The MS in Ag Economics is a flexible program designed to
prepare students for analytical or managerial positions in both public agencies and private businesses, or for
Ph.D. studies in economics or business. Most students in the Masters Program enroll in Option I, which includes a thesis, but the department also offers an Option III, which substitutes more intensive work in advanced courses for the thesis. The two options require a common core of 13 credits.
Agricultural Economics covers a wide range of programs and areas. In this section of our web page you will find paragraphs describing different general areas of interest. Please contact faculty listed at the bottom of those pages for further information.
We realize that condensing what we do into a handful of categories does not do justice to the wide range of information researched in the Agricultural Economics Department here at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. If you have questions or would like information about something that is not listed, please contact the department directly. The program focus areas are:
Agribusiness
Agricultural and Food Industrial Organization
Farm Management and Marketing
Natural Resource and Environment
Community and Social Capital
Trade and Development
Minors may be declared with a minimum of nine semester hours in the minor department. With additional work in another department, an MS with a double major may be obtained. The department also offers MS degrees with specializations in two interdisciplinary programs--Environmental Studies and Water Resources Planning and Management.
The Application Process
Application form: The Graduate Studies Application form is found on line here . The UNL Office of Graduate Studies will not consider your application complete until the application fee is paid.
Supporting Materials
In addition to the on-line application and applications fee, Graduate Studies requires the following:
- Transcripts (undergraduate and graduate)
- GRE scores (for students who wish to be considered for financial assistance)
- TOEFL (for international students who did not complete a degree at a university where English is the language of instruction).
- Financial resource certification (can indicate you are applying for a research assistantship on this form)
- Statement of Objectives (reasons you wish to pursue a graduate degree in Agricultural Economics)
- Three letters of recommendation (form is at http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/prospective/recommendation.pdf )
- Resume and other information you think would be helpful
Timing
Normally, due to the scheduling of courses, students are admitted only for the session beginning in August, but special circumstances will be considered.
We encourage applicants to submit all materials for fall admission by January 15 to be considered for financial consideration. The Department Graduate Committee reviews applications for admission in early February, and applicants are usually informed of this decision by about the middle of the month.
The files of admitted students are reviewed again in late February for making Research Assistantship and/or fellowship offers. Students are usually informed of this decision in early March. The deadline for responding to these offers is April 15.
Fall semester begins about August 20, but students should plan to arrive several days before that for registration and housing arrangements. International students must come for orientation about ten days before classes begin.
