The Department of Agricultual Economics from University of Kentucky offers graduate studies at both the Master's level (M.S.) and the Doctoral level (Ph.D.). Students holding Bachelor's degrees are eligible to apply for admission to the Master's program. Students with a Master's degree are eligible to apply for admission to the Ph.D. program. Students may petition to enter the Ph.D. program after one year in the M.S. program.

Admission to the Ph.D. program is obtained upon recommendation of the graduate program committee and approval of the director of graduate studies. Ordinarily, students entering this program will have completed a Plan A Master's degree (thesis) program at UK or elsewhere. Students who are completing a Master's program in the department and desire to enter the doctoral program must file appropriate application materials with the director of graduate studies (DGS) and the graduate program committee to obtain approval for admission.