At Nebraska, you can create the future you want. Our STEM-designated flexible master's program gives you the tools to do more. One-on-one faculty membership helps you grow as a student, a researcher, and a person. Our students collaborate with each other, across disciplines, and across the world.
Why Agricultural Economics?
Why Nebraska?
Our master's students come from across the world and right here in Nebraska. The diverse experiences and backgrounds of our students enrich our STEM designated master’s program. We encourage collaboration and value the contributions of our master's students to our department.
Kara Zimmerman
M.S. student
"The faculty in this department are all very friendly and continuously let you know they are there to help you in any way they can."
Emmanouil Petrakis
M.S. alumnus
"My assistantship helped me grow as a person and as a professional by following deadlines, working as a member of a team, and acquiring knowledge outside classes."
Zhengzheng Gao
M.S. alumna
"My favorite thing about the department is the friendly environment."
Eric Coufal
M.S. alumnus
"My degree helped me analyze market conditions in order to make realistic decisions for helping farmers discover profitable marketing decisions."
How to Apply
Requirements
- A 4-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- An equivalent degree as evaluated by the Office of Graduate Studies.
- We accept students from a variety of majors as long as the prerequisites have been satisfied.
- See all Graduate Studies admission policies.
Prerequisites
- Introductory integral and differential calculus (sample course)
- Intermediate microeconomics (sample course).
- Intermediate macroeconomics (sample course).
- Statistics (sample course).
We do not have grade or G.P.A. requirements. However, the master's program builds on the skills learned in these courses so grades in these courses are an important part of the admission decision.
We may occasionally provisionally admit students of exceptional potential or ability who are deficient in one or more of these prerequisites. However, the course(s) must be completed before beginning the program.
Other Information
- The GRE is not required but is recommended for students seeking an assistantship.
- If your native language is not English, verification of English proficiency is required. Graduate Studies determines exemptions from this requirement.
- You do not need to contact a faculty member to be considered for admission or an assistantship.
Application
In addition to Graduate Studies' requirements. We require:
- A one-page to three-page statement of purpose. It should explain why you want to pursue a graduate degree and describe your interests.
- Three letters of recommendation. We recommend at least two of these letters are from faculty members who can describe your academic abilities
- Resume or curriculum vitae
What You Will Learn
Classes
All master's students take:
- AECN 873 - Microeconomic models and applications, 3 credits (Recent Syllabus)
- AECN 896 - Econometrics, 4 credits
- AECN 872 - Mathematical Tools for Applied Economics, 1 credit
- AECN 821 - Orientation to research, 1 credit
Thesis
Nearly all of our students complete a thesis. It provides an opportunity to delve deeper into a topic of interest and explore economic questions. Our recent graduates' thesis work is available here.
Credit Hour Requirements
| Option A (thesis) | Option B (non-thesis) | |
|---|---|---|
| Total credit hours | 30 | 30 |
| Coursework credit hours | 20-24 | 30 |
| Thesis credit hours | 6-10 | Not available |
| Graduate-only credit hours | 8, plus thesis hrs | 18 |
| Minor | Optional, 9 hrs | Not available |
Funding and Cost
Graduate Tuition and Fees
For current graduate tuition and fee structure and rates, visit studentaccounts.unl.edu/graduate-tuition.
Assistantships
Graduate research assistantships are the most common form of financial assistance. A GRA consists of a stipend and benefits. Tuition is waived for students on assistantships, but fees of approximately $1,200/year must be paid by all students. A major portion of the fee for student health insurance is included in GRAs. Each year, we receive funding from the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Agricultural Research Division for GRAs. These are not tied to a specific research project but support the research needs of the department and institute. There is no separate application for assistantships and applicants do not need to contact a faculty member to be considered.
Faculty often have grants or other funding to support graduate students. More information.