Agricultural and Resource Economics

The department offers a program leading to the Master of Science degree with a major in agricultural and resource economics. A broad spectrum of agricultural economics subject matter is presented, with emphasis in natural resources, international business, and agribusiness. In cooperation with the Department of Economics, work is also offered leading to the Doctor of Philosophy with a major in economics, with emphases in international agricultural economic development, and natural resource economics. Students in the Master of Science degree program have a choice between thesis and non-thesis programs. Students completing a thesis are required to complete a minimum of 30 units which may include up to 6 units of credit for thesis research, while those selecting the technical paper option take 33 units of graduate coursework. Students choosing the non-research option must complete 33 units.

There is also an option to sign up for a dual degree JD/MS in Agriculture and Resource Economics.

The dual degree prepares students to practice law in the area of environmental policy, where there is an increasing demand for professionals with both legal and analytical-quantitative training. The M.S. in Agricultural and Resource Economics requires 33 credits. Joint degree students in this program will also receive a Graduate Certificate in Economics, Law and the Environment (ELE). The J.D./M.S. in Agricultural and Resource Economics is a rigorous 4-year program, combining core training in law, a year of core training in microeconomics and econometrics, and two additional years of courses and workshops in environmental law, environmental economics, and other courses in both law and agricultural resource economics.