Agricultural Economics

The Department of Agricultural Economics at Oklahoma State University offers programs of study leading to the BS, MS, MAg and PhD degrees in Agricultural Economics and the BS and MAg degree in Agribusiness. Agricultural economics and agribusiness curricula study the economic relationships among individuals, firms and service agencies in agriculture and between the agricultural sector and other sectors of the economy. The department’s courses emphasize the economic issues and concepts associated with producing, processing, marketing, and consuming agricultural goods and services and those used in the industry.

Undergraduate programs in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness combine instruction in technical agricultural sciences with education in the application of economic and business management principles and tools. The agricultural economist or agribusiness person draws upon the physical and social sciences to outline, understand and solve economic problems created by agriculture’s dynamic operating environment. Curricula in the Department of Agricultural Economics emphasize the decision-making and problem-solving skills used in the management of agricultural production and marketing firms.

Study in agricultural economics or agribusiness prepares students to excel in many challenging careers. Many graduates work to improve food production and processing throughout the world. Other graduates work with government policies that affect the food and fiber sector. Others assist rural communities to adjust and thrive in the rapidly changing world. Graduates also help protect and maintain natural resources and the environment for the greatest benefit of society. Many graduates choose career paths that lead them far from the farm; and others choose to return to family businesses.

Agricultural Economics

The Agricultural Economics BS degree trains students to analyze problems and make decisions using a solid framework of economic, business, mathematical and statistical principles. Students may tailor study to a wide variety of career interests. The Agricultural Economics degree plan emphasizes in quantitative studies including calculus and statistical methods. The degree prepares students for graduate study in agricultural economics or related fields or for a variety of employment opportunities at competitive salaries in private industry and government agencies that require more quantitative skills.

Agribusiness

The Agribusiness BS degree trains students to analyze problems and make decisions using a solid framework of economic and business principles. In addition, the agribusiness degree targets the skills needed for careers in agribusiness firms, including all areas of food and fiber production, processing and marketing. Students may choose from nine degree options:  Farm and Ranch Management, Crop and Soil Science, International, Pre-Law, Pre-Veterinary Business Management, Natural Resources, and Community and Regional Analysis, or a double major with Agricultural Communications or Accounting. Agribusiness students also may develop a minor area of study or other double major by selecting various course electives. Employment opportunities for agribusiness graduates are widely diverse, including jobs with farms, agricultural advisors, processing firms, wholesalers and retailers of food and fiber products, farm input supply firms, banks and other financial services firms, utilities and educational institutions.

Minor in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness

The minor helps students understand the basics of economics and business within the context of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Requirements of the minor include an introduction to Agricultural Economics or Microeconomics and Financial Accounting or Survey of Accounting plus 15 hours controlled electives of upper division Agricultural Economics courses.

Minor in Environmental Economics, Politics and Policy

This minor offered in cooperation with Political Science helps students understand economics, politics and policy issues related to environmental issues. Requirements of the minor include an introduction to Agricultural Economics or Microeconomics, a 3000-level environmental economics course, Environmental Economics and Resource Development and 12 hours controlled electives from related upper-division courses.

Minor in Agricultural Real Estate Appraisal

This minor helps students understand the basis of agricultural real estate appraisal. Requirements of the minor include financial and managerial accounting or survey of accounting and foundational accounting skills, statistics, quantitative methods in agricultural economics, farm and agribusiness management, agricultural finance and farm appraisal.