Overview

Three degrees are offered by the Graduate Field of Applied Economics and Management:

• Master of Science (M.S.)
• Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.-Agriculture)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are research-based degrees. The M.P.S. degree emphasizes training through coursework and a problem-solving project, rather than through a structured research experience.

Subjects

Within the Graduate Field of Applied Economics and Management, a student may concentrate on one of two subject areas —Agricultural Economics or Resource Economics—which are divided into areas of concentration.

Agricultural Economics
Agricultural Finance
Applied Econometrics & Quantitative Analysis
Economics of Development
Farm Management and Production Economics
Marketing and Food Distribution
Public Policy Analysis

Resource Economics
Resource Economics
Environmental Economics
Environmental Management (M.P.S. only)

Student Profile

Special Committee

Each student selects faculty members to serve on a Special Committee, which oversees the student's plan of study, works with the student on his/her research, and conducts the required oral examinations. A student working on a M.S. degree appoints at least two members and a Ph.D. student appoints at least three members to the Special Committee.

It is the student's responsibility to identify faculty members willing to serve on his or her Special Committee. A Special Committee Selection and Change Form must be submitted to the Applied Economics and Management director of graduate studies.

The chairperson of the committee, also called the major professor, represents the student's major area of concentration in the field of Applied Economics and Management. The other members represent the student's minor concentrations. The Ph.D. committee must include one member outside the Graduate Field of Applied Economics and Management. The director of graduate studies and Theory Competency Committee oversee the completion of the economic theory requirements at the Ph.D. level.

The major professor typically directs the preparation of the student's thesis or dissertation. It is therefore essential that the student identify the major professor early in the graduate program. Failure to identify a Special Committee chairperson by the start of the third semester in residence will prevent the student from registering in the Graduate School.

Registration Units

Graduate degrees are awarded based on "registration units" rather than on credit hours. One registration unit equals one semester of full-time study. Ways to earn a registration unit include:

• Successful completion of 3 to 4 courses
• Full-time thesis or dissertation research
• Directed study under the guidance of a faculty member

The graduate student's Special Committee determines whether a full or partial registration unit has been earned each semester.

© 2008 Cornell University