Agricultural and Resource Economics

The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of California offers a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex economic challenges facing agriculture, natural resources, and environmental systems. This program emphasizes the application of economic principles to real-world issues such as resource management, food security, sustainability, and rural development. Students explore a wide range of topics, including farm management, agricultural policy, environmental economics, international trade, and the economics of natural resources. Through rigorous coursework and research opportunities, students develop quantitative skills, critical thinking, and policy analysis capabilities that prepare them for careers in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications, often involving case studies, data analysis, and field projects. Students may also have access to internships and collaboration with industry partners to gain hands-on experience. The program fosters an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to consider economic, environmental, social, and ethical aspects of resource use and policy decisions. Graduates of the program are equipped to contribute to sustainable development initiatives, influence policy-making, and implement innovative solutions in the agricultural and resource management sectors. The program also provides opportunities for specialization in areas such as environmental economics, international development, natural resource policy, and food systems. With a strong reputation and a vibrant academic community, the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics prepares its graduates to become leaders in addressing global and local challenges related to agriculture, resources, and environmental sustainability.

• 200A. Microeconomic Theory (5)
• 200B. Microeconomic Theory (5)
• 200C. Microeconomic Theory (5)
• 202A. Introduction to Applied Research Methods (3)
• 202B. Applied Microeconomics I: Consumer and Producer Behavior (3)
• 202C. Research Design for Applied Microeconomics (3)
• 204B. Microeconomic Analysis II (4)
• 214. Development Economics (4)
• 215A. Microdevelopment Theory and Methods I (4)
• 215B. Microdevelopment Theory and Methods II (4)
• 215C. Microdevelopment Theory and Methods III (4)
• 215D. Environment and Economic Development (4)
• 222. International Agricultural Trade and Policy (4)
• 204A; Economics 160A or the equivalent. 
• 231. Supply & Demand for Agricultural Products (4)
• 232. Agricultural Commodity Markets (4)
• 233. Agricultural Policy (4)
• 239. Econometric Foundations (4)
• 240A. Econometric Methods (4)
• 240B. Econometric Methods (4)
• 240C. Time Series Econometrics (4)
• 240D. Cross Section Econometrics (4)
• 240E. Topics in Time Series Econometrics (4)
• 240F. Topics in Cross Section Econometrics (4)
• 252. Optimization with Economic Applications (4)
• 254. Dynamic Optimization with Economic Applications (4)
• 255. Applied Dynamic Structural Econometric Modeling (4)
• 256A. Applied Econometrics I (4)
• 256B. Applied Econometrics II (4)
• 258. Demand and Market Analysis (4)
• 275. Economic Analysis of Resource and Environmental Policies (4)
• 276A. Environmental Economics: Externalities (4)
• 276B. Environmental Economics: Non- Market Valuation (4)
• 277. Natural Resource Economics (4)
• 290. Topics in Agricultural and Resource Economics (3)
• 293. Analysis of California Agriculture and Resources (3)

Requirements

• Applicants MUST apply online. Online application http://gradstudies.ucdavis.edu/prospective-students/apply-online     PhD applicants should submit by the priority deadline, January 15.
• The application fee is $105 for the domestic application and $125 for the international. The fee may be paid by credit card or e-check. The fee must be paid before the application will be considered as complete, and the fee must be paid for each application submitted.
• UC Davis requires academic records from each college-level institution you have attended.  You will be instructed to upload scanned copies of your transcripts after you have submitted your online application.  For more details visit https://gradstudies.ucdavis.edu/submit-transcripts.
• An official transcript from each institution you attended is required. Official records are defined as original documents issued by the institution which bear the actual signature of the registrar and the seal of the issuing institution. If your official records are not issued in English, you must submit those records in their original language with the authorized complete and exact English translations.
• GRE scores should be sent electronically to Institution code 4834 and Department code 0101.
• TOEFL scores should be sent electronically to Institution code 4834 and Department code 67. TOEFL scores expire after two years. Minimum score is 80.  As an alternative, you may submit scores from the Academic Modules of the international English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Letters of Recommendation must be submitted electronically through the online application. Please do not have recommenders send letters in hard copy, but rather to submit all recommendations online once the online service is available.

The University of California offers a comprehensive range of financing options for students pursuing degrees in Agricultural and Resource Economics. Tuition fees vary depending on the student’s residency status, with in-state students benefiting from lower rates compared to out-of-state students. In-state undergraduate students pay approximately $14,000 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $43,000 annually. Graduate students may face different tuition structures, often higher, but specific figures depend on the program and enrollment status.

Financial aid is accessible through several avenues. The University provides federal and state grants, such as Pell Grants and Cal Grants, which do not require repayment and are aimed at low-income students. Scholarships are also available based on academic achievement, leadership, and financial need; many are offered through departmental and university-wide competitive processes. Work-study programs enable students to earn money while gaining valuable professional experience, with opportunities on campus and in local communities.

For students seeking loans, the university participates in federal loan programs like Stafford and Perkins loans, offering low-interest options to eligible students. Private loans are also an option but are generally less favorable due to higher interest rates and less flexible repayment terms. The university’s financial aid office provides personalized guidance to help students identify the most suitable funding options and complete necessary applications, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application for eligible undocumented students.

Apart from external scholarships and aid, the university also encourages students to seek external funding sources, including private foundations, industry-sponsored fellowships, and research grants, especially for graduate students involved in research projects. Many students utilize a combination of these resources to finance their studies fully.

The university emphasizes that early planning and timely application are crucial to securing financial support. Deadlines for financial aid applications are usually well in advance of the academic year start, and students are advised to maintain good academic standing and demonstrate financial need to maximize their aid opportunities. Furthermore, the university offers financial literacy workshops to help students budget effectively and understand borrowing responsibilities.

In summary, students in Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of California can access a variety of financial support options, including tuition grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loans. The availability and eligibility criteria for these programs are detailed and regularly updated by the university’s financial aid office, ensuring students can plan their finances effectively throughout their academic journey.

The University of California offers a comprehensive program in Agricultural and Resource Economics that prepares students to address complex issues related to agriculture, natural resources, and environmental policy. The program emphasizes the application of economic principles and quantitative methods to analyze issues such as land use, water management, environmental conservation, and agricultural production. Students gain a solid foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, and econometrics, which are essential for understanding market dynamics and policy impacts in agricultural and resource sectors.

The curriculum includes core courses in economic theory, agricultural policy, resource economics, environmental economics, and development economics. Students also have opportunities to specialize in areas such as land economics, water resource management, international trade related to agriculture, and sustainability. Practical experience is integrated through research projects, internships, and interactions with industry stakeholders, providing students with real-world insights and skills.

Faculty members are recognized experts in their fields, conducting impactful research that shapes public policy and advances understanding of resource management challenges. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities and access to extensive datasets to support empirical research. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in government agencies, consulting firms, non-governmental organizations, the private agricultural sector, and academia.

The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, recognizing that solutions to resource and environmental issues require integrated approaches involving economics, ecology, engineering, and public policy. The university promotes a global perspective, preparing students to analyze international developments affecting agriculture and resources. With a strong focus on sustainability, equity, and innovation, the Agricultural and Resource Economics program aims to produce professionals who will contribute to sustainable development and resource management globally.