The Department of Agricultural Economics & Agribusiness offers the M.S. degree in three areas of study – Agribusiness Management, Natural Resource and Environmental Policy, and Agricultural Economics (Tables 1 - 3 in the Graduate Student Handbook). All areas of study offer a thesis (research) and non-thesis option.<br><br>Course work requirements for the three areas of study are specified in terms of core courses and other courses required to meet the requirements. Core courses must be taken by all students. The thesis option in any area of study requires a minimum of 33 semester hours of course work including a thesis, which is equivalent to six semester hours. Students pursuing the Agribusiness Management area of study must complete 18 hours of required courses, 9 hours of approved electives and 6 hours of thesis research. As a part of their required courses, students in the Agribusiness area of study must complete an Agribusiness Internship. The Agribusiness Internship is to be identified by the student and graduate adviser and should complement the research objectives of the thesis as well as the career objectives of the student.<br><br>Students pursuing the Natural Resource and Environmental Policy area of study must complete 18 hours of required courses, 9 hours of approved electives and 6 hours of thesis research. Students pursuing the Agricultural Economics area of study must complete 18 hours of required courses, 9 hours of approved electives and 6 hours of thesis research.<br><br>At least half of the minimum Graduate School course requirement must be in course work numbered 7000 and above. In addition, students following the thesis option are required to submit an acceptable thesis and perform satisfactorily on the final oral examination.