty, and constituents.