Students holding degrees in agricultural economics are employed by academic institutions, local, state, and federal agencies that deal with agriculture, natural resources and economic development; private firms in the agricultural and business sectors; and agencies and governments of foreign countries. These agricultural economists conduct research, develop extension services, teach classes, and serve as managers and administrators in various types of firms and agencies.
Students entering the M.S. program are expected to have at least one course in each of the following areas: intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, calculus, and statistics. An undergraduate degree in economics is advantageous, as is a good background in mathematics. There are no minimum GPA or GRE requirements beyond those of the Graduate School, but such information, along with letters of recommendation, is used qualitatively in the admission decision.
Students entering the Ph.D. program are expected to have the following courses: at least a two-course calculus sequence, M.S. level microeconomic theory, M.S. level macroeconomic theory, and statistics theory. Some of these courses may be taken during the student’s first semester. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is generally required for entry into the Ph.D. program. In exceptional cases a student may be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program with only a Bachelor’s degree. There are no minimum GPA or GRE requirements beyond those of the Graduate School, but such information, along with letters of recommendation, is used qualitatively in the admission decision.
Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.
Spring: August 15
Fall: March 15
To better understand the interests and areas of study available within the Agricultural Economics Department, browse these recent dissertations and theses from our graduates:
Kentucky Forest Sector: Structural Changes and Economic Impacts
Domena Attafuah Agyeman. 2021
Two Essays on Food, Environment, Nutrition, and Food Insecurity
Suliman Abdulaziz Almojel. 2021
Three Essays on Grocery Sales Taxes
Lingxiao Wang. 2021
Ag Econ GSO: Ag Econ GSO serves to enhance the experiences and outcomes for UK Ag Econ graduate students. We accomplish this as a liaison between graduate students and the faculty and staff of the Department of Agricultural Economics, provide and communicate opportunities for professional growth such as funding, conferences, or workshops, and most importantly, have events & adventures that give students a chance to get to know Kentucky agriculture, Lexington - and each other - a little better!
Choosing from the many specializations of our professors, students will find a variety of hands-on experiences to suit their interests. Faculty and researchers in the Agricultural Economics Department manage laboratories focused on:
Students interested in learning more about these research operations are encouraged to email the associated contacts listed above.
Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment
S123 Ag Science – North
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
859-257-3469