Graduate Programs

M.S. in Agribusiness and Applied Economics

The department offers two graduate degree programs leading to the (1) Master of Science in Agribusiness and Applied Economics and the (2) Master of Science in International Agribusiness. The Department plays a major role in the interdisciplinary Master of Science program in Natural Resources Management. The Department contributes to a number of interdisciplinary programs leading to Ph.D. degrees including Transportation and Logistics, Food Safety, Environmental and Conservation Sciences and Natural Resources Management.

M.S. in Agribusiness and Applied Economics <back to Table of Contents>

The Master of Science in Agribusiness and Applied Economics encompasses rigorous study in economic theory, research methods, and quantitative techniques. Two plans of study for the Master of Science degree are available, a thesis option and a comprehensive study option. The thesis option requires completion of 30 credits including a six to ten credit thesis. The comprehensive study option requires a minimum of 30 semester credits including a two to four credit research paper in lieu of a thesis. Both require an oral examination. The M.S. in Agribusiness and Applied Economics degree offers students the opportunity to take course work and conduct thesis research in three focus areas: applied economics, agribusiness, and transportation economics.

Applied Economics focuses on economic theory, research methods, and quantitative techniques and is well suited for students interested in careers in applied economics research in the private and public sectors and for students interested in pursuing a Ph.D.

Agribusiness focuses on agribusiness management, economic analysis, and agricultural sciences including biotechnology, processing, and food and environmental safety. A rigorous background in economic theory and research prepares students for a variety of careers in Agribusiness.

Transportation focuses on logistics, transportation economics, transportation engineering, and transportation planning. The departments of Agribusiness and Applied Economics and Civil Engineering, in conjunction with the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, offer thesis funding support and coursework for this focus area.

M.S. in International Agribusiness <back to Table of Contents>

The Master of Science in International Agribusiness is an applied program in agribusiness with concentration on the international nature of agricultural and food production, consumption, and trade. Students complete two semesters in residence at NDSU and one semester at an international partner university specializing in agribusiness. Students are encouraged to participate in an international internship with a private company, government agency, or at an international research station. Because of the applied nature of the program, students complete a comprehensive master's paper in lieu of a research thesis.

M.S. in Natural Resources Management <back to Table of Contents>

The Master of Science in Natural Resources Management is an interdisciplinary program that addresses problems associated with managing natural resources. Students within the Agribusiness and Applied Economics Department are required to choose the Social Science option of the Natural Resource Management Program. Students gain breadth in relevant planning, analysis, and management areas, while developing depth in one of three area specialties (social science, biological resource science, or earth resource science). The interdisciplinary program prepares students to work on problems that require assimilation of data, methods, and strategies from many supporting disciplines. The natural resources degree can be completed with either a thesis or comprehensive study paper. The program prepares students to be competitive in jobs where problems and issues reach beyond a single discipline or subject area.

CORE COURSE REQUIREMENTS <back to Table of Contents>

1) M.S. in Agribusiness & Applied Economics

• AGEC 701 - Research Philosophy
• AGEC 710 - Econometrics
• AGEC 739 Analytical Methods for Applied Economics
• AGEC 741 Advanced Microeconomics
• AGEC 797/798 Master's Paper or Thesis
  

2) M.S. in International Agribusiness

• AGEC 710 - Econometrics, or AGEC 739 - Analytical Methods for Applied Economics
• AGEC 741 Advanced Microeconomics
• AGEC 744 Agribusiness I: Agricultural Product Marketing and Agribusiness Strategy
• AGEC 746 - Agribusiness II: Agrifinance and Commodity Trading
• AGEC 791 - Stochastic Simulation Models
• AGEC 797 Masters Paper 3)

M.S. in Natural Resource Management (Social Science Option)*

• AGEC 701 - Research Philosophy
• AGEC 741 - Advanced Microeconomics
• ECON 681 - Natural Resource Economics
• NRM 690 - Seminar
• At least one additional course (3 or more credits) in quantitative analysis. Select from:.
  • AGEC 710 - Econometrics
  • AGEC 711 - Advanced Topics in Econometrics (each topic is a 1-credit module)
  • AGEC 739 - Analytical Methods for Applied Economics
  • STAT 661 - Applied Regression . SOC 701 - Quantitative Methods
  * Additional course requirements for the NRM degree are specified in the NRM Graduate Handbook.

SUGGESTED COURSES FOR PARTICULAR FOCUS AREAS <back to Table of Contents>

These elective courses need to be approved by the students' advisor and thesis committee members and specified in the student's approved Program of Study required by the Graduate SchoolAgribusiness.

• AGEC 791 - Stochastic Simulation Models (1-credit module)
• AGEC 744 Agribusiness I: Agricultural Product Marketing and Agribusiness Strategy
• AGEC 746 - Agribusiness II: Agrifinance and Commodity Trading Transportation
• AGEC 771 Economics of Transportation Systems
• GEOG 655 Geographic Information Systems Applied Economics
• ECON 672 - International Economics
• ECON 681 - Natural Resource Economics
• ECON 680 - Industrial Organization

ADMISSION <back to Table of Contents>

Applications for admission should be received by the Graduate School by February 1 if the student wishes to be considered for financial assistance. Application for admission to the Graduate School should be as far in advance of the expected enrollment date as possible, in all cases at least one month prior to the start of the semester in which the student plans to enroll.

Online application forms may be completed at the Graduate School web site (http://www.ndsu.edu/GradSchool/). Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Dean of the Graduate School. For further information for international applicants, refer to the section on international students included in this bulletin.

Admission Status

Applicants are considered for admission on the basis of their perceived potential for completing the program. Students admitted with full standing have completed all entrance requirements for the program. An applicant who is accepted in any category other than full standing must meet conditions specified by the Department and the Graduate School before a change in standing may be requested. Furthermore, the department would not recommend upgrading a student's standing if their grade point average (GPA) is below 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). A student must have full graduate standing to have a plan of study approved, to receive a departmental assistantship, or to be a candidate for graduation.

Prerequisites for Admission

In order to be accepted unconditionally, students must have succesfully completed coursework in intermediate microeconomics, intermediate statistics (including linear regression), and calculus. If these have not been taken, the student can be conditionally accepted into the program, but will not be eligible for a Graduate Research Assistantship. We also require TOEFL and GRE Scores from students who have not recieved degrees from US or Canadian unversities. Exceptions may be made for the GRE requirements for university partners in the International Agribusiness program and TOEFL for students for whom English is their primary language.

Transfer Credits
A student who is accepted to NDSU and who has successfully completed graduate work at another institution should contact the Graduate School to clarify policies regarding transfer of credits. A maximum of eight or nine credits taken at instiutions other than NDSU may be applied to the NDSU degree for the Master's Thesis or Master's Paper degrees, respectively.

Dual Enrollment

An undergraduate student enrolled at NDSU who has been accepted for admission to the Graduate School may enroll as both an undergraduate and graduate student in their final year as a graduating undergraduate student. Credits earned towards the graduate program cannot be counted as fulfilling the undergraduate degree requirements. The student must inform the registrar of their intention to dual enroll.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE <back to Table of Contents>

The Department offers assistantships on a competitive basis. Information about other forms of financial assistance may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office in Ceres Hall.

The Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) and the Teaching Assistantship (TA) provide monthly stipends plus tuition waivers. Although tuition is waived, students must pay a minimal activity fee each semester. An assistantship normally will not begin until the first semester of full graduate standing during which courses are taken that will apply for the Master of Science degree.

Most assistantships are half time (20 hours per week) or one quarter time (10 hours per week). Students on assistantship are expected to perform research or teaching duties in the department in return for their stipend. All one half time assistants are expected to be available for performing services related to research or teaching for an average of 20 hours per week. Time expended on the student's research project is recognized as partial fulfillment of this requirement.

Graduate assistants are considered full time students if registered for six or more graduate credits per semester. Graduate assistants wishing to register for more than 10 credits per semester must obtain approval from the Graduate Dean before registering.

Graduate assistantship stipends represent a significant commitment of public dollars to conduct applied research. Assistantships provide an opportunity for students to work with faculty members and gain exposure to various aspects of research. The research program of the department has an applied, problem solving orientation. While we have a very strong commitment to addressing the issues of importance to North Dakotans, our research also has national and international dimensions.

A limited number of teaching assistantships may also be available. Duties performed by TAs are extremely important to meet the teaching goals of the department. A teaching assistantship is an excellent option if a student is interested in pursuing a career in education, including university-level teaching, or would like to strengthen their general understanding of economics.

Applicants to the Graduate School who are accepted in less than full standing will not be eligible for an assistantship until their status changes to full standing. Granting assistantships depends on academic performance, departmental needs, and availability of assistantships. All accepted graduate students will be considered for funding unless the student specifies he or she would not like to considered. We cannot make any decisions or provide information about the likelihood of particular students receiving assistantships until their completed application has been forwarded to us by the Graduate School.

Expectations and Time Limits for Assistantship

It is the goal of the NDSU Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics to offer a graduate program leading to the M.S. degree which, for students having the proper undergraduate background, can be earned in three semesters and one summer of productive effort by the student.

It is the policy of the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics to limit the duration of any student's assistantship to three semesters and one summer (16 months). Additional time may be approved, on a case by case basis, if the work being accomplished by the student warrants it and sufficient extramural funds are available. Request for such extensions should be made, in writing, by the student to the department chair, who will confer with the adviser and those on the student's supervisory committee regarding the request. It is the student's responsibility to work with the adviser to monitor his/her timely completion of the program.

The assistantship may be interrupted at either the request of the student or at the initiative of the department. Requests for leave from the position as a Research or Teaching Assistant are considered on a case by case basis. Unless specified in writing, there is no guarantee that an assistantship will be available after a leave period. The department may allow interruption of the student's assistantship for indefinite periods to employ the student on projects other than the student's research project. In such cases students can expect to be reinstated on assistantship when their duties on other efforts are completed. In either case of assistantship interruption described above, the time period(s) not on assistantship do not count against the 16 month time limit.

Loss of Assistantship

A student may lose an assistantship due to (1) substandard academic performance, (2) lack of progress in completing degree requirements, (3) unsatisfactory performance of research or teaching responsibilities or other assigned duties, or (4) financial exigencies of the department. A cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 in graduate courses is considered to be substandard academic performance. Failure to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher for two consecutive semesters is automatic grounds for loss of an assistantship. At the end of any semester, falling below a 3.0 cumulative GPA, but above a 2.8 results in a warning to the student. Students falling within a 2.5 to 2.79 GPA are automatically reduced to a quarter-time assistantship (reduction in monthly stipend of one-half, yet still earn a tuition waiver). Falling below a cumulative 2.5 GPA is automatic grounds for loss of an assistanthsip. For additional information on academic performance see the NDSU Graduate Bulletin.

Suggested Time Frame for Student Achievements: <back to Table of Contents>

To guide students and advisors on program progress, the Graduate Program Committee has identified milestones for specific tasks essential to the timely completion of their M.S. degree. These include:

By the End of the First Semester:

Select an advisor and form a thesis committee</li>. Submit a draft thesis proposal to the thesis committee

• Submit a plan of study to both the Department and the Graduate School
• Receive a recommendation for assistantship continuation from his/her advisor
• Maintain at least a 3.0 average in graduate coursework
• Maintain the minimum number of credits required to complete coursework requirements for the degree within 3 semesters (subject to course availability)

By the End of the Second Semester:

• Prepare and submit a draft literature review to the thesis committee
• Identify methods and data for the thesis and prepare a draft methods and procedures thesis chapter for review by the thesis committee . Submit a thesis proposal to the thesis committee
• Receive a recommendation for assistantship continuation from his/her advisor
• Maintain at least a 3.0 average in graduate coursework
• Maintain the minimum number of credits required to complete coursework requirements for the degree within 3 semesters (subject to course availability)

By the End of the Summer:

• Finalize and submit a draft literature review to the thesis committee
• Using data and methods approved by the thesis committee, conduct preliminary data analysis and report draft results for review by the thesis committee
• Receive a recommendation for assistantship continuation from his/her advisor
• Maintain at least a 3.0 average in graduate coursework . Maintain the minimum number of credits required to complete coursework requirements for the degree within 3 semesters (subject to course availability)

By the End of the Third Semester:

• Using data and methods approved by the thesis committee, conduct final data analysis and report results for review by the thesis committee
• Prepare results and conclusion sections for thesis
• In cooperation with thesis committee, schedule thesis defense
• Conduct defense
• In cooperation with the Graduate School, prepare and deposit final draft of thesis
• Maintain at least a 3.0 average in graduate coursework

ACADEMIC PROGRAM <back to Table of Contents>

Major Adviser and Supervisory Committee

All starting graduate students in Agribusiness and Applied Economics enroll in AGEC 701 during the fall semester. This serves to acquaint students with the graduate program, the research process, and the department.

Advisers

Students will be given a list of research projects proposed by Department faculty in the first week of classes. During AGEC 701, faculty will make presentations to students about their research, and students will visit with individual faculty about projects. By the end of September, students will rank their top three choices. The Graduate Program Committee will then make recommendations on allocating students with the objectives of giving students their top choice, giving priority to contract projects, and spreading out the distribution of advisors amongst students.

Exceptions to the assignemnt of advisors may occur if faculty have identified and made offers to individual students to collaborate on grant-funded research.

Supervisory Committee

The student and adviser should select a supervisory (program) committee to advise them on a plan of study and research objectives and methods. The committee may initially operate without formal recognition by the Graduate School. The supervisory committee will consist of four or more people (including the adviser and a member from outside of the Department approved by the Graduate School).

Plan of Study

The supervisory committee is officially approved by the Graduate School after it receives the "Master's Degree Plan of Study and Supervisory Committee" proposal from the student. The plan of study must be filed in the Graduate School no later than the semester prior to graduation. However, it is recommended that, as soon as an adviser has been assigned, the student and the adviser agree on the composition of the full committee and that the student confirms potential members are willing to serve.

The Plan of Study should indicate any transfer credits that the student wishes to include in his or her plan of study. Changes in the plan of study (addition/deletion of course work) or in the composition of the Advisory/Supervisory Committee after the plan has been filed must be formally requested using the Change to Program of Study form.

The supervisory committee will work closely with the student to review drafts of the thesis. The adviser will decide when review drafts of the thesis are ready to distribute to the full committee.

Declaration of a Minor

A minor field does not have to be declared to earn an M.S. Degree in Agribusiness and Applied Economics. Students who wish to declare a minor field of study should first gain approval from the department chair of the proposed minor field discipline.

Selection of Courses

Students should enroll in courses consistent with their programs of study. Input from the student's major advisor is encouraged to ensure timing of course offerings allows the student to graduate within the time prescribed in their program of study.

Residency Requirements

The University requires residency (enrollment in at least one credit) during the semester of completion of degree requirements (when the final oral exam is completed). The Department expects students to have completed all thesis or comprehensive paper credits by the time of the final oral exam.

THESIS AND COMPREHENSIVE STUDY PAPER <back to Table of Contents>

The thesis and comprehensive study paper should each represent a scholarly endeavor, consistent with the standards of disciplined inquiry and creative activity in the student's field of study. The following is a guide to differentiate the levels and degree of effort required for each.

Thesis

The purpose of the thesis should be clear, the development logical and coherent, and the conclusions convincing. The thesis should reflect a rigorous research effort that makes a contribution to the discipline.

Comprehensive Study Paper

The purpose of the paper should be clear, the development logical and coherent, and conclusions convincing. The paper should reflect an analysis that is insightful, enlightening for the reader, relevant, and intellectually stimulating.

The following table indicates differences between theses and comprehensive study papers. Completed theses and comprehensive study papers are on file in the Department for student review. Recent theses and papers can be viewed online from ther Department's website.

Copying Requirements:

Five copies of the thesis or the comprehensive study papers are sent to the Graduate School, which arranges for binding (one copy each to the department, adviser, and student, and two copies to the library). The original is retained by the student. The graduate student is responsible for binding charges incurred by the Graduate School.

FINAL ORAL EXAM <back to Table of Contents>

All degree candidates are required to pass a final oral examination, which includes a defense of the thesis or comprehensive study paper in an open departmental seminar. Members of the student's supervisory committee constitute the examining committee. The exam is designed to test the student's understanding of principles underlying their thesis or comprehensive study paper, as well as general economic concepts and analytical techniques. Applications to real world situations and the resulting implications are of considerable importance.

Scheduling

The oral exam is scheduled by the student upon approval by the major adviser and completion of an acceptable draft of the candidate's thesis or comprehensive study paper, as determined by the supervisory committee. The "Request to Schedule Examination" form must be submitted to the Graduate School at least two weeks prior to the examination. The examination draft of the thesis or comprehensive study paper must also be submitted to the committee members no less than one week prior to the exam. In addition, participation in commencement ceremonies is contingent upon the student's completion of the final oral exam.

The committee may decide during the course of the exam that the candidate is not adequately prepared and recommend that the exam be rescheduled or reconvened at a later date. Concurrence of two or more committee members that the student's performance is unsatisfactory constitutes failure of the exam.

Documents Associated with Completion

Following successful completion of the oral exam, the committee completes the "Report of Final Examination" and "Certification of Thesis" or "Certification of Comprehensive Paper" forms. A student may pass their oral exam yet be required by their committee to make minor or substantial changes in their research methods or thesis/paper. The adviser forwards the completed examinaition and thesis/paper approval forms to the Graduate School, as well as grade changes (from I to S) for 797/798 courses to the Registrar's Office.

Editing, Printing and Distribution Procedures

Following the approval of the major adviser, the department chair, and the Graduate School, the student is responsible for reproducing the appropriate number of copies on acid free paper. In addition, the student is responsible for paying the Graduate School $200 for the master's completion package. This fee must be paid when the disquisition is submitted for their first reading.

TIMETABLE FOR COMPLETION <back to Table of Contents>

The Graduate School time limit for completing revisions following the defense of the thesis or paper is 1 year, and for completing the program is 7 years.

PUBLICATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS

Students are encouraged to pursue their work into the publication stage with departmental bulletins or professional journals to disseminate their research results to the public and profession. Publication of a student's research provides a useful experience and demonstrates professional performance. Publication in regional or national peer reviewed professional journals is particularly encouraged.

Faculty supervisors can advise students on how to prepare manuscripts to increase the probability of publication acceptance. Research may be reported in a variety of departmental publications, including extension bulletins and circulars. Senior authorship is negotiable between the student and major adviser but normally corresponds with the effort each expends in preparing the manuscript.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS <back to Table of Contents>

Facilities and Supplies

Each student on a graduate research or teaching assistantship will be assigned a desk, subject to availability, in an office area that accommodates two to four students. Unfunded students will be provided space if available. Each student must assume responsibility for the security of his or her office. Keys are not to be loaned to other persons, and office areas, including the computer area (Room 201E) should be locked when not occupied.

Graduate students may use equipment available in the graduate student office areas. Equipment in the work areas of the faculty/staff office suites is available for graduate student use, but faculty and support staff have first priority in equipment use. Use of all equipment must be for only the student's graduate program or adviser assigned tasks.

Graduate students have access to the University's various computer systems. The copy machine in Morrill 217 is available for student use only as approved by the faculty supervisor. Use your adviser's copy account only with permission. Private use of the copy machine is not allowed.

Long distance telephone calls are limited to work assigned by the faculty adviser. The call must originate from the adviser's telephone or one designated by the adviser. An access code will be provided by your adviser.

Morrill 210 is a general meeting and seminar room available to all department personnel. Graduate students are encouraged to join the staff for coffee and informal discussions. Selected reference materials in this room are for all persons to use and may not be removed from the room. The small partitioned area of Morrill 210 (MO210A) is used for oral exams and small group meetings. The room should be scheduled for use through the departmental office. MO 210A can be used as a reading room when not scheduled for use.

MISCELLANEOUS RULES, REGULATIONS AND POLICIES <back to Table of Contents>

Graduate students are responsible for policies as specified in the Graduate Bulletin and the Graduate School's Guide for Disquisitions. Absence from Campus All graduate students shall keep their advisers informed of any extended absences from campus. Post Graduate Work for the Department Student's graduate disquisition must be signed off by the department chair before they can accept a position within the department. The only exception is that students may be hired on time slip (greater than 1/4 time) prior to sign off, but only with the chair's written permission and for no longer than the equivalent of three full time months.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS <back to Table of Contents>

Admission Requirements

International Students should be aware that they have different admission requirements than U.S. citizens. A major difference is in the time required to process an international student's admission application. If you are an international applicant and plan to attend NDSU in the fall semester, your application must be received at least 120 days prior (approximately April 1) to the beginning of the semester. Additional information regarding admission requirements for international students is available from the Office of International Programs.

Credit Load Requirement

All international students must be enrolled full time. Generally, a graduate student must be enrolled for 9 credits to be considered full time by the Registrar's Office. However, a student can be enrolled for fewer than 9 credits and be considered full time if they are conducting research. The Registrar's Office must receive written notice from the department (i.e., the adviser or whoever is supervising the research) that the student should be classified as full time status.

Support Services

Many support services, including passport, housing, and translation assistance, are available to international students from the Office of International Programs and the Division of Student Affairs. All international students should become familiar with the services available from these offices. Additionally, there are numerous student organizations of particular interest to international students. More information on student organizations can be obtained from the Student Activities Office in the Memorial Union.