Undergraduate Studies in AERS

Agricultural economics is an applied branch of economics that deals with economic problems in agriculture, the food industry, rural communities, and natural resources. The agricultural economics undergraduate programs prepare students to address problems faced by farmers and ranchers, agricultural marketing firms (including food marketing), agricultural input suppliers, agricultural finance firms, natural resource managers (including environmental organizations and government agencies), and rural communities. The department offers the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics with majors in agribusiness and agricultural economics. Minors are also offered in Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics. Each of these emphasis areas are presented below:

B.S. in Agribusiness
Agribusiness is a broad topic that covers industries like agricultural input supply, production agriculture, grain handling, as well as food and fiber manufacturing and marketing. In short, it deals with the business of agriculture from fertilizers and other agricultural inputs to the consumer's plate. A major distinction between agribusiness and agricultural economics is the agribusiness major emphasizes topics like business law, marketing, and organizational behavior. Majors in agribusiness find jobs in a variety of professions, including banking, sales, marketing, management, and consulting.

B.S. in Agricultural Economics
The agricultural economics major prepares students for agribusiness or rural development opportunities that are more analytical and economic development focused, which often includes some graduate work in agricultural economics. This major's places a strong emphasis on mathematics and economic theory to prepare students for careers as professional economists for commercial agribusiness firms, government agencies, or educational institutions. Such careers often require additional graduate work.

Minor in Natural Resource Economics
A Natural Resource Economics Minor teaches students to weigh options and make important decisions concerning the protection, restoration, development, and use of our natural resources. Students in this minor have the opportunity to understand the interactions between human society and our natural environment.  This minor fits well with majors in all natural resource fields, including range management and environmental science.

 Minor in Agribusiness
An Agribusiness minor can open doors to careers that may be closed to applicants without some business background.  Examples include ranch manager, agricultural equipment sales and agricultural lending.  The minor fits well with majors in Animal Science, Ag Systems Management, Ag Education and other CALS majors.  Some of the 19 credits required for the minor are also required in various CALS majors.