A joint agricultural economics and economics graduate committee administers the Ph.D. degree program. A graduate committee in agricultural economics administers the M.S. degree program. The Ph.D. degree and the thesis option of the M.S. degree requires writing a thesis based on independent and original research. We expect original doctoral research work to be of sufficient quality and importance to merit publication in a refereed journal. Most incoming students have degrees in agricultural economics, economics, business, or some other field in agriculture.
Some students have degrees in other social sciences, statistics, computer science, or engineering.
The most important consideration for applicants is an interest in continued study and intensive research in some area of agricultural economics with the minimum prerequisites for admission to the program. A strong background in economics and quantitative methods and a sufficient understanding of agriculture are the most important requirements. Application for admission to the program in a fall semester should be made in the preceding winter or early spring. Students whose undergraduate academic performance and program of study warrant admission, although some of the subject matter requirements are not met, may be admitted provisionally. Students admitted provisionally will make up these deficiencies by enrolling in appropriate courses for undergraduate credit.