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Program Description

The Agribusiness and Applied Economics Master of Science degree includes 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. The department has an excellent placement record with national and international agricultural and business firms, as well as government agencies.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Graduate School admission requirements, applicants must have earned a grade of B or higher in intermediate microeconomics and statistics including linear regression, and a grade of C or better in calculus. 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.

Admission will only be considered for candidates who submit a complete application. It is desirable that students begin their program in the fall semester, although students may also begin their program in January. 

Financial Assistance

The department offers assistantships on a competitive basis. Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) provide monthly stipends plus tuition waivers. Students must pay a minimal activity fee each semester.  Assistantships do not begin until the first semester of full graduate standing when courses that apply for the Master of Science degree are taken.

Most assistantships are half-time (20 hours per week) or one-quarter-time (10 hours per week). Students on assistantship perform research or teaching duties in the Department in return for their stipend.  Assistantships are typically limited to 16 months.

Granting assistantships depends on academic performance, departmental needs, and availability of assistantships.