Graduate Program
The Department of Agricultural Economics offers graduate education that is tailored to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle the complexities of the agricultural sector in a unique learning environment. The program combines theoretical frameworks and practical applications, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for professional careers in agricultural economics. The award-winning faculty represent a wide range of training and interest areas that focus around three primary areas of emphasis:
Agricultural Production Economics
Agricultural Marketing/Consumer Behavior
Regional Economics & Community Development
Not only does a graduate education further hone valuable and indispensable skills and classroom-based education, but our program broadens our students with a greater perspective -- a global economic perspective -- and the ability to analyze industry issues and develop creative solutions that push the boundaries of today's industry into tomorrow's industry.
Agricultural Economists completing advanced degrees at the University of Kentucky are employed by academic institutions; local, state, and federal agencies that deal with agriculture natural resources and economic development; private firms in the agricultural and business sectors; and agencies and governments of foreign countries. Our graduates conduct research, develop extension services, teach classes, and serve as managers and administrators in various types of firms and agencies.
In conclusion, enrolling in the Department of Agricultural Economics' graduate program not only guarantees a comprehensive education but also opens up diverse career opportunities in an ever-evolving global sector.
Expand your Opportunities.
Our graduate students set themselves apart in the job market, broaden their career opportunities, benefit from increased earning potential and add some of the most connected professionals in the agriculture industry to their network. During their time in our program, they participate in norm-challenging research, broaden their perspective of contemporary issues in the industry, and explore the interdependence of industries and economies across a local, regional, national, and international scale.
Our graduates are prepared to continue their career path on to law school, federal and state agencies, local leadership, industry organizations and bring a broader, global economic perspective to analyzing issues and developing creative solutions.
Answer
Participate in norm-challenging research that answers the big questions
Invest
Set yourself apart in the job market
Create
Be part of and create the change needed for tomorrow's agriculture
A Program for YOU.
Our graduate program currently offers two types of master's degrees. One type (Plan A) focuses on research in which students gather and analyze original data and write a thesis. The other type (Plan B) focuses on applied agricultural economics and does not require original research or a thesis. Most students who choose Plan A intend to pursue a Ph.D. degree as well.
Plan A | Thesis
This program is designed to meet the needs of students who have a strong interest in a specific topic and wish to fully develop their understanding of it by preparing a major research paper. Students in this program will be expected to complete a thesis plus a minimum of 24 hours of coursework, 12 hours of which must be at the 600 level and 12 hours of which must be in agricultural economics courses. The MS thesis research will be conducted under the supervision of the student's major professor and advisory committee. Once the thesis is completed, the student's final oral examination can be scheduled. In addition to the oral examination, students are encouraged to present seminars based on their work. They are also encouraged to write papers for presentation at professional meetings and for submission to professional journals.
Plan B | Non-Thesis
There exists a continuing need for a Master's degree program which produces individuals with a broad set of professional skills. By taking a larger set of courses, students develop the capacity to apply most of the tools available to an applied economics. Academic work in this program concentrates on applied agricultural economics courses directed toward the special needs of the individual student. This program does not require a thesis, but it does require 36 credit hours of graduate coursework, at least 15 hours of which must be at the 600 or higher level, and 18 hours of which must be in agricultural economics courses.
Explore Our Program.
University Scholars Program
Earn two degrees in less time, set yourself apart in the job market, have broader career opportunities, and enjoy increased earning potential by completing your bachelor's and master's degrees at the same time through the University Scholars Program.
Learn MoreAdmissions & Requirements
Check out our Graduate Admissions page for information on the requirements, application process, and admissions FAQ.
Learn MoreStudent Opportunities
Our graduate students enhance their education in and outside of the classroom through unique opportunities.
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Learn About Funding Opportunities.
Assistantships
All applicants admitted to our graduate program are considered for a department assistantship on a competitive basis with other admitted applicants, depending on funds available each semester. No additional/separate application is needed to be considered.
Learn MoreH.B. Price Graduate Fellowship
The H.B. Price Graduate Fellowship in Regional Economics is available to one selected graduate student interested in issues related to regional economics including rural development, labor economics, firm formation, and targeted attraction, economic geography, rural health, and other policy-relevant topics.
Learn MoreExtension Graduate Fellowship
To be completed in conjunction with our master's degree program, 2-3 graduate students will be admitted per year as extension fellows and immersed in the Department's extensive Extension programming.
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