
Overview
We are currently recruiting six students for MS degrees at the University of Tennessee with a starting date of Fall semester (August) 2023. Students can be enrolled in either Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC) or Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications (ALEC). While students will complete their graduate program of study, all six students will complete a core of classes on international trade and development, as well as a study abroad to Southeast Asia, as a cohort. Funding will be provided to cover graduate assistantships that include competitive stipend, tuition, and insurance for students selected into the program.
Program Details
This graduate training program will develop Fellows’ analytical and leadership skills through course instruction, a Special International Study, international research, and professional development opportunities. This fellowship program will establish a new concentration in international agricultural trade and development. This program will address employment shortfalls in agricultural economics and agricultural leadership, and will also expand and diversify the pool of qualified candidates for these careers by recruiting Fellows from under-served groups and Minority Serving Institutions. Throughout this program, Fellows will be challenged to engage in broader thinking to address the complex problems facing international agriculture, supporting the global initiatives of USDA and other federal agencies.
Funding Agency
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) provides guidance and funding for programs that advance agriculture-related sciences. NIFA works to guarantee the long-term viability of agriculture by supporting initiatives like the National Needs Fellowship in International Trade and Development.

Apply Now
- Complete an application to the UT Graduate School for a Fall 2023 start. Then, complete either option A or option B:
- Option A: For applicants to the MS program in ALEC, review and complete the necessary steps for application to ALEC as outlined on page five of the graduate student handbook.
- Option B: For applications to the MS program in AREC, review and complete the application checklist as outlined on the AREC website.
- Submit a cover letter explaining your interest in being selected as an NNF Fellow, along with your resume to Dr. Andrew Muhammad (Ag Econ) and Dr. Tom Gill (Ag Leadership). Please also state in your letter which degree program you are applying for (Ag Econ or Ag Leadership).
Note on eligibility: Fellows must be citizens or nationals of the United States of America as determined in accordance with Federal law.