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the Master's

The Master's program provides training in the theory and methods of applied agricultural and resource economics. Graduating students are qualified for positions in the private sector with agribusiness, financial, farm management, and consulting firms, and in state and federal government agencies. Some students choose to follow the Master's degree with enrollment in a Ph.D. program, either at The University of Arizona or elsewhere. Many AREC graduates have excelled in premier doctoral programs throughout the United States.

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Program of Study
In most cases, the Master's program requires three or four semesters of coursework. Students complete a 12-credit core requirement including two courses in economic theory and two courses in econometrics. All M.S. students are required to take an intensive three-week review course in mathematics (AREC 580) before the start of the fall semester.

Students may select remaining coursework according to their interests. To add depth to their program, students are encouraged (but not required) to focus their efforts in an area of specialization. Students choose specific courses in consultation with their academic advisor.

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Core Courses and Areas of Specialization

Units Required

Thesis Option
Graduate Coursework - 24 units
Thesis Research - 6 units

Technical Paper Option
Graduate Coursework - 33 units
Research - 3 units

Nonresearch Options
Graduate Coursework - 33 units

Thesis Options and Examinations
Students pursue a research or non-research option after discussion with their faculty advisor. Under the research option, students traditionally write a thesis and take up to six units of research credit. As an alternative, students may complete three research units and write a technical paper. This paper may include one chapter of a thesis, with a detailed outline of remaining chapters, or be a lay or extension publication. Students pursuing the technical paper or non-research option are required to complete additional coursework.

All M.S. candidates must pass a final oral examination. The exam will focus on the student's thesis, technical paper, or coursework, depending on the student's program of study. In the event of failure, students may repeat the oral examination once.

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Grade Requirements
Students are required to earn a 3.0 (B) grade average or better in their core program and all graduate coursework. Students failing to maintain a 3.0 grade average will be placed on academic probation and possibly dropped from the program. If this occurs, the student must petition the Graduate Advisory Committee for permission to reenter the program.

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General Information

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