Ph.D. Program in Agricultural Economics
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The Agricultural Economics Ph.D. program prepares students to do research on economic issues related to public and private decision making in agriculture, the food sector and natural resources. The core of the program consists of six courses in advanced economic theory and econometrics, taught through the Economics Department.
Field courses are designed to provide students with a solid knowledge of the literature and guided research efforts in the following areas:
Students and faculty interact in an apprenticeship environment. Well prepared students should finish the program with three years of study beyond a masters degree. The Ph.D. degree requires a minimum of 90 semester hours of graduate credits beyond the baccalaureate degree, including credit for dissertation research.
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Alumni Spotlight Dr. Bravo-Ureta received his Ph.D in Agricultural Economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1981. Following graduation he joined the University of Connecticut Department of Agriculture and Resource Economics. After receiving B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, the future Ph.D. student applied to numerous programs and selected UNL because of the funding offered. As a researcher, Dr. Bravo-Ureta has focused on production and development economics, with particular emphasis on the forces leading to the growth of agricultural output. If there’s one thing Dr. Bravo-Ureta feels he missed out on during his time at UNL, it’s the football game day experience. He had numerous opportunities to attend a game but never took advantage of them. He urges anyone who has the chance to go! Audio from 2009 Department of Agricultural Economics Seminar |
Course Requirements
| Course No. | Course title | Credits |
| ECON 957 |
Econometrics I | 3 |
| ECON 958 |
Econometrics II | 3 |
| ECON 973 |
Advanced Microeconomic Theory I | 3 |
| ECON 974 |
Advanced Macroeconomic Theory II | 3 |
| ECON 983 |
Advanced Microeconomic Theory II | 3 |
| AECN 901 |
Directed Study of Advanced Topics* | 6 |
| AECN 902 |
Research in Agricultural Economics* | 6 |
| Electives, research, courses transferred from other programs (including MS) | 63 | |
| TOTAL | 90 |
A. Production Economics
B. Agricultural Industrial Organization
D. International Agricultural Trade
E. Agricultural Development
F. Natural Resource Economics
Admission Requirements
Includes two semesters of calculus, Master's level microeconomic theory, Master's level macroeconomic theory, and intermediate statistics or econometrics. The admission decision is based on academic performance, GRE scores and recommendations.
A minor consists of at least 16 hours of credit in another department, as approved by the student's supervisory committee, and in some cases an MS degree may be simultaneously obtained in the minor area. The department also offers the Ph.D. degree with specialization in Environmental Studies.
The Application Process
Application form: The Graduate Studies Application form is found on line at here . The UNL Office of Graduate Studies will not consider your application complete until the application fee is paid.
Supporting Materials
Send to Graduate Studies
- Transcripts (undergraduate and graduate)
- GRE scores
- TOEFL scores (if applicable) for international students
Send 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
- Goals statement - articulate your interest in pursuing graduate study in Agricultural Economics
- Resume and other information you think would be helpful
- Three letters of recommendation - Form: http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/prospective/recommendation.pdf
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, 2008, 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.
Fall semester begins about August 20, but students should plan to arrive several days before that for registration and housing arrangements. International students must come for orientation about ten days before classes begin.
