Applied Economics

About This Degree

The master’s degree in applied economics is a preparatory degree for students wishing to do applied work in areas where economics is the focus of the career.

What You Will Learn

This is an applied degree as opposed to a research degree, meaning students receive the education necessary to enter the workforce in economic programs, or work as consultants in government areas, nonprofits, and private sectors.

Specialization:

Natural Resource Economics:

This specialization focuses on solving environmental problems and natural resource management, all in relation to economics.

Regional Economic Development:

Students in this specialization study how communities and regions develop economically.

Agricultural Economics:

In this specialization, students study agricultural policy, production, and marketing.

Climate Adaptation Science (Applied Economics MS):

The Climate Adaptation Science specialization provides students with experiences in actionable science through internship and research experiences. Program includes interdisciplinary research to identify adaptive responses to changing climate extremes and two-part internships with agency, NGO, and industry partners. In a first internship, students contribute to projects and learn the workplace cultures and science needs of the host. The internship experiences inform interdisciplinary climate adaptation research by student teams. In a second internship, students share science results and tools with the host organization and help put that science into action.

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At a Glance

College: College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

Department: Applied Economics Department

USU Locations:

Logan campus

Faculty: View profiles of faculty members on the department directory.

Program Requirements

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Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

This degree prepares students for positions in:

Industry
Private consulting firms
Regional and national policy-making agencies
Private, not-for-profit organizations
Community/regional economic planning and development agencies

Job Outlook

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

Advising

Man-Keun Kim

Professor, Director of Graduate Studies
Email: mk.kim@usu.edu
Office: AGRS 220A
Phone: (435) 797-2359

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I am a current USU student

I have been admitted and plan to attend, or continue attending USU

USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

Admission

Admission Requirements

Prerequisite course work for all Masters Degree programs in APEC:

B.S./B.A. in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Economics, Environmental/Natural Resource Economics, or a closely related degree.

Or at a minimum evidence of the following coursework:

Microeconomic principles
Calculus
Basic Statistics
Intermediate/Managerial Microeconomics or comparable course

Application Requirements:

Complete the online application
Pay the $55 application fee
Score at or above the 40th percentile on the GRE
Have a 3.0 or higher GPA on your last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits
Provide transcripts of all college/university credits
Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Deadlines

The department has the following application deadline for students wishing to receive funding:

Fall semester – January 31

The deadline for admission without funding is:

Fall semester – June 30

Program Requirements

Although it is not required, many students in this program choose to participate in an internship. Recently, students have found internships at statewide environmental advocacy groups, municipal economic development agencies, and nationally recognized macroeconomic consulting firms.

Plan Options

Students can receive the MS by pursuing one of two options:

In the Plan A option, students complete graduate-level coursework and must write a thesis for their degrees.
The Plan B option requires the production of a paper or creative work of art and is expected to reflect equivalent scholarship standards as a thesis.

Students pursuing the MAE are not required to write a thesis or research paper. The degree requires only course work.

Financial Aid

The department offers a limited amount of competitive research assistantships with a tuition award for out-of-state students. As the availability of these assistantships varies from year to year, students should check with the department for more information.

A variety of funding opportunities are available on the graduate school website.

For students pursuing the MAE, the department does not offer any research assistantships or tuition awards.
Students may be eligible for other funding opportunities, including fellowships and scholarships.