The School of Agricultural Sciences offers a Master of Science degree in Agribusiness Economics. A program of concurrent study leading to the award of two master’s degrees, the Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Agribusiness Economics can be undertaken. An interdisciplinary degree at the Master of Science level may be achieved by completing requirements as a double degree major.

Agribusiness Economics Concentration

Through selected coursework and research students may focus in resource and environmental economics, economic and rural development, agribusiness management and finance, agricultural marketing and prices, farm production management, or international trade and agricultural policy.

The Master of Science in Agribusiness Economics with a concentration in agribusiness economics is awarded upon completion of required coursework with a minimum graduate grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) in either of two options; a thesis or a non-thesis (research paper) option. For both options at least 50% of the credit hours must be at the 500-level.

The thesis option requires satisfactory completion of thirty hours of graduate credit. This includes nine credit hours in structured agribusiness economics courses; ABE 500, ABE 571, and ABE 572. Fifteen credit hours of elective graduate credit are selected based upon recommendation from the agribusiness faculty member directing the student’s thesis work. A research component including six credit hours of ABE 599 and an oral examination is required. This option is preferred for individuals with Ph.D. aspirations at SIU or other institutions.

The non-thesis option requires satisfactory completion of 30 hours of graduate credit. This includes nine credit hours in structured agribusiness economics courses; ABE 500, ABE 571, and ABE 572. Twenty-one credit hours of elective graduate credit are selected based upon recommendation from the agribusiness faculty member acting as the student’s research paper advisor. Six of these credit hours must be at the 500 level, including a research component of three credit hours of ABE 593 and an oral presentation of the student’s research paper. This option is preferred for individuals seeking a career in the public sector or with private industry. With proper course selection and timely research component development a student could complete the non-thesis option in one year’s time.

Agricultural Services Concentration

The agricultural services concentration is designed to permit individuals who are professionals in private industry or public service to earn a Master of Science degree in Agribusiness Economics while remaining fully employed in the agricultural sector.

Other individuals may be admitted after request and consideration by the ABE graduate committee and approval of the graduate director.

The agricultural services concentration requires satisfactory completion of thirty hours of graduate credit. 15 credit hours must be at the 500 level and 15 credit hours must be in Agribusiness Economics or related disciplines, of which three credit hours must be ABE 593, where a student-initiated research paper or special project will be completed under the direction of a faculty advisor.

• Agribusiness Economics
• Agricultural Services