M.S. in Applied Economics

Our Master of Science degree in Applied Economics encourages students to develop and apply their skills in economic analysis and examine a wide array of economic and political issues. Learning takes place through coursework in economic theory, quantitative methods and econometrics, through collaborative work with departmental faculty, and through an intensive research thesis that addresses an important economic issue selected by the student.

Year 1: Fall
ECNS 594Seminar 11
ECNS 594Seminar 21
ECNS 561Econometrics I3
ECNS 401Microeconomic Theory3
ECNS 560Advanced Data Analytics in Economics3
Year 1: Spring
ECNS 502Macroeconomic Theory3
ECNS 504Microeconomic Theory II3
ECNS 562Econometrics II3
Year 2: Fall
ECNS 590Master's Thesis1-10
ECNS 569Research Methodology1

1: Math camp.

2: Problem Solving.

Minimums of 21 course credits and 10 thesis credits. Students are permitted to continue into the spring semester of year 2 to complete their theses.

Students may choose to study special topics on an individual basis as either ECNS 592 Independent Study, AGBE 592 Independent Study, or AGBE 591 Special Topics. Students should consult with a faculty member and agree upon a plan of study before the beginning of the semester in which the credits are to be undertaken. The Graduate School must approve all such courses and limits the number of credits to 3.

Supplementary coursework and research may focus on agricultural economics, natural resource economics, or general applied economics. Students may supplement their studies with additional courses, e.g., math and statistics course to prepare for PhD in agricultural economics or economics. Through continued discussions with the advisor and other faculty, students will select additional courses to complete a program of study consistent with their interests.

Graduation Requirements

Students are required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average overall in their core courses and the courses in their graduate program. Failure to meet these requirements, as well as receipt of more than one grade less than a “B-“ in the core courses will be grounds for termination.

Students must pass the Core qualifying exam (two attempts) and an oral examination of their thesis. The oral examination is administered by the student's graduate committee and is open to all members of the faculty. Students are expected to present a typed draft, in final form, of the thesis to each member of their graduate committee at least seven days prior to the scheduled date of their examination. The thesis must be approved by the Graduate School.