Dissertation Topics of Agricultural Master’s Degree over the Past Seven Years Based on CiteSpace

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jnse.202617405

Author(s)

Wenwen Guo1, Jun Wang1, Mecao Zhuo2

Affiliation(s)

1Xizang Agricultural and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi, China 2Agricultural Technology Extension Station of Milin Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Milin, China

Abstract

A total of 378 papers were obtained an university’s master’s dissertations in the field of agriculture from 2019 to 2025 by CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and visually analyzed by CiteSpace software. It was found that most of the dissertations were based on such keywords as local highland barley, native pigs, yield and Shergyla Mountains. The three stages of the temporal evolution of research topics were “basic exploration – rapid expansion – frontier deepening”. The focus of “research hotspots” gradually moved towards the three aspects: molecular breeding, ecological restoration in typical areas, germplasm innovation. Interestingly, the emergence of the most explosive research theme in the field was that of highland barley. It can be seen that the dissertation topics have increasingly tended toward systematization, precision, and the exploration of new frontiers, which can be used as reference points for future research in related fields.

Keywords

CiteSpace; Bibliometrics; Knowledge Mapping; Dissertations

References

[1] Ming Jie, Xu Xue, Zhang Xuliang. Analysis of Master's Degree Thesis Topic Selection of Subject Teaching·Geography Based on CiteSpace. Journal of Zaozhuang University, 2025, 42(02): 45-54. [2] Lai Yun. Research on the Topics of Master’s Theses in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages by Korean Students in China: A Case Study of Beijing Language and Culture University. Journal of International Chinese Education, 2025(1): 211-231. [3] Feng Xiangqiang, Li Ying. Research on the Topics of Master’s Theses in Higher Education in National Normal Universities: A Sample of 663 Theses Collected by CNKI from 2011 to 2020. Journal of Chongqing Open University, 2022, 34(2): 3-13. [4] Chen Lu, Lin Meizhen, Zou Xuefeng. Analysis of Master’s Thesis Topics in Local Universities: A Case Study of Guangzhou University’s Geography Education Program. Education and Teaching Forum, 2016(39): 77-79. [5] Liu Xiaoguang, Bao Xia, Li Xun. Content Analysis of Postgraduate Students' Thesis Topics on Public Administration Discipline in Chinese Universities——Based on CNKI MS and Ph.D Thesis Database (2000-2013). Heilongjiang Researches on Higher Education, 2016(3): 38-41. [6] Li Jie. Research on Hotspots and Trends in Master’s Thesis Topics in Art Theory in China (2011–2023): A Visual Analysis Based on CiteSpace Knowledge Mapping. Art Education Research, 2024(20): 99-104. [7] Liu Zhenzhen. Characteristics and Development Trends of Master’s Thesis Topics in Educational Management in the Past Five Years: A Visual Analysis Based on CiteSpace. Talent and Wisdom, 2026(05): 147-150. [8] Li Bingbing, Wan Fanshu, Chen Jinlian, et al. Current Status and Trends in Master’s Thesis Topics in Biology Education in China: A Visual Analysis Based on CiteSpace. Western China Quality Education, 2025, 11(19): 40-44. [9] Luo Peiying, Zhou Xianfeng. Integrity and Innovation: Visual Analysis of Doctoral Dissertation Topic Selection in Ideological and Political Education Based on 1938 Doctoral Dissertations in the “CNKI Database”. Theory and Practice of Contemporary Education, 2025, 17(02): 131-138. [10] Lin Baodeng. Research Status and Frontier Evolution of Higher Education Evaluation in China over the Past Decade: A Visual Analysis Based on CiteSpace Knowledge Mapping. Journal of Southwest University for Nationalities (Humanities and Social Sciences Edition), 2022(5): 233-240. [11] Tao Dan, Liu Kewen. Research Status, Hotspots, and Trends of 5G Technology in News Communication: A Knowledge-Map Visualization Based on CiteSpace. Journal of Guizhou Normal University, 2026, 42(01): 55-66.