To be completed in conjunction with our master's degree program, 2-3 graduate students will be admitted for Fall 2024 and Fall 2025 cohorts as extension fellows and immersed in the Department's extensive Extension programming. This immersive experience allows fellows to gain invaluable insights into various aspects of extension work and develop a comprehensive understanding of the department's role in disseminating research-based information to the community. By actively participating in extension activities, fellows can collaborate with experienced professionals, cultivate essential skills, and enhance their knowledge base. The department's focus on practical application and outreach ensures fellows are equipped with a practical skill set that is closely aligned with real-world challenges. Immersion in this extensive programming further maximizes learning outcomes, enabling fellows to effectively bridge the gap between academia and communities by delivering evidence-based solutions tailored to local needs. 

Curriculum

The fellowship features a year-long Extension Applications seminar followed by a year-long practicum that is concurrent with the thesis-writing process. The seminar will be team-taught by Agricultural Economics Extension faculty and associates, as well as other Extension professionals from throughout the university and state, with a strong showing from professionals outside of agricultural economics. The subsequent practicum further solidifies their learning by providing hands-on experience in applying the acquired knowledge to practical situations. Fellows work closely with mentors who provide guidance and support during this immersive learning experience, enabling them to develop valuable professional skills that will prove instrumental in their career advancement. Fellows will have opportunities to shadow faculty/specialists, build professional networks, and develop their own programs and materials that dovetail with their thesis research. 

Funding

As part of our commitment to fostering the growth and development of future scholars, we are pleased to announce that all future fellows joining our esteemed program will receive a stipend. This financial support aims to alleviate some of the burdens faced by these talented individuals throughout their tenure with us, allowing them to fully dedicate themselves to their research projects and professional pursuits. The stipend provided will not only serve as recognition of their exceptional skills and potential but also facilitate a conducive environment for groundbreaking discoveries and academic achievements.

In addition, by waiving the cost of tuition, this program aims to eliminate financial barriers and facilitate an inclusive learning environment where fellows can focus solely on enriching their knowledge and honing their skills. This invaluable benefit demonstrates the program's commitment to promoting equal access to educational opportunities, ensuring that deserving individuals are not hindered by financial constraints. Fellows will be able to immerse themselves fully in the rigorous academic curriculum, engaging in intensive coursework and cutting-edge research without having to worry about the burden of tuition expenses. This not only fosters a sense of camaraderie among peers but also enables them to channel their efforts towards making significant contributions within their chosen field. Ultimately, this tuition waiver scheme underscores the program's dedication to nurturing exceptional talent, empowering future leaders, and fostering innovation across various professional sectors.

Application

In addition to the admission requirements for all of our graduate students, fellowship applicants must also be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, start the program in Fall 2024 or Fall 2025, and demonstrate a genuine passion for serving rural and agricultural communities through the application of economic principles and models. Applicants interested in the fellowship should submit their admission application through The Graduate School and contact the Director of Graduate Studies regarding consideration for the fellowship.