Four graduate degrees are available to students in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics: (1) the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, (2) the Master of Science (M.S.), (3) the Master of Agriculture, and (4) the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. The Department offers Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in agricultural and resource economics. Students can also earn Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in economics through the Graduate Program in Economics administered by the Graduate School. The Master of Agriculture and Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies are offered in collaboration with departments outside of the Graduate Program in Economics.

The primary purposes of graduate education in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at Oregon State University are to provide doctoral and masters students with an understanding of the theories and methods used to analyze economic problems, particularly in those areas emphasized by the Department and opportunities to use their theory and methods knowledge and experience to analyze and discuss important economic questions faced by individuals, private organizations and government in Oregon, the United States, and the world.

Most prospective students seek a graduate degree to obtain employment in a particular profession. These students recognize that graduate training in economics is a rare opportunity to work on the "frontiers of knowledge," thereby gaining greater insight into how economic systems operate. The faculty is interested in prospective students who are excited to learn more about economics and want to do applied and/or theoretical research in economics. Faculty members provide high-quality courses, research, and public education opportunities, and they serve as mentors to graduate students so the students will reach their potential as professional economists.

Master of Science

The M.S. degree, like the Ph.D., is a research degree. Unlike Ph.D. students, however, incoming M.S. students are presumed to have had little or no experience in conducting research. We train graduates for two basic career paths.

The first path is followed by the student desiring to add the M.S. degree to an undergraduate degree in economics or another field. Graduates with M.S. degrees work in a wide range of occupations—employers include the Cooperative Extension Service, federal and state government agencies, and consulting firms both in the United States and abroad. Some also enter other professions such as law and business.

A second career path is preparation for a Ph.D. program at Oregon State University or other agricultural and resource economics/economics programs in the U.S. A successful M.S. graduate should achieve the following standards:

1. Understanding of graduate microeconomic theory, using calculus, graphical, and verbal forms, with emphasis on production and consumption theory, product and factor markets, general equilibrium analysis, and welfare theory.

2. Understanding of macroeconomic theory, using calculus, graphical and verbal forms, with emphasis on classical, Keynesian, and monetarist models.

3. Proficiency with graduate econometric methods, including an understanding of basic econometric theory and the ability to apply econometric or operations research techniques to applied problems.

4. Understanding of a specific field, including proficiency in applying economic theory and methods to problems in that field.

5. Ability to conduct a research project that contributes to an understanding of an economic problem, including problem identification, review of literature, application of economic theory, analysis, and interpretation of results.

6. Ability to communicate about economic issues and research results with both professional and lay audiences.

Master of Agriculture (MAg)

The M.Agr. degree provides broad training in the agricultural sciences (agricultural and resource economics, animal science, bioresource engineering, crop science, fisheries science, food science and technology, horticulture, poultry science, rangeland resources, soil science, and wildlife science) beyond that acquired at the undergraduate level.

A thesis is not required as part of the degree program, as is the case with the research-oriented M.S. degree. Consequently, training in agricultural and resource economics is not carried to the depth required in the M.S. program. Graduates of this program often take jobs that require a general understanding and assortment of skills. Many graduates work in regional or local offices of the Cooperative Extension Service, in government, and in industry.

Students must acquire knowledge in three agricultural or agriculturally related fields with no more than 21 graduate credits in any particular field. A paper requiring 3­6 credits of work is also required. When the major professor is a faculty member in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, students must also:

1. Achieve a competence in economic theory and statistics comparable with that of undergraduate students in agricultural and resource economics.

2. Apply economic methods to problems in a specific field of study.

3. Demonstrate the ability to communicate the results of economic analysis to a multi-disciplinary audience.

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS)

The MAIS degree is similar to the M.Agr. in that the degree is granted for attainment of broad, advanced knowledge and achievement from fields in three departments. Although two of the fields may be any department offering graduate work at Oregon State University, one must be selected from the College of Liberal Arts. A minimum of nine credit hours in each of the three fields is required. At least 12 hours must be taken in the College of Liberal Arts.

Students may elect either to write a research paper (which investigates in depth a subject from one or possibly two of these fields) or to write a thesis that integrates the three fields. When the major professor is a faculty member in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, the following program objectives should be met:

1. Achieve a competence in economic theory and statistics comparable with that of undergraduates in agricultural and resource economics.

2. Apply economic methods to problems in a specific field of study.

3. Demonstrate the ability to communicate the results of economic analysis to a multidisciplinary audience.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Ph.D. degree represents the most advanced education offered in the Department. Agricultural and resource economics departments across the U.S. have a long tradition of providing applied training in economics, so that graduates can immediately enter responsible positions in government, academia, and private industry. Our program is of sufficient rigor and diversity that, when combined with the graduate's own talents, it will make him or her attractive as a professional economist in academia, government, or private industry anywhere in the world.

Flexibility is provided in the student's program so that he or she may specialize in certain fields of economics, statistics, or related areas. A successful doctoral recipient should meet the following standards:

1. Proficiency in advanced graduate microeconomic theory, using a rigorous mathematical approach and with constant reference to intuition. Students must be able to use the theory to analyze current issues.

2. Proficiency in advanced graduate macroeconomics, using rigorous mathematical and other approaches. Students must be able to apply the theory to contemporary problems.

3. Understanding of advanced graduate econometric theory. Students must show proficiency in applying econometrics and operations research methods to the analysis of economic problems.

4. Mastery of a major field approved by the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. Students must be able to use economic theory, econometrics, and other quantitative methods to analyze policies and problems in this field.

5. Ability to identify a research question, formulate a theoretical approach, design an appropriate method of analysis, document the research, and produce research of peer-reviewed journal quality.

6. Ability to communicate economic concepts, economic policies, research proposals, and research results to both professional (i.e., economists and other scientists) and lay audiences.

7. Appreciation for the philosophy of science, economic institutions and history, and the history of economic ideas and approaches.