Academic Program Updates

Fall 2026 Undergraduate Program Updates

Awarded Undergraduate Degrees in 2025/26

Fall 2026 Expected Undergraduate Enrollment

Agricultural & Applied Economics — 221

Agribusiness — 254

Dual Degrees — 63

Total — 538

Fall 2026 Graduate Program Updates

• AAEC graduate students are attending and presenting papers at the Southern Agricultural Economics Association, Western Agricultural Economics Association, and Agricultural and Applied Economics Association meetings. This year, students have participated in larger numbers than in previous years, as highlighted below.
  • In February 2026, 17 students participated and presented papers and posters in the Southern Agricultural Economics Association meetings in Louisville. Two students also participated in the Job Market Paper Competition.
  • In June 2026, 4 students presented papers in the Western Agricultural Economics Association meetings in Flagstaff, AZ. One student participated in the Graduate Paper Competition.
  • In July 2026, the department was well represented at the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) Annual Meeting, held in Kansas City. Ten faculty members, seven graduate students, and a postdoctoral research associate participated in the conference, showcasing the department's excellence in research, student development, and professional leadership. Two AAEC faculty members earned national recognition during the meeting.
• As part of the preparation for the paper presentation at the professional conferences, the graduate committee members (Stephen Devadoss and Marup Hossain) and Khondoker Mottaleb have organized practice sessions for students to present papers.
• We have been initiating a departmental seminar series coordinated by Dr. Conrad Lyford. This seminar series will be implemented starting Fall 2026.
• This year, we have spent considerable time and effort to recruit high-quality students. The result of this effort is that we have 14 graduate students joining the department in Fall 2026. The incoming class of graduate students is very strong. The goal is to continue to recruit good students with strong quantitative and economic theory backgrounds.
• We nominated MS theses and PhD dissertations for SAEA, WAEA, and AAEA association awards. The department is actively submitting high-quality published research for outstanding paper awards.

Fall 2026 Master of Agribusiness Program Updates

A New Structure, a Broader Reach, and a Growing Alumni Network

The Master of Agribusiness (MAB) program offers a variety of courses designed to provide students with essential skills and knowledge in agribusiness management, nance, marketing, and policy. Coursework covers management, finance, marketing, and policy, with applied training in economic modeling, market analysis, and data-driven decision-making. Each student completes an advisor guided final project that culminates in a formal industry-focused report and departmental presentation-work tied directly to their sector or organization.

The program is built for students who aspire to build a career in agribusiness industry and for working professionals. Students carry full-time jobs while completing their degrees, and the curriculum reflects that reality. Graduates enter or advance within the agribusiness industry, and our alumni now span the globe.

Alumni Spotlight

Andrey Malyshev — Business Development Manager, Vetoquinol Global (Germany). Vetoquinol is a leading French veterinary pharmaceutical company developing medicines and care products for livestock and companion animals.

Evan Shannon — Relationship Manager, Capital Farm Credit (Texas)

Macie Goodson — Committee Clark, Texas Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs (Texas). Macie is one of our newly minted graduates, securing her a full-time position from her internship.

A New Format, a New Venture: Designed for Every Student

The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics established a strategic partnership with TTU Online, the MAB has transitioned to an 8-week session format. Each semester is organized into two consecutive 8-week sessions, such as Early Fall and Late Fall, with fully asynchronous delivery. Students progress at their own pace maintaining their work life balances and family commitments.

The structure caters to a wide spectrum of students. Working professionals benefit from the flexibility to study without taking a break from their careers. Someone who was compelled to make a hard choice, stepped away from college a decade ago finds a chance to walk the path again and complete the journey—short session timelines reduced the sustained commitments that once made returning impractical. Fresh graduates entering agribusiness for the first time are equally welcome; the program prepares them for the industry from the ground up, regardless of prior work experience.

Applicants with substantial industry backgrounds may also qualify for Prior Learning Assessment, which awards up to 6 credit hours, two courses in recognition of professional knowledge that align directly with the curriculum.

Admissions Update

The current admissions cycle reflects the interest this transition has generated: 35 students have been offered admission from 43 applications received. Dr. Kelly Lange (Program Director) and Dr. Abhipsita Das (Program Coordinator) are working closely with the TTU Online team as the program moves into full operation under its new structure.