Agricultural Economics

Agricultural economics combines the technical aspects of agriculture with the business aspects of management, marketing and finance. Students are prepared for a wide variety of exciting careers in the marketing of commodities sold and inputs purchased by agricultural producers; agricultural finance; and management of agribusinesses, farms and ranches. In addition, many graduates pursue successful careers in government service, economic development, commodity promotion and agricultural policy analysis.

The Program

The agricultural economics program emphasizes decision making, technical expertise and communication with a focus on agriculture and the food industry. Students are trained to be decision makers through course work and practical experience in agriculture, analytical and communication skills, team building, and local, national and international policies.

The agricultural economics program is flexible. Students may complement required courses with classes from within the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, as well as from other programs across campus. Students planning careers in production agriculture are encouraged to enroll in courses in crop and livestock sciences, agricultural systems or other production-oriented courses within the college. Students wanting careers in the food industry may select courses in food science and food safety, transportation or business. Students wishing to work in agricultural education, communication or extension can add courses in production agriculture, education or communication to their programs. Regardless of the students' selection of elective courses, the agricultural economics program contains a common core of classes introducing students to economic concepts, issues in farm management, agricultural finance, crop and livestock marketing, quantitative tools, and laws and policies important to agriculture.

The Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics also offers majors in agribusiness and in economics and offers a minor in agribusiness.

Faculty

The department, located in Morrill Hall, has 20 faculty involved in teaching, research and extension. Our faculty have received numerous prestigious teaching and research awards including the Burlington Northern Foundation Faculty Achievement Award; the Fargo Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Professorship Award; the Chancellor's Award for Academic Leadership; the Western Agricultural Economics Association's Outstanding Educator Award; the Premier Forecaster Award; the Eugene R. Dahl Excellence in Research Award, Senior Faculty; and the Teaching Award of Merit from the National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture. Faculty expertise varies across a wide range of specialties including agricultural marketing, production, natural resource management, economic development, trade, finance, cooperatives and agricultural law.

Career Opportunities

Agricultural economics graduates have become loan officers; managers of farm supply, county elevator and equipment firms; sales representatives with chemical, seed, feed and fertilizer companies; economists with state and federal agencies; and commodity merchandisers. About 30% of the graduates choose to return to farming and ranching. While many graduates remain in North Dakota or Minnesota, others begin careers throughout the nation and the world.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Several $500 scholarships are available to outstanding freshmen who enter the program fall semester. Contact area high schools or the department for an application form. Scholarships also are available for transfer students.

The department annually awards $50,000 in scholarships (ranging from $200 to $1,000) to agricultural economics and agribusiness majors. Contact the department for information and application forms.

The College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources awards additional scholarships each year. Contact the Office of the Dean, College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources, NDSU, for information and application forms.

Student loan, grant and work-study information is available from the NDSU Office of Student Financial Services.

Sample Curriculum

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic adviser or with the Office of Registration and Records.

Contact Information

Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics

North Dakota State University
Morrill Hall 217
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-7442
Fax: (701) 231-7400
Email: NDSUagribusiness.economics@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ext.nodak.edu/agecon

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
124 Ceres Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/prospective/students

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