Masters of Science (MS) in Agricultural Economics

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:

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.

Admission Requirements

Include one semester of calculus, intermediate undergraduate microeconomic theory and macroeconomic theory, and introductory statistics or econometrics. The admission decision is based on academic performance, GRE scores, and recommendations.

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)

The following materials should be sent to the Department: to Rosalee Swartz, Program and Recruitment Director, Agricultural Economics, 204B Filley Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0922. If you prefer to email information, send to rswartz1@unl.edu .

• 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.