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M.S. Agricultural Economics – Thesis Option

Our master’s degree in agricultural economics provides professional training for students seeking the skills in management, finance, real estate, entrepreneurship, marketing, policy analysis, and decision-making needed in today’s business world with a focus on the food and fiber industry. STEM approved program.

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Program Details

  • Degree: M.S. Agricultural Economics
  • Credit Hours: 32 total credit hours
  • Planning Guides with Degree Curriculum
  • More details about the program can be found in the Graduate Handbook
  • Stem Approved: International students are eligible for the 24-Month Stem Extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Program Requirements

Field Areas

Students pursuing a M.S. in Agricultural Economics may choose from the following three field areas: 

Agribusiness

Students who opt for this field specialization will acquire a unique skill set enabling them to excel in teaching agribusiness and conducting research in various professional arenas, including academia, government, and consulting. This program delivers a robust foundation in economic theory and its practical application. For those seeking to further hone their expertise and tailor their skills, students within the agribusiness field specialization can choose to concentrate on one of the following research focus areas.

Applied Market Analysis

Students who opt for this field specialization will develop a unique skill set that equips them to excel in teaching agricultural economics and conducting in-depth research in information economics and food markets. This field of study empowers students to acquire expertise in various crucial areas, including market and demand analysis, product valuation, the utilization of directed acyclic graphs in economic analysis, commodity futures and options, information acquisition, price dispersion, industrial organization, and auctions.

To further enhance their knowledge and refine their skill set, students pursuing the Applied Market Analysis field specialization can choose to focus on one of the following research areas:

Natural Resource and Environmental Economics

Students selecting this field specialization will acquire a distinctive skill set that qualifies them to excel in teaching agricultural economics and conducting applied economic research. This research is dedicated to assessing the utilization, transfer, and allocation of natural resources, contributing valuable insights to inform environmental policies and strategies for natural resource management. Through this specialization, students will gain expertise in the application of economic tools and theories to promote the health and sustainability of our natural world.

To further enhance their expertise and refine their skill set, students pursuing the Natural Resource and Environmental Economics field specialization have the opportunity to concentrate on one of the following research focus areas:

Prerequisites

Students planning on entering the master’s program in the Department of Agricultural Economics should prepare themselves by completing the following study in math, statistics and economics.

Math Requirements

MATH 142: Business Calculus
This course covers limits and continuity; techniques and applications of derivatives including curve sketching and optimization; techniques and applications of integrals; emphasis on applications in business, economics, and social sciences.

Statistic Requirements

STAT 303: Statistical Methods
Intended for undergraduates in the social sciences. Introduction to concepts of random sampling and statistical inference, estimation and testing hypotheses of means and variances, analysis of variance, regression analysis, chi-square tests.

Economics Requirements

ECON 323: Microeconomics Theory
This course covers determination of prices and their role in directing consumption, production and distribution under both competitive and non-competitive market situations.

ECON 410: Macroeconomic Theory
This course covers theory of the determination of aggregate levels of national income, employment and prices; monetary and fiscal policy analysis, effects of government debt and deficits.

Graduate Admissions

Texas A&M University is the premier choice to gain a graduate degree, thanks to our national academic ranking and high financial value. Joining the Aggie Family and gaining an advanced degree from Texas A&M puts you in the highest class of job candidates.

Learn More about Graduate Admissions and Deadlines

Please Direct all Admissions Questions to:

AGEC Graduate Program Assistance

AGEC Graduate Program Administration