Graduate Program in Food and Business Economics (M.S.)

The objective of this graduate program aligns with the Department's mission, which is to foster economic growth, food security, and sustainability through cutting-edge research, student-oriented teaching, and meaningful community engagement. The program's teaching and research focus leverages data analytics, innovative solutions, and advocacy to empower all populations and address pressing societal challenges. More specifically, the objective of this graduate program is to develop the ability of students to apply economic theory and high levels of quantitative and analytical skills to significant problems facing society in the areas of: sustainability in the agri-food sectors, economics of bio-pharma sectors, production and marketing of agricultural and food products, land/environmental policy and management, and international development. To achieve the goals inherent in the overarching mission of the Department, students in this graduate program will (i) develop an advanced understanding of microeconomic theory, (ii) demonstrate the ability to apply quantitative methods to economic theory and practice, (iii) develop an in-depth understanding of an area within economics, and (iv) utilize both oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate such understanding in a variety of formats.

Because of the program's problem-solving focus, policy analysis is emphasized. Students are provided with a strong background in economic theory and quantitative methods of analysis, and with the ability to apply this knowledge to solve problems. With this training, students are prepared for careers in industry, government, and the non-profit sector as data and policy analysts and executive decision makers. With proper planning by the student, the program can also provide the necessary preparation for entry into Ph.D. programs in Agricultural Economics, Economics, or a related field.

In addition to offering a 5-year BS/MS program, the program also provides an opportunity for a dual master's degree arrangement with the Graduate Program in Urban Planning and Policy Development (students interested in this dual degree arrangement must also separately apply for graduate admission to the Urban Planning and Policy Development Program).

The program offers a Master of Science (MS) degree. A dual master's degree arrangement is available with the Graduate Program in Urban Planning and Policy Development. Students interested in this dual degree arrangement must also apply for graduate admission to the Urban Planning and Policy Development Program.

Program Advantages

• Small class size, world class research, practical solutions!
• Graduates are well-prepared for higher studies as well as for the real world.
• This program enables highly motivated students to become better qualified for the real world.
• Because of their high levels of quantitative and analytical skills, the longevity of our graduates in the private sector is higher than the graduates of some comparable fields.

The pages below provide key information about our program:

• Our Graduate Handbook (290k PDF) provides students with all the relevant information about expectations, procedures, and requirements to be met.
• Additional resources, including counseling services, are available at the Graduate School-New Brunswick (gsnb.rutgers.edu). 
• Also, we suggest reviewing the 'Rutgers Code of Responsible Conduct and Professionalism in Graduate Education'

If you have any questions after reading these pages, please send e-mail to: Program Director, Dr. Sanjib Bhuyan @ bhuyan@sebs.rutgers.edu