Agricultural Economics
Overview
Agricultural economics programs teach people how to apply economic principles to the production of crops and livestock.Agricultural economics programs include topics such as:
- Resource allocation
- Investment
- Trends in agriculture
- Economics
Depending on the program, students can major in economics with a concentration in agricultural business and management, or they can major in agriculture with a concentration in economics.
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in agricultural economics. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study in agriculture economics.
Several colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in agricultural economics. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Several universities offer graduate degrees in agricultural economics. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Agriculture, General
- Business Economics
- Economics
- Farm and Ranch Management
- Finance
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
- Economists
- Farm and Home Management Advisors
- Farmers and Farm Managers
- University and College Teachers
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents
- Financial Managers
- High School Teachers
- Marketing Managers
- Purchasing Managers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Agricultural Management
- Agriculture Science
- Algebra
- Biology
- Business Computer Applications
- Business Management
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Probability and Statistics
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Undergraduate degree in economics, finance, or business
- Personal statement
- Professional experience in agriculture or business
- Letters of recommendation
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Accounting
- Agricultural Science and Law
- Banking
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Finance
- Macro and Micro Economics
- Management
- Production Agriculture
- Sales, Marketing, and Price Analysis
- Statistics
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate study in agricultural economics typically includes:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master’s degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
For information about farm occupations, opportunities, and 4-H activities, contact your local county extension service office.
Agricultural economists usually have at least a master's degree. Many work as bankers or commodities traders.
Schools
East Side Area
Walla Walla Community College
- Agri-Business & Economics (OSU Transfer)
- Agriculture--Economic Emphasis
Washington State University - Pullman
- Agricultural and Food Systems--Agriculture and Food Business Economics
- Economic Sciences--Agricultural Economics