Agricultural & Applied Economics: Professional Option MS
Master of Science in Agricultural & Applied Economics
The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Master of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics: Professional Option is a 15-month program that trains students to meet the data industry’s demands for quantitatively-skilled analysts and managers.
Is this program right for you?
The Master of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics: Professional Option’s curriculum features three semesters and one summer term of core course offerings in econometrics, micro-economic theory, and professional development, along with a capstone practicum class leading to a professional report. Students also take electives to pursue specific interests of their choice. Students with a variety of undergraduate majors can apply to the program; previous coursework in economics (intermediate microeconomics) and math (Calculus I) are required prerequisites.
While the accelerated master’s program focuses on key themes of data analysis, applied economic intuition, and professional development, it retains enough flexibility for students to pursue individual interests in our major fields of specialty to pursue their interests in development, food and agriculture, commodity, energy, and environmental economics. Students will be well prepared to enter the professional workforce in both the U.S. and abroad in data-intensive and quantitatively focused jobs in economic consulting, business, agribusiness, non-profit organizations focused on development, and governmental sectors.
The Agricultural and Applied Economics program partners with the National Association of Business (NABE), allowing our students the option of completing NABE’s Certificate in Business Economics in conjunction with our master’s. This noncredit certificate enables students to sit for NABE’s certifying exam. The optional certificate provides a verification of Applied Economics students’ knowledge in the field of economics and data analytics. Additional coursework is required for this certificate.
Is this program right for you?
The Master of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics: Professional Option’s curriculum features three semesters and one summer term of core course offerings in econometrics, micro-economic theory, and professional development, along with a capstone practicum class leading to a professional report. Students also take electives to pursue specific interests of their choice. Students with a variety of undergraduate majors can apply to the program; previous coursework in economics (intermediate microeconomics) and math (Calculus I) are required prerequisites.
While the accelerated master’s program focuses on key themes of data analysis, applied economic intuition, and professional development, it retains enough flexibility for students to pursue individual interests in our major fields of specialty to pursue their interests in development, food and agriculture, commodity, energy, and environmental economics. Students will be well prepared to enter the professional workforce in both the U.S. and abroad in data-intensive and quantitatively focused jobs in economic consulting, business, agribusiness, non-profit organizations focused on development, and governmental sectors.
The Agricultural and Applied Economics program partners with the National Association of Business (NABE), allowing our students the option of completing NABE’s Certificate in Business Economics in conjunction with our master’s. This noncredit certificate enables students to sit for NABE’s certifying exam. The optional certificate provides a verification of Applied Economics students’ knowledge in the field of economics and data analytics. Additional coursework is required for this certificate.
Admissions requirements
All applicants must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
- Submit GRE scores from within the previous five years using code 1846.
- Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. The required proficiency scores are: TOEFL IBT 92, PBT 580; or IELTS 7.0.
Application materials required:
- Online application
- Resume/CV
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
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Program highlights
- The Agricultural and Applied Economics program is accelerated, so you can finish your master’s degree in just 15 months.
- We recognize the importance of teaching not only valuable job and problem-solving skills, but professional work skills as well. That’s why we offer professional development opportunities, so you can sharpen your communication and management abilities.
- Our program was designed directly with industry demands in mind. We created our courses in response to the surge in demand for quantitative-skilled analysts and data managers in fields across the agricultural and environmental spectrum.
How you'll learn
- 15 months of full-time study on campus to earn your degree.
- Complete a practicum course in the fall of year 2, integrating all aspects of the program.
- Develop technical problem-solving skills while simultaneously building professional skills through the program.
Sample curriculum
Year 1 Fall
- Microeconomics: Theory to practice
- Applied Econometric Analysis I
- Writing and Speaking for Applied Economists
- Various electives
Year 1 Spring
- Applied Econometrics Analysis II
- Risk Analysis
- Seminar in Quantitative and Applied Economics
- Various electives
Year 1 Summer
- Machine Learning in Applied Economic Analysis
Year 2 Fall
- Professional Development for Applied Economists
- AAEMS- PO Practicum
- Various electives
Job outlook
- Economist
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Research Analyst
- Economic Analyst
- Quantitative Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Credit Analyst
- Personal Financial Provider
- Management, Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Finance and Insurance
- Scientific Research and Development Services
- Federal Government
- Deloitte
- Credit Union National Association (CUNA)
- Navigant
- Wisconsin Department of Transportation
- BHG Financial
- Scale AI
- Madison Gas and Electric (MG&E)
- Zoro
Sources: US Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics website. 2022. AAE alumni data.
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- Learn how to make this program work with your life/schedule
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- Determine if financial aid is available
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