Master of Science in Agricultural Economics

2 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Arkansas

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Agricultural Economics at the University of Arkansas develops advanced skills in economic analysis, agricultural markets, agribusiness management, and public policy. With concentrations in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Atlantis, and International Agribusiness, students can tailor their studies toward agricultural research, business decision-making, international trade, or economic policy.

Curriculum Structure

The program requires a minimum of 31 credit hours, with thesis and non-thesis options depending on the concentration.

Year 1

Students build their analytical foundation through Agricultural Microeconomics (AGEC 51003), Quantitative Methods for Agribusiness (AGEC 54003), and Econometrics (AGEC 56103). These courses develop skills in economic modelling, statistical analysis, agricultural business decisions, and market evaluation.

Year 2

Students deepen their expertise through courses such as Agricultural Prices and Forecasting (AGEC 51103), Agricultural Marketing Theory (AGEC 53003), and The Economics of Public Policy (AGEC 51503). Thesis-track students conduct supervised research and complete a thesis, while non-thesis students focus on advanced coursework and may pursue an agricultural economics internship.

Focus Areas

Agricultural economics, agribusiness management, agricultural finance, agricultural marketing, econometrics, commodity price forecasting, international agricultural trade, agricultural policy, environmental and natural resource economics, risk management.

Learning Outcomes

Apply economic theory to agricultural markets, analyze agricultural price trends, use quantitative and econometric methods, evaluate agribusiness decisions, assess agricultural policies, analyze international trade, conduct applied economic research, manage agricultural financial risks, develop evidence-based business recommendations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Program Accreditation: No separate program-specific professional accreditation is stated in the official graduate catalog.

Professional Preparation: The program develops transferable economic, analytical, and management skills for careers in agribusiness, financial services, government, consulting, and research.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Research Opportunities: Faculty research spans agricultural finance, marketing, production economics, food policy, international trade, risk management, and natural resource management.

Employability Data: A program-specific employability ranking, graduate employment rate, or salary statistic is not stated in the official catalog.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Arkansas integrates applied economic analysis, case-based learning, research and internship opportunities into its Agricultural Economics master's program. Students develop practical skills in financial planning, agricultural marketing, quantitative modelling and policy evaluation. Depending on their concentration, they may also gain international study experience through partner universities in Europe.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Agricultural Economics Internship (AGEC 5030V): Apply skills developed during the master's program in a professional work setting.
Agribusiness Case Studies (AGEC 50803): Analyse grain merchandising and agricultural price-risk management through faculty-guided, group-based case studies involving professional grain merchandisers.
Quantitative Methods for Agribusiness (AGEC 54003): Apply regression analysis, mathematical programming, simulation and computer-based techniques to managerial decision-making.
Agricultural Data Science (AGEC 56403): Develop practical skills in programming, data collection, data wrangling, statistical analysis, visualisation and version control.
Research Seminars (AGEC 50101): Present and discuss graduate research while developing academic communication and research-design skills.
Atlantis Double-Degree Opportunity: Eligible students can study at the University of Arkansas and participating European universities, complete an internship or case study, and undertake joint thesis research.
International Agribusiness Opportunity: Students in the International Agribusiness concentration can study at the University of Arkansas and Ghent University in Belgium, with opportunities for an internship or special project.
Applied Agricultural Finance: Courses in agricultural finance and financial management develop skills in financial analysis, capital budgeting, risk evaluation and business planning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Science in Agricultural Economics prepares graduates for analytical, managerial and research-oriented careers across agriculture, food systems, financial services and agribusiness. Students can specialise in economic analysis, business management, international trade or agricultural policy, depending on their chosen concentration.

Potential career roles include:

Agricultural Economist: Analyse agricultural markets, production costs, economic trends and public policies.
Agribusiness Manager: Support business planning, operations, budgeting and strategic decisions in agricultural enterprises.
Agricultural Finance Analyst: Evaluate agricultural investments, financial performance, lending risks and resource allocation.
Market Research Analyst: Assess commodity prices, consumer demand, market trends and agricultural business opportunities.

Key career development opportunities include:

Professional experience: The agricultural economics internship provides an opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a workplace setting.
Quantitative and analytical skills: Coursework in econometrics, agricultural data science and quantitative methods supports preparation for research and data-focused roles.
International exposure: The Atlantis and International Agribusiness concentrations offer opportunities for cross-border study and collaboration with European universities.
Research opportunities: Thesis students can develop expertise in agricultural economics, market analysis, financial management, public policy or resource economics.
Employment statistics and salaries: The university does not specify a program-level graduate employment rate or salary figure in the published curriculum.
Industry partnerships: The program includes professional engagement through selected case studies and international university collaborations. A guaranteed industry placement or specific graduate employment partnership is not stated.
Professional recognition: The degree offers advanced academic preparation in agricultural economics, but no specific professional accreditation is identified in the program information.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Agricultural and Food Sciences or a related discipline. Doctoral study can support progression into university teaching, advanced economic research, policy analysis and specialist positions in agricultural markets, international development and resource economics.