Graduate
We offer highly-ranked M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, as well as dual major options for doctoral students.
Ph.D. students receive advanced training in microeconomic theory and econometric methods, and select one of three major fields in:
Students with an interest in regional economics and state and local government policy select a major field based on their area of specific interest.
Master's students study courses in these same areas, but do not select a specific major field, so the M.S. program has additional flexibility.
For a full list of graduate course offerings, prospective students are encouraged to visit https://reg.msu.edu/courses/search.aspx and enter subject code AFRE.
AFRE/MSU's graduate preparation enables students to investigate a wide range of issues affecting not only the domestic and international producers, processors, and marketers of agricultural and natural resource products, but also the rural and urban populations who depend on these products and on broader environmental services.
All AFRE graduate degree programs (M.S., Ph.D., and dual major) are STEM-designated degree programs (CIP code 45.0603).
Graduates go on to become faculty at leading academic institutions or work in a wide range of research institute, government, NGO, and private sector positions for applied economists.
Questions
See details in our Graduate Policy and Program Handbook
For information on admissions requirements and procedures, please see our Applying & Visiting page.
For general information, please contact:
Jamie Bloom
Academic Program Coordinator
bloomja2@msu.edu
517-353-6644
Nicole Mason-Wardell
Associate Chairperson, Graduate Program Director, and Associate Professor
masonn@msu.edu
517-355-4563
Grad Student Spotlight
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Sungmin Cheu, AFRE Doctoral Candidate, prepares to start his career as a tenure-track assistant professor
Published on March 31, 2025
Sungmin Cheu will finish his Docotral program in 2025 and start as an assistant professor at Montana State University. -
AFRE Graduate Student Clare McGrady is Named a 2024 Farm Foundation Agricultural Scholar
Published on February 12, 2024
Clare McGrady is a master's degree student in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE). -
Kelly Hudson Graduate Spotlight: From Chef to Economist
Published on November 28, 2023
Kelly Hudson worked in the restaurant industry for 16 years and held the title of chef for eight. Today, Hudson holds the title of a USDA Foreign Agricultural Service International Fellow, which is a title held by only four people in the United States.
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