Department Chair:          Dr. William Nganje
Coordinator:                    Dr. Gregory McKee
Department Location:     500 Barry Hall
Department Phone:        (701) 231-7441
Department Email:          ndsu.agribusiness@ndsu.edu
Application Deadline:     March 1 to be considered for an assistantship
Degree Offered:               M.S.
Test Requirement:          GRE (for assistantship consideration)
English Proficiency:       TOEFL iBT 79
Requirements                  IELTS 6.5

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Program Description

The Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics offers two Master of Science degrees:(1) Agribusiness and Applied Economics, and (2) International Agribusiness. Graduates of both programs are prepared to analyze important agricultural development, finance, marketing, policy, production, resource, international trade, and transportation and logistical issues facing society.

The Agribusiness and Applied Economics Master of Science degree include areas of specialization in applied economics, agribusiness, and transportation and logistics.

The Applied Economics area emphasizes course work in economic theory, research methods, and quantitative techniques. The option is designed to prepare students for careers in agricultural economics research in private and public sectors and for Ph.D. programs at other institutions.

The Agribusiness specialization is a broad-based program which combines training in agribusiness management, economic analysis, and agricultural sciences. Training may include biotechnology, processing, and food and environmental safety. Students are prepared for a variety of successful careers in agribusiness by fulfilling the requirements for expertise in quantitative methods and developing a rigorous background in economic theory and research.

The Departments of Agribusiness and Applied Economics and Civil Engineering, in conjunction with the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, offer an interdisciplinary graduate program in multimodal transportation. The program includes rural and non-metropolitan planning, highway and railroad engineering, freight transportation operations and economics, and agribusiness logistics and distribution. Both thesis and comprehensive study options are available.

Students of all options have complete access to well-equipped research facilities and to faculty supervision time. (A favorable faculty to student ratio is maintained.) The department has an excellent placement record with national and international agricultural and business firms as well as government agencies.

Admission Requirements

Students who do not meet all requirements for admission or have deficiencies in prerequisite course work, but show potential for successful graduate study, may be admitted under a conditional status. Evidence must be provided showing that the applicant's potential is not adequately reflected by his/her record. After meeting the specified standards of performance set by the department, the student, in consultation with the major adviser, may request a change to full graduate standing.

It is desirable that students begin their program in the fall semester, although students may also begin their programs of study in January. The application for admission should be received by the Graduate School by March 1 if the student wishes to be considered for financial assistance. International students are advised to submit applications no later than March 31 to ensure VISA documents will be completed for a fall matriculation.

Financial Assistance

Application for financial assistance should be made to the department at the same time as application to the graduate school. Applicants to graduate school who are accepted in less than full standing will not be eligible for an assistantship until their status changes to full standing. Granting assistantships depends on academic performance, departmental needs, and availability of assistantships. Application forms may be obtained from the department.