Thank you for your interest in applying to the Agricultural and Applied Economics department at UW-Madison. Our department offers a variety of study opportunities for graduates and undergraduates, focused on four research areas: development economics, economics of agriculture, environmental and resource economic and community development economics. The information below is for prospective graduate students.
For undergraduates we offer two majors and two certificate programs. Undergraduate admissions information is available here.
The Agricultural and Applied Economics Ph.D. program provides a rigorous background in economic theory and analysis, combined with advanced courses in Economics of Development, Economics of Natural Resources and Environment, Economics of Agriculture and Community Economics. Students will enjoy small class sizes, a supportive atmosphere, and strong relationships with their major advisor. The program takes 4-5 years to complete, and offers further training in economic theory and econometrics, as well as major and minor field course work. The Ph.D. curriculum relies on the doctoral core in theory and econometrics offered by Wisconsin’s outstanding and highly ranked Department of Economics. When matched with the department’s applied courses, which teach students how to use advanced methods to conceptualize and answer contemporary economic problems, this strong core training prepares students for a variety of challenging careers.
Agricultural and Applied Economics M.S. AAE Traditional Option,
The Agricultural and Applied Economics M.S. AAE Traditional Option (MSTO), a STEM-designated program, is for candidates with clear interest, experience and coursework in a specific area of applied economics: Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, International Development and Community Economics.
The MSTO allows for the flexibility to take courses in a specific area and gain a foundation of economic knowledge in an area of applied economics. Students take a set of core courses and choose from several elective courses. This program is area-focused and does not include professional development coursework. The MSPO program is a better fit for candidates looking for professional preparation and growth in applied economic analysis. The degree requires 30 credits of coursework and normally takes 3 to 4 semesters to complete. Applications are accepted for the Fall only.
Agricultural and Applied Economics M.S. AAE Professional Option (MSPO) is a full-time, 15-month, accelerated professional master’s program. The program focuses on helping students to develop skills in economic reasoning, data management, empirical analysis, and technical communication. Students will be well prepared to enter the professional workforce in both the US and abroad in data-intensive and quantitatively focused jobs in economic consulting, businesses, agribusinesses, non-profit organizations focused on development and governmental sectors.
If you have questions, please contact our Graduate Program Manager for graduate admissions.
