What is Agricultural Economics?
An Agricultural Economics degree program studies the production, distribution and consumption of the products of agriculture. Students in this program consider the global economy and look at how different societies use their resources to meet their (and others’) needs. Most programs also have a focus on environmental conservation.
Is Agricultural Economics a Good Major / Degree for Me?
Do you enjoy Social Studies classes? Do you follow the stock market? Are you a strong communicator? Do you like working with numbers? Are you passionate about the environment? Do you enjoy working with others? Do you enjoy critical thinking? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, then a degree in Agricultural Economics might be for you!
High School Classes Needed for an Agricultural Economics Degree in College:
- 4 English Credits
- At least 4 Math Credits
- At least 3 Lab Science Credits
- At least 3 Social Studies Credits
- At least 2 Foreign Language Credits
- As many computer classes as possible
- If your high school offers the following courses, take advantage!
- Economics
- AP Statistics
- Sociology
Common Agricultural Economics Courses in College:
- Accounting
- Agricultural Marketing
- Agriculture and Technology
- Agriculture Law
- Business Management
- Business Writing
- Environmental Issues
- Finance
- History of Agriculture
- International Studies
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Statistics
Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:
- Agricultural Business: a business degree with a focus on agriculture
- Business Management: the study of how to plan, organize, and control a company in order to earn a profit
- Economics: the study of the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services
- Environmental Studies: a course of study that explores environmental problems and ways to solve them
- Farm Management: a course of study that prepares students to manage farms
- Food Science: a course of study that explores the planting and harvesting, the raising and slaughtering, and the processing, packaging, and shipping of foods
- International Business: the study of business in the global community
- Statistics: the study of the collection, organization, and interpretation of numerical data
- Sustainable Agriculture: a branch of agriculture study that focuses on conserving and protecting natural resources while producing healthy food
Agricultural Economics Careers:
While this is a broad major, Agricultural Economics is probably not the major for someone who wants to own or work on a farm. It is, however, the degree for someone who wants to work in economics and has an interest in farming.
Many students who earn agricultural economics degrees go on to graduate school. Others go on to research careers, or to work for the government. Some become agricultural statisticians, natural resources managers, or financial analysts.