Agricultural and Resource Economics (MS)

Program Educational Goals:

Graduates of the Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC) M.S. program will be able to:

Review and synthesize peer-reviewed literature and identify critical knowledge gaps.
Critically discuss theoretical frameworks in microeconomics and the implications of using these frameworks to analyze human behavior.
Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of theories and methods related to agricultural and food policy, environmental and resource economics, behavioral economics, experimental economics, and stated preference research.
Formulate research questions and develop a research plan that addresses a meaningful question in applied economics using appropriate methods.
Execute a research plan by applying quantitative skills in econometric modeling using best practices for data collection, management, and analysis.
Effectively communicate applied economics research to diverse audiences and stakeholders through written and verbal communication skills.
Discuss contemporary issues in applied economics research and apply best practices to demonstrate responsible and ethical professional conduct that respects diverse perspectives and promotes inclusivity.

Program Policy Document:

Please see the Program Policy Document for more information.

Requirements for the Degree:

All students must meet the following course requirements. Students must achieve an overall index of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate course work taken. The student’s progress toward the degree will be monitored by the academic advisor and the department graduate committee.

Core Requirements:

(18 credit hours)

The following four courses (12 credits):
APEC 801 - Microeconomic Theory and Behavior Credit(s): 3
APEC 805 - Behavioral Economics Credit(s): 3
APEC 811 - Conducting Applied Economics Research Credit(s): 3
ECON 622 - Applied Econometrics I Credit(s): 3
and at least two courses from the following list (6 credit hours):
APEC 810 - Advanced Analysis of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Policy Credit(s): 3
APEC 812 - Preferences and Choices Credit(s): 3
APEC 820 - Experimental Economics Credit(s): 3

Thesis Requirement:

Students complete 24 credit hours of course work and at least 6 credit hours of thesis work. An oral examination covering thesis work will be given to determine whether the student has a breadth of understanding.

APEC 869 - Master’s Thesis Credit(s): 1-6

Elective Requirements:

At least six credits of elective courses, which include but are not limited to the following:

APEC 609 - Surveys and Economic Experiments Credit(s): 3
MAST 672 - Benefit-Cost Analysis Credit(s): 3
MAST 675 - Economics of Natural Resources Credit(s): 3
MAST 676 - Environmental Economics Credit(s): 3
SPPA 704 - Advanced Quantitative Methods Credit(s): 3