Division of Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics

Master of Science in Agricultural Economics

Required Courses
AGEC 5301Environmental Issues and Agricultural Policy3
AGEC 5310Advanced Farm and Ranch Management3
AGEC 5312Production & Operations Analysis3
AGEC 5314Advanced Agricultural Marketing3
AGEC 5333Management Practices of Agribusiness3
AGEC 5399Agricultural and Consumer Resources Capstone 3
FINC 5307Financial Management3
or FINC 5306 Financial Markets and Institutions
Total Hours21
Additional Required Courses for Concentrations
Thesis Track (36 hours)
AGEC 5088Thesis6
ECON 5311Econometrics and Forecasting3
Choose 6 hours from the following options:6
Electives - 5000 level from COAE, COB, or must be approved by committee
Total Hours15
Non-thesis Agribusiness Track (30 hours)
AGEC 5086Agricultural Economics Problems3
AGEC 5317Adv. Applied Quantitative Methods3
or ECON 5311 Econometrics and Forecasting
Electives - 5000 level from COAE, COB, or must be approved by committee 3
Total Hours9

Agricultural Economics Courses

AGEC 5086. Agricultural Economics Problems. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 1-6 Hours).

Advanced independent study and research in agricultural economics topics. A written report will be submitted to the supervising professor. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor of record.

AGEC 5088. Thesis. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-6 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Scheduled when student is ready to begin the thesis. No credit until thesis is accepted. Prerequisites: Approved research methodology course and consent of major professor.

AGEC 5301. Environmental Issues and Agricultural Policy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Current and emerging problems in economics of environmental issues relating to agriculture and agribusiness firms. Examination of policy issues, institutions, and legal and political constraints in relation to environmental quality and agricultural resources. Prerequisites: Principles of Macroeconomics and Intermediate Microeconomics, or approval of instructor of record.

AGEC 5310. Advanced Farm and Ranch Management. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Economic theory and business principles applied to the organization and operation of farm and ranch businesses. Emphasis will be on farm budgeting and decision making, selecting and combining enterprises, analyzing farm investment alternatives, farm growth strategies, risk, and uncertainty. Prerequisite: Introductory course on Agricultural Marketing. Lab fee: $2.

AGEC 5312. Production & Operations Analysis. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Analysis of the production and operations function from a problem-solving and quantitative models approach. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor of record.

AGEC 5314. Advanced Agricultural Marketing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Market development concepts, practices, and strategies for food and fiber products. Causes, effects, and relationships to business and consumer economics. Strategies for price risk management in buying and selling agricultural products. Prerequisites: Intermediate Microeconomics and an introductory course on Agricultural Marketing, or approval of instructor of record.

AGEC 5317. Adv. Applied Quantitative Methods. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Advanced application of quantitative techniques used to support managerial decision-making and resource allocation. Exposure to mathematical and statistical tools (regression analysis, mathematical programming, simulation) used in economic analysis in Agribusiness. Credit for AGEC 4317 or AGEC 5317 not both.

AGEC 5333. Management Practices of Agribusiness. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An examination of the choices, decisions, strategies and organizational behavior of agribusiness firms and their management. Primary emphasis will be given to the managerial practices of food and agricultural supply firms in the agri-food industry. Prerequisites: Agricultural Finance or equivalent finance course, an introductory course in Agricultural Marketing or equivalent marketing course, and Principles of Management; or approval of instructor of record.

AGEC 5390. Advanced Topics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Studies in mathematical economics, input-output analysis, linear programming, social benefit-cost analysis, risk management, or other advanced topics as offered. Prior academic training requirements vary with topic. May be repeated once as topic varies. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

AGEC 5396. Analysis of Social Research Data. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Application of contingency tables, and descriptive, differential, and correlational statistics to social research data. Data formatting, syntax operations, procedure options, and interpretation of statistical program output.

AGEC 5399. Agricultural and Consumer Resources Capstone. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Supervised professional activities in agricultural and consumer resources education/clinical teaching/AgriLife extension/industry/business settings. Emphasis is placed on the student's involvement in successful practices in the area of professional interest. Experience may be on the local, state, national, or international level. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Agriculture & Consumer Resources Courses

ACRS 5086. Problems. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 1-6 Hours).

Studies related to agricultural education, extension, service and development, international programs, and policies affecting agriculture. Prerequisite: Approval of the instructor.

ACRS 5088. Thesis. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-6 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Scheduled when student is ready to begin the thesis. No credit until thesis is accepted. Prerequisite: Approved research methodology course and consent of major professor.

ACRS 5302. Leadrshp for Agri & Consum Res. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Study and application of leadership theories and styles related to functioning in agricultural and consumer resources leadership positions.

ACRS 5306. Instruction in Agricultural Mechanics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Field based applications and methods of teaching agricultural mechanics. This course will emphasize the organization, management, service, and use of equipment in the instruction of agricultural mechanics. Students will also apply research methodology specific to appropriate topics.

ACRS 5307. Agricultural Education Programs. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of the secondary school agricultural education program. Topics include pre-employment, work-based learning, advisory committees, supervised agricultural experience programs, student leadership through FFA, and new program development. Students will also apply research methodology specific to appropriate topics.

ACRS 5310. Programmatic Leadership Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Field-based experiences designed to develop leadership ability for teaching, entrepreneurship, and conducting adult and youth organizations. Includes systems of record keeping. Students will also apply research methodology specific to appropriate topics.

ACRS 5311. Info Systems to ACR. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Analysis of information systems used in agricultural services and development. A study of the flow of information in and among various components of the agri-education/industry/business sectors.

ACRS 5313. Adm & Supv of Career & Tech Ed. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Theories and procedures applicable to the organization, administration, financing, and supervision of career and vocational-technical education in public and post-secondary schools. Prerequisites: Professional experience or approval of the instructor.

ACRS 5316. Prog Bldg in Career/Tech Ed. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Organization of educational programs in agriculture and family and consumer sciences on local, state, national and international levels. Prerequisite: Professional experience or approval of the instructor.

ACRS 5318. Ethical/Env Iss Agri & Con Res. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Ethical and environmental issues affecting public policy as related to agricultural and consumer resources areas, such as agricultural education, family and consumer sciences' education, AgriLife extension education, agricultural business and industry. Credit for both ANSC 5318 and A ED 518 will not be awarded. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.

ACRS 5319. Prof Dev Agri & Consum Res. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Selected programs in agricultural education, AgriLife extension, service, development, international, or family & consumer sciences programs. Also will serve as state certifying course for cooperative part-time teacher preparation as topic justifies. Prerequisite: Professional experience or apporval of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

ACRS 5320. Prg& Pers Coop TX Agri Ext Ser. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Enabling legislation, program areas, teaching methods used, staffing patterns, funding, and program administration of the Cooperative Extension Service. Special emphasis on entry-level positions and responsibilities of each.

ACRS 5321. Int'l Prog Ag & Cons Resour Ed. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The function of international agencies, organizations, foundations, religious groups, and education concerning the improvement of the quality of life for peoples in developing nations through improved, sustained agricultural production and consumer resources understanding and application. Prerequisite: Admission to College of Graduate Studies.

ACRS 5330. Teaching Agriculture at the Postsecondary Level. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Methods and techniques of teaching agricultural subjects at the college/university level. Topics include course preparation, presentation, evaluation and post-secondary educational philosophy.

ACRS 5331. Professional Communication. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Advanced discussion of techniques for communicating technical information to diverse audiences. Topics covered will include written and oral communication, using numerous formats. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

ACRS 5340. Methods of Tech Change. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Methods of planning and implementing change in agricultural and consumer resources techniques and practices. Special emphasis on the role of the agricultural and family and consumer sciences' change agents and the effects of change on society and the economy. Prerequisite: Approval of the instructor.

ACRS 5350. Advanced Animal Related Systems. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Specialized feeding, training, and fitting livestock for utilization in the approved agricultural education program. Topics include identifying, selection, and evaluating all aspects of the livestock and stock-show industries. Students will also apply research methodology specific to appropriate topics.

ACRS 5360. Advanced Electronic Field Production for Agricultural Communications. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course provides advanced experience in agricultural television field production and electronic news gathering. Students will master video production skills such as script writing, storyboarding, camera operation, and video editing in an agricultural setting. Students will act as executive producers working with undergraduates enrolled in ACOM 4350.

ACRS 5380. Agriculture and Food Policy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The study of agriculture and food policy at the state and national levels. Topics include a history of the legislative process, current agricultural issues, and the place of agriculture in the American political system. Graduate students will work in extracurricular policy and commodity groups. Prerequisite: Graduate status.

ACRS 5385. Intro Seminar Agri & Con Res. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Group study and discussion of current developments in graduate education related to agricultural and consumer resources. Special emphasis given to development and maintenance of professional relationships and responsibilities in conducting a graduate education experience. Prerequisite: Graduate classification.

ACRS 5390. Advanced Topics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Selected topics in agricultural education offered as needed and dependent upon departmental, faculty, and student interest. May be repeated as topics vary.

ACRS 5396. Analysis of Social Research Data. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will provide instruction and application in analyzing information specific to social research in agricultural and consumer resources. The students will calculate measures utilized in descriptive, correlational, and differential statistics. Students will also format data, build syntax commands, and interpret output from SPSS programs.

ACRS 5397. History, Philosophy, & Policy of Agricultural & Extension Education. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The course is an investigation in philosophical perspectives that shaped the current theories and practices of agricultural and extension education. Students will research and report on specific historical events, legislation, and pioneers that shaped agricultural and extension education policy.

ACRS 5398. Philo, Interp, Appl, of Res. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Studies designed to acquaint students in agricultural research techniques and demonstration related to the classroom, laboratories, work experience, and extension and adult education activities in agricultural programs. Basic concepts concerning interpretation and analysis of research data.

ACRS 5399. Agricultural and Consumer Resources Capstone. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Supervised professional activities in agricultural and consumer resources education/clinical teaching/AgriLife extension/industry/business settings. Emphasis is placed on the student's involvement in successful practices in the area of professional interest. Experience may be on the local, state, national, or international level. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

Dr. J. Chris Haynes, Department
Department of Agricultural Education and Communication
Joe W. Autry Agriculture Building, Room 105
Box T-0040
Stephenville, Texas 76402
(254) 968-9200
chaynes@tarleton.edu
www.tarleton.edu/agservices

Ms. Susan Keith, Administrative Associatess
Department of Agricultural Education and Communication
Joe W. Autry Agriculture Building, Room 105
Box T-0040
Stephenville, Texas 76402
(254) 968-9200
skeith@tarleton.edu