The graduate program of the Division of Applied Social Sciences (DASS) at the University of Missouri (MU) is recognized for its innovative approach to graduate training. As a graduate student, you will have the opportunity of working with leading scholars engaged in a diverse range of challenging research projects.
We offer MS and PhD programs in Agricultural and Applied Economics and MS and PhD programs in Agricultural Education and Leadership. We also support MS and PhD programs in Hospitality Management.
Director of Graduate Studies: Harvey James, PhD
Agricultural and Applied Economics Program
The graduate program emphasizes preparation for teaching, research, and extension work in academia, as well as for careers in agrifood business, government and international agriculture. The MS program is 30 credit hours and offers thesis and non-thesis track options, including an accelerated MS program for undergraduate students at the University of Missouri completing a degree in agribusiness or other Bachelor’s program. The PhD program usually requires about three years beyond the MS degree to complete. The size, quality and diversity of the faculty provide a broad choice of advisors and research topics. While students and their advisory committees have latitude in developing a plan of study, the following specialties are emphasized:
Environmental and Development Economics
In this area, students develop skills and knowledge to address some of society’s most pressing problems. There are many linkages among development and environmental and natural resource policy issues, both in developed and developing economies. The importance of these linkages is evidenced by the emphasis on sustainable development in policy circles. Because institutions affect environmental outcomes, risk, and economic development, comparing institutions across differing contexts can provide useful insights for policy. Behavioral economics is an emerging research area that can be applied productively to environmental and development issues. Students apply theory from economics and other social sciences, use rigorous analytical tools for translational research to analyze real-world problems and policies that can address them.
Managerial, Behavioral & Organizational Economics
This area provides a coherent area of study for preparing students for academic careers in applied economics, management, and related fields, as well as for careers in government and industry. The program is based upon a set of courses in microeconomic theory, neo-institutional economics, behavioral economics, and organizational economics. These core courses are augmented by courses in qualitative and quantitative methods and a cognate area that supports the student’s research.
Public Policy Analysis
This area seeks knowledge about how agricultural and food policy influence markets and, ultimately, human well-being. The program relies on a rigorous approach to agricultural economics that underpins applied analysis. This area is affiliated with widely recognized centers for agricultural economics, such as the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI), Agricultural Markets and Policy (AMAP), and the Rural and Farm Finance Center (RaFF).
Agricultural Education and Leadership Program
Agricultural Education and Extension (PhD)
The Agricultural Education and Extension program represents a coherent area of study for preparing students to be leaders in Agricultural and Extension Education. The doctoral program design is based on a selection of courses grounded in teaching, learning, cognition, leadership and educational theory. This selection of courses is complemented by courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as a concentration area supporting the use of evidence-based research centered on the student’s career goals. The concentration area is chosen through consultation with the major advisor and graduate committee input.
Agricultural Leadership, Communication and Education (MS)
The Agricultural Leadership, Communication and Education program fosters the knowledge and skills necessary for students to successfully navigate the complex issues and topics surrounding food and agriculture in our society. Core coursework includes content in leadership, communication, education, philosophy and research. Those courses are complemented by a concentration area that is tailored to the student’s career goals. If a student wishes to obtain Secondary Agricultural Teaching Certification in combination with the MS degree the additional requirements are listed within the specific concentration area.
Hospitality Management Program
Food and Hospitality Systems (MS, PhD)
The Hospitality Management (HM) program in Food and Hospitality Systems offers a coherent area of study for preparing students for academic careers in hospitality and tourism management, meetings and conference, restaurant management, and destination marketing; and for careers in government and the private sectors related to service operations management. The program provides flexible and highly individualized programs, with emphases available in consumer behavior and marketing, human resource management, organizational behavior, financial control and revenue management, sport venue management, information technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, and economics of sport. Studies in the HM relies on coursework and research with the major advisor and committee members.
Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificates and Minors
We offer graduate certificate programs that are open to all Mizzou graduate students.