UK Unveils Enhanced Agricultural Economics Masters Program, Focusing on Real-World Problem-Solving Through Extension

By Jordan Strickler

The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment recently announced a new Agricultural Economics Master's program focusing on practical, real-world applications. The two-year program aims to prepare students for applied economics research, immersing them in extension work and addressing real-world challenges. 

One key feature is personal and active collaboration with extension faculty who disseminate their work to community members via the UK Cooperative Extension Service offices and other organizations serving Kentuckians. Students will engage in production management, agricultural marketing, consumer behavior and regional economics. This hands-on approach ensures graduates not only understand the theoretical aspects of their field but the practical skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in Kentucky and beyond. 

Extension work’s integration into the curriculum is a response to the historical success of extension faculty’s valuable mentorship with graduates. The revamped program ensures graduates benefit from communications training, teamwork and outreach -- essential skills for modern agricultural economists. 

"Extension is the bridge between academic knowledge and practical application,” Kusunose said.  

This program is bolstered by a $246,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Needs Fellowship program, allowing the department to offer stipends to six Masters students. 

"It's not just book learning; it’s seeing how economics really plays out in the field,” Kusunose said. “Thanks to this grant, our fellows are going to get a well-rounded experience – from crunching numbers to meeting with farmers." 

Kusunose said the program's focus on practical problem-solving and stakeholder engagement will make fellows valuable assets in the community. 

“This program is about much more than just classroom learning; it's about preparing our students to make a tangible difference in the fields of agriculture and rural economics.”