MS in Agricultural Economics

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Louisiana State University Baton Rouge

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Agricultural Economics at Louisiana State University prepares students to analyse economic decisions affecting agriculture, food markets, natural resources and agricultural policy. Students develop advanced skills in economic theory, econometrics, statistical analysis and agricultural research, with options to complete a thesis-based or non-thesis degree suited to their career goals.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students build a strong analytical foundation through ECON 7701: Introduction to Advanced Microeconomics, ECON 4630: Introduction to Econometrics and ECON 4710: Aggregate Economic Analysis. These courses develop their understanding of economic behaviour, quantitative analysis and broader economic trends, providing a foundation for specialised agricultural economics research.

Year 2

Students advance their technical knowledge through AGEC 7123: Operations Research Methods in Agricultural Economics, AGEC 7103: Advanced Statistical Methods in Agriculture and AGEC 7113: Agribusiness Research Applications. Thesis-track students complete original research, while non-thesis students undertake additional approved coursework and independent study.

Note: LSU specifies course and credit requirements rather than a fixed year-by-year schedule. The Agricultural Economics concentration requires at least 33 semester hours for the thesis option or 36 semester hours for the non-thesis option.

Focus Areas

Agricultural economics, microeconomic theory, econometrics, statistical analysis, operations research, agribusiness research, agricultural markets, economic policy and quantitative decision-making.

Learning Outcomes

Apply economic theory to agricultural issues, analyse economic and statistical data, evaluate agricultural policies and market trends, use quantitative research methods, develop evidence-based recommendations, conduct independent research and communicate analytical findings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program offers specialised graduate training in agricultural economics and quantitative analysis. LSU identifies the M.S. program as STEM-approved, which may provide eligible international students with access to the 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training extension, subject to applicable requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

LSU's Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness supports research in agricultural markets, economic policy, quantitative methods and agribusiness. The university does not publish a specific employability ranking or graduate employment rate for this concentration in the program information.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Louisiana State University combines advanced economic coursework with research-oriented learning to help students develop practical analytical and decision-making skills. Students can investigate agricultural markets, apply statistical methods, evaluate economic policies and conduct independent research. The thesis option is particularly suitable for students interested in developing research expertise or preparing for doctoral study.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Operations Research Methods: AGEC 7123 develops quantitative approaches to analysing economic and agricultural decision-making problems.
Advanced Statistical Methods: AGEC 7103 strengthens statistical analysis skills for agricultural and economic research.
Agribusiness Research Applications: AGEC 7113 connects research methods with practical issues in agricultural business and economics.
Thesis Research: Students in the thesis option complete six credit hours of research and prepare a thesis under faculty supervision.
Independent Study: Non-thesis students complete AGEC 7703, providing an opportunity for focused academic investigation.
Research Assistantships: Competitive research assistantships are available to eligible, selected applicants, providing opportunities to participate in departmental research.
Agricultural Economics Library Resources: LSU Libraries provides access to academic databases and agricultural research resources that support literature reviews, data collection and scholarly projects.
Software and Digital Tools: The program information does not specify mandatory software packages, so particular tools should not be assumed.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The M.S. in Agricultural Economics prepares graduates for analytical, research and advisory roles across agriculture, food systems, government and business. Students develop transferable skills in economic modelling, statistical analysis, research and policy evaluation that can support careers in both the public and private sectors.

Potential career roles include:

Agricultural Economist: Analyse agricultural markets, production costs, economic trends and policy decisions.
Economic Research Analyst: Conduct quantitative research, interpret economic data and prepare analytical reports.
Agricultural Policy Analyst: Evaluate policies affecting agricultural production, trade, food systems and rural economies.
Agribusiness Analyst: Assess business performance, market opportunities, financial decisions and agricultural investment risks.

Key career development opportunities include:

Career and research preparation: Advanced coursework and independent research help students develop analytical, quantitative and communication skills relevant to professional employment.
Research assistantships: Competitive assistantships offer selected students opportunities to gain experience supporting academic research.
STEM designation: LSU identifies this master's program as STEM-approved. Eligible international graduates may qualify for the additional 24-month STEM OPT extension, subject to federal eligibility requirements.
Industry connections: The program's research areas relate to agriculture, agribusiness, economic policy and natural-resource management. Specific industry partnerships or guaranteed placements are not stated in the program information.
Employment statistics and salaries: A program-specific graduate employment rate and salary figure are not published in the information reviewed.
Professional accreditation: No separate professional accreditation is identified for this degree.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics at Louisiana State University or explore doctoral programs in agricultural economics, applied economics, economics and related fields at other universities. Students planning to continue to doctoral study are encouraged to strengthen their mathematics background, including differential calculus and linear algebra, and consider advanced mathematics for economists.