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College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
Texas A&M University Agricultural Economics
  • Degrees and Programs
    • Undergraduate Degrees
      • B.S. Agribusiness
      • B.S. Agricultural Economics
        • Finance and Real Estate Option
        • Food Marketing Systems Option
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        • Rural Entrepreneurship Option
      • B.S. Financial Planning
      • Dual B.S. Agricultural Economics and MPSA Program
      • Undergraduate Honors Program
      • Minors and Certificates
    • Graduate Degrees
      • Master of Agribusiness
      • M.S. Agricultural Economics – Thesis Option
      • M.S. Agricultural Economics – Non-Thesis Option
      • Ph.D. Agricultural Economics
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      • Dianne and M. Edward Rister ’74 Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program
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      • B.S. Agricultural Economics – Higher Education Center at McAllen
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Graduate Degrees

About our Graduate Programs

The Department of Agricultural Economics engages people in the use of economic analysis for making decisions involving agribusiness (including food and fiber production, supplying inputs, processing products and marketing), natural resources and communities. Students are taught to develop their leadership, analytical and communication skills. Disciplinary research and graduate education enhance the use of economic principles and research methods in solving economic problems facing society. Applied research programs emphasize the analysis of business and public policy issues.

The M.S. and Ph.D degrees in Agricultural Economics are now classified as Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) degrees.  Our discipline has evolved to our training being highly quantitative using mathematics and statistics to study real world complex agricultural, resource, and economic problems.

With over 150 students and more than 50 graduate faculty members, we offer one of the largest and most diverse graduate agricultural economics programs in the country. Thanks to the large and diverse student body hailing from more than 15 states and over 20 countries, students have the ability to collaborate and learn from others with different cultural backgrounds and various knowledge bases. On average, 60% of our full-time graduate students are funded through departmental assistantships and scholarships, University fellowships and scholarships and research grants. 

Graduate Admissions
Graduate Faculty
Graduate Course Catalog
Texas A&M Graduate and Professional School
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Graduate Degrees

The M.S. and Ph.D degrees in Agricultural Economics are now classified as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) degrees. Our discipline has evolved to our training being highly quantitative using mathematics and statistics to study real world complex agricultural, resource and economic problems.

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Master of Agribusiness

Students in this program, offered in partnership with the Mays Business School, learn how to use data and economic modeling to contribute to the efficient production and distribution of food, feed, and fiber.

Master of Agribusiness
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M.S. in Agricultural Economics

Both the thesis and non-these option of this STEM-approved degree provide professional training for students seeking essential skills for today’s business world, with a focus on the food and fiber industry. 

M.S. Agricultural Economics: Thesis
M.S. Agricultural Economics: Non-thesis

Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics

Our STEM-approved Ph.D. program offers rigorous training in economics and quantitative methods. Students can choose to focus on Agribusiness, Applied Market Analysis or Natural Resource and Environmental Economics. 

Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics
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Opportunities after graduation

Students with a graduate degree in Agricultural Economics can pursue a variety of jobs in academia, government, or the private sector.  Explore the job placements of our recent graduates and our current job candidates to learn more about their placements.

Graduate Student Career Placements
Job Market Candidates

Information for new graduate students

Admitted graduate student resources

  • Steps to Complete Before the Semester
  • General FAQs about Graduate and Professional School
  • Campus-Based Graduate Student Housing
  • Health Insurance

Graduate Funding Opportunities

We understand that graduate education can be expensive. Our department and Texas A&M University offers competitive assistantships and fellowships to help alleviate the cost of higher education and make attending graduate school more affordable. Check with the department graduate office and Office of Graduate Studies for details on opportunities available across the university.

Explore Graduate Scholarships and Financial Aid
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Connect with the Graduate Student Association

Our Graduate Student Association (GSA) promotes academic, professional, and social networking among students and faculty. All graduate students are encouraged to participate in the many professional, service, and social events held throughout the year. Students serve on committees working to impact the department and university. The association also awards competitive travel scholarships and grants to students participating at professional meetings and conferences.

Learn More

Information for current graduate students

Texas A&M Graduate & Professional School

  • Graduate and Professional School
  • Graduate and Professional Academic Forms
  • Important Dates and Deadlines
  • Thesis and Dissertation Services
  • Steps to Fulfill Master’s Degree Requirements
  • Steps to Fulfill Doctoral Degree Requirements
  • Document Processing Submission System
  • Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS)
  • Professional Development
  • Ombuds Services (Student Grievances)

Department and other campus resources

  • AGEC Graduate Handbook
  • AGEC 685 Directed Studies Form
  • AGEC 693 Professional Study Paper Proposal
  • AGEC 684 Professional Internship Plan Form
  • MAB 684 Professional Internship Plan Form
  • AGEC Past Preliminary and Qualifying Exams
  • Graduate and Professional Studies Forms
  • AGEC Graduate Student Directory
  • AGEC Graduate Student Association
  • Free Online Yale Course: Applied Econometric Methods (Ph.D.)
  • Graduate and Professional Course Catalog
  • Texas A&M International Student Services

Contact Us

  • Leatham, David

    David Leatham

    Professor and Associate Head for Graduate Programs

    (979) 393-0959

    [email protected]

    AGLS 213D

  • Lepley, Karen S.

    Karen S. Lepley

    Program Manager - Master of Agribusiness

    (979) 393-0884

    [email protected]

    AGLS 213C

  • Roche, Kathleen

    Kathleen Roche

    Graduate Program Coordinator - Agricultural Economics

    (979)393-0933

    [email protected]

    AGLS 213E

Have Questions?

For degrees or admissions questions:

Contact an Advisor

For general questions:

Contact the Department
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Undergraduate Office: (979) 845-4911
Graduate Office Office: (979) 845-5222
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