Graduate Degree Programs

The Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness (AEAB) at the University of Arkansas offers four program tracks leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Agricultural Economics (AGEC).

Because a Ph.D. degree in agricultural economics is not offered at the University of Arkansas, the AEAB department prides itself in the fact that its M.S. students receive the full attention of its 15 faculty members. All four tracks require 31 semester hours for the M.S. degree. Of the 25-30 graduate students in AEAB, the large majority are enrolled in one of the first three programs listed below.

M.S. in Agricultural Economics, thesis-track, research and analysis emphasis

The thesis track is targeted for those who seek careers in government or the public sector, policy analysis, researcher or analyst positions in industry or agribusiness, or as a preparation for further study towards the Ph.D. degree. This track provides the student with an opportunity for conducting in-depth research and the writing up of results via the thesis project. Typical completion time for the thesis track degree is 21-24 months.

Degree Requirements

M.S. in Agricultural Economics, non-thesis track, agribusiness emphasis

Non-thesis track M.S. degree, agribusiness emphasis. The non-thesis track targets those students who primarily seek positions in agribusiness, industry, and the commercial sector. Students in this track typically have interest in e.g., management, marketing, finance, and logistics topics and are required to enroll in at least six hours in Walton College of Business (WCOB) courses as part of the degree program. Non-thesis students are also encouraged to complete an internship with an agribusiness or similar firm for graduate credit. However, because the non-thesis track includes courses in research techniques and agricultural policy, it provides training which is also relevant for analyst positions and jobs in the public sector. Typical completion time for the non-thesis degree is 12-15 months.

Degree Requirements

M.S. In Agricultural Economics, non-thesis track, international agribusiness emphasis

The international non-thesis track targets those students who primarily seek positions in agribusiness, industry, and the commercial sector, but who also want to gain international experience during their graduate program of study. One semester of the M.S. program is spent at the University of Ghent in Belgium. Courses are taught in English. Summer internship possibilities may be domestic or abroad. Completion time for the international agribusiness non-thesis degree is 12-15 months.

Degree Requirements

Joint Master of Law (L.L.M.) in Agricultural Law and M.S. in Agricultural Economics

This track is targeted for persons who already hold a law degree (J.D. or L.L.B.), are seeking a Master’s of Agricultural Law at the University of Arkansas, and who want to simultaneously acquire an M.S. in agricultural economics (typically the non-thesis track) to complement their graduate law study. As a joint program with the School of Law, the student must meet the requirements of both degree programs, but is able to count 12 credit hours towards both degrees.

Degree Requirements