The Agricultural Economics degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills to analyze market issues and trends and to develop innovative solutions to complex global food supply chain challenges. Students learn about farming practices, resource management, marketing strategies, policy analysis, and other economic factors that impact agricultural businesses and their profitability. Economic theory is applied to problems concerning the production, marketing, and distribution of agricultural and food products and also to public policy and natural resource and environmental issues facing rural communities.
Agricultural Economics students choose one of three track options (1) Agribusiness Management and Food Marketing, (2) Agricultural Economics, or (3) Advanced Studies in Agricultural Economics. Students completing the Agribusiness Management and Food Marketing option complete all the requirements for a minor in Business. The Agricultural Economics track option is ideal for students interested in completing a minor in areas such as plant science, animal science, sustainable agriculture, and community and leadership development. For students interested in a double major or graduate school, the Advances Studies track option may be ideal.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will be prepared for careers in food and agribusiness management, market analysis, and policy development across industry, academic, and non-profit sectors. Employment opportunities include agribusiness management, agricultural sales, commodity merchandising, law, market research, policy analysis, and supply chain management. Students will also be prepared to enter professional and graduate programs focused on business, economics, law, and policy.
Graduation Requirements
To earn the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics, students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours with at least a 2.0 grade-point average in either of the first two program options or at least a 3.4 grade-point average in the Advanced Studies option. Students must earn a minimum grade of C in each of the five agricultural economics courses required in the major. A minimum of 45 credit hours must be from upper division courses (300 level and above). Remedial courses may not be counted toward the total hours required for the degree.