The M.S. in Food and Resource Economics Program allows you to choose between two different tracks, thesis and non-thesis.

Thesis (M.S. with Thesis)

As implied by its name, a thesis master’s degree is research intensive. Thesis students develop a 
research proposal and complete a thesis under the close supervision of a faculty member at the 
university. The MS thesis program includes 24 hours of coursework, and the classes are 
focused on theory and research methods, and students spend most of their time reading, 
collecting data, analyzing results, and writing a thesis.

Non-Thesis MSAB (M.S. with Concentration in AgriBusiness)

The MSAB is a less research oriented program in which, instead of completing a thesis, students with complete a professional capstone experience such as an internship or special project that allows them to apply the skills they are learning in their coursework in industry. 

Finding the Right Fit

Choosing one over the other depends on your career objectives, but also on your personality, 
your skills, and your preferred working style.

Before deciding which route to take, please review the below checklists to see which option 
might be a better fit for you.

A thesis master’s degree is more suitable for me if:

•  I enjoy exploring a specific topic in depth
• I have an inquisitive nature
• I enjoy writing and reading a lot
• I enjoy working independently
• I would like to prepare myself for a career in research and/or academia.

A non-thesis master’s degree is more suitable for me if:

• I enjoy learning about a wide range of topics within my field of interest
•  I enjoy attending and participating in courses and lectures
• I enjoy group work and projects, rather than writing
•  I have a career goal in mind and I want to develop a specific set of skills for it
• I am more comfortable applying what others have researched and tested

Although it is difficult to predict your career path early on, pursuing either of the master's 
degrees will not limit your career opportunities, it will just require you to focus on different 
things. Therefore, whether you are choosing to go for a thesis or non-thesis master’s degree, the 
most important thing is that you do not rush into the decision. You need to think seriously about 
what motivates you, what subject area you are most interested in, and what your strongest skills 
are. Never hesitate to call up on the expertise of faculty and staff in the FRED graduate program 
for help in making this decision!

COURSES CURRICULUM (30 CREDIT HOURS)

YEAR 1

FALL

3-AEB 6106 Microeconomic Principles and Analysis
3-STA 6166 Statistical Methods
3-AEB 6817 Survey Research Methods

SPRING

3-AEB 6225 Public Policy and the Agribusiness Firm
3-AEB 6553 Elements of Econometrics
3-Elective

SUMMER

2-6 AEB 6971 Masters Research
Thesis Proposal Seminar

YEAR 2

Electives and/or AEB 6971 Masters Research (Research/Writing/Defense)

Recommended courses to prep for the FRE PhD (these courses will count as MS thesis electives)
3-ECO 5715 Macroeconomics (spring)
3-AEB 7504 Math Statistics for Applied Economics (fall)

Total minimum credit hours required: 30
Course schedule subject to change at department’s discretion.

FALL

3-AEB 6106 Microeconomic Principles and Analysis
3-STA 6166 Statistical Methods
3-AEB 6817 Survey Research Methods for Agribusiness

SPRING

3-AEB 6225 Public Policy and the Agribusiness Firm
3-AEB 6385 Management Strategies for Agribusiness Firms
3-AEB 6553 Elements of Econometrics

SUMMER C (INTERNSHIP)

3-AEB 6942 Advanced Applications in Agribusiness Experience (project based on internship)

Read more in the 2022-2023 FRE Graduate Student Handbook

FALL

3-AEB 6183 Agribusiness Risk Management
6-Electives

Total minimum credit hours required: 30
Course schedule subject to change at department’s discretion.

Only applicants who meet the following minimum requirements will be considered for the program:

Minimum requirements for admission

• 3.0 upper division GPA
• 3 strong letters of recommendation
• 300 GRE score, with at least 145 Quant
• Course prerequisites with a grade of “B” or better in each of the following:
  • Calculus*
  • Statistics*
  • Intermediate-level Microeconomics (AEB 4374 Advanced Ag Micro, ECO 3101 Intermediate Micro, or other similar course approved by FRE)
  • Econometrics (ECO 4421 Intro to Econometrics, STA 4210 Regression Analysis, or other similar course approved by FRE)
• While we try to fund our strongest applicants, we do not guarantee funding for MS students. No separate application is required to be considered for funding. Applicants should include names of faculty with whom they would like to work in their statement of purpose

*Strong quantitative skills required for admission, specifically in the areas of calculus and statistics. If it has been 2 or more years since taking these courses, it is recommended applicants consider a refresher.         

APPLYING TO THE GRADUATE PROGRAM

APPLICATION DUE: FEBRUARY 1

• Application process is completely online.
• Application process takes 4-6 weeks.
• Please only upload one copy of each document.
• Applicants must upload the following documentation when submitting their application. Please only upload one copy of each:
• Transcripts (not student degree audits) from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• 3 recommendations from faculty, employers, others who know your work and character.
• Statement of Purpose, no more than 2 pages in length, well-organized, and focused on your academic/professional qualities, accomplishments, and goals. The Purdue Online Writing Lab is a great tool to help you write this statement.  You should include:
• Reasons for applying to our program
• Research and professional interests; include the names of faculty in our department whose research interests you.
• Major academic and personal accomplishments
• Research experience and skill sets
• What makes you a good fit with our program
• How this program aligns with your research goals; be specific when articulating what you’re passionate about within your field.
• Resume or CV, no more than 2 pages.
• International students who earned degrees at international institutions must submit:
• Transcripts in both English and the native language
• Copies of degree statements/certificates in both English and native language
• TOEFL (min scores 550 paper, 213 CBT, 79 iBT) for international students whose native language is not English and whose previous degree not earned in the U.S.) Countries exempted from TOEFL are found here: https://admissions.ufl.edu/apply/graduate/international

• Faculty Directory
• Current Graduate Student Directory
• UF Graduate School
• UF Graduate Admissions
• FRE Graduate Syllabi
• 2023 - 2024 Graduate Student Handbook