Applied economics | Natural resources emphasis
Master of Science
Overview
- In-state: $11,796
- Out-of-state: $31,272
Take a natural approach to economics
Welcome to Idaho’s only graduate program in economics, where you’ll apply statistical and mathematical analysis to solve complex economic issues. Offered cooperatively with Washington State University, courses are taught by faculty from both universities.
Students pursuing the natural resources emphasis explore the theory behind natural resource pricing and policy. You’ll provide recommendations on how to solve economic issues related to natural resources and conduct applied research on a variety of projects. You’ll also have the opportunity to publish research in peer-reviewed academic journals, such as Agricultural Economics and the Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics.
Be part of a prestigious program whose graduates have gone on to win national awards and join highly-ranked doctorate programs, including UC Berkeley and Purdue University. Alumni have also become leaders in the U.S. agricultural industry and faculty members at leading universities.
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Hold an undergraduate degree in agricultural economics, economics, business, engineering, natural resources or a related field
- Have a solid foundation in math, statistics and economics
- Want to conduct research that solves interesting natural resources issues
- Have strong analytical skills
- Are interested in pursuing a Ph.D.
Naturally economical
Curriculum
The M.S. in applied economics, natural resources emphasis is a 32-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.
Explore program courses in the University Catalog
Hands-on learning
- Compete in the Annual Student Research Expo
- Opportunities for international research
- Present independent research at professional and industry conferences
- Publish research in peer-reviewed academic journals
- Assistantships available to students pursuing the thesis option
Learning outcomes
- Analyze complex natural resource related economic issues using advanced statistical and mathematical methods
- Explain and evaluate theories of natural resource pricing and policy
- Develop evidence-based recommendations for addressing economic problems
- Conduct applied economic research on natural resource topics
Related clubs and organizations
- Agricultural and Applied Economics Association
- Graduate and Professional Student Association
- Western Agricultural Economics Association
Career outcomes
Current job openings
67 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Environmental Economists • Economists
$113,001 - Fish and Game Wardens
$85,118
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Costs and funding
To learn how you can fund your graduate degree, check out the Graduate Funding page.
Visit Financial Aid to find detailed information about the cost of attendance.
Recognized STEM Program
This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.
Contact information
Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology contact: Liang "Jimmy" Lu, llu@uidaho.edu
Graduate Admissions contact: graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu, 208-885-4001
Find Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology faculty advisors.
Application information
Applicants for the M.S. in applied economics program must meet the following degree-specific admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor’s
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: Yes (for Thesis only)
- TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo: 79/6.5/115 (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language)
- Number of references: Three
- Other requirements: No
Program availability
*Currently not accepting applications
- Concentration: Thesis and non-thesis
- Semester intake: Fall and Spring
- Eligible for Expedited admission for U of I undergraduates
- Eligible for international admission
- Deadlines: General application deadlines
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Overview
- In-state: $11,796
- Out-of-state: $31,272
Have questions?
Have questions about the program? Connect with our program director or request more information to learn about curriculum, faculty advisors, research opportunities, graduate funding and career outcomes.
Faculty specialty areas include productions economics, price forecasting, crop insurance, international trade, applied risk analysis, trade and marketing, macroeconomics, community-based decision-making, qualitative research methods, ripple effects mapping, natural resource policy, rural community development, supply chain management, behavioral economics, resource management, farm and agribusiness management and commodity risk management.