College of Agriculture, Food & Environment

Agricultural Economics

3

tracks

to customize your degree

$1T

of GDP

contributed by ag industries

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Wayne Centers

Director of Student Relations

College of Agriculture, Food & Environment

College of Agriculture, Food & Environment

N6 Agricultural Science Center

Program website

859-257-3469

  • BS
Other programs from the College of Agriculture, Food & Environment:
Consumer Economics & Family Financial Counseling
Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food Systems
Community & Leadership Development
Agriculture
Natural Resources & Environmental Science
Merchandising, Apparel & Textiles
Landscape Architecture
Human Nutrition
Hospitality Management & Tourism
Horticultural Sciences
Forestry
Food Science
Family Sciences
Equine Science & Management
Dietetics
Career & Technical Education
Animal Sciences
Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology

With a degree in Agricultural Economics, you'll be prepared for careers at the crossroads of agriculture, commerce, public policy and more.  Agricultural Economics enompasses marketing, management, leadership, problem-solving and more - all the skills needed for careers in agribusiness, food industries, international trade, credit/finance, farm management and more.  

Food, Fiber and Fuel is Big Business 

Agricultural Economics is much more than farm business. You’ll study the entire “farm-to-fork” food system, environmental and natural resource issues, local and international economic development, law, policy and more. To customize your degree, you’ll select one of these options:

  • Agribusiness Management and Food Marketing: for students interested in careers in marketing, sales, and management of farms or firms involved in food and agricultural products
  • Agricultural Economics: for students interested in careers in rural public policy analysis, rural economic development, natural resource and environmental economics, cooperative extension, or other individualized programs
  • Advanced Studies: for students who plan to pursue graduate study in law, business, public policy or other areas including agricultural economics and international affairs

​Like much of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, you’ll see that faculty and staff in Agricultural Economics are open and accessible.  With opportunities like education abroad, unique research projects, the Agribusiness Club, monthly corporate visits and more, you’ll find a program that’s committed to helping students push their potential.

 

Come See for Yourself 

To learn more about this program, campus life, and chat with an advisor, schedule a campus visit. Virtual visits may be necessary in some cases. 

 

In-State Tuition

Thanks to agreements through the Academic Common Market, students from the following states can enroll in the Agricultural Economics program at in-state tuition rates: 

  • Delaware

 

For me, Ag Econ really transformed my life. The faculty and staff are really personal and sincere and care about their students. I found my passion through Ag Econ by studying abroad due to the exposure of opportunities that became available to me.

Johannah

Alumni

Courses You Will Take

Access Major Map

source: myUK: GPS

Agribusiness Mgmnt & Food Marketing (BS) 122 - 127 hours
Freshman Year
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year
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»

Total Freshman Year Credit Hours : 31

Fall Semester
16 Credit Hours
UK Core - Comp. & Comm. I
3
GEN 100
3
GEN 100 - ISSUES IN AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENT

GEN 100

**UK Core - Community, Culture and Citizen**

3 credit hours

How do farmers in Kentucky impact families in California? How can the fashion industry curb the amount of plastic in our oceans? How does fast food affect sea life in the Gulf of Mexico? Whether we realize it or not, each of us has a relationship with agriculture, food and the environment. From race and gender, diet and lifestyles, tourism and evolving technologies, this course encourages you to recognize and think critically about the interconnected systems that affect all human life. By addressing these challenges, you will develop a greater appreciation for how you can positively impact our planet.

Prereq: This course is open to students enrolled in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment or those in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Residential College's Belle C. Gunn Living Learning Program. Freshman only in Fall semesters and transfer students only in Spring semesters.

MA 123
4
MA 123 - ELEMENTARY CALCULUS AND ITS APPLICATIONS

MA 123

**UK Core - Quantitative Foundations**

4 credit hours

An introduction to differential and integral calculus, with applications to business and the biological and physical sciences. Not open to students who have credit in MA 113 or MA 137. Note: Math placement test recommended. Prereq: Math ACT score of 26 or above, or Math SAT of 600 or above, or MA 109, or appropriate math placement score, or consent of department.

Prereq: Math ACT score of 26 or above, or Math SAT of 600 or above, or Math SAT2016 of 620 or above, or a grade of C or better in MA 109, or appropriate math placement score, or consent of department. Note: Math placement test recommended.

UK Core - Humanities
3
AEC 110
3
AEC 110 - CURRENT ISSUES IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

AEC 110

**UK Core - Social Sciences**

3 credit hours

An introduction to the field of agricultural economics and some of the basic tools and concepts of decision making. Concepts are illustrated in terms of selected current social and economic issues including the role of agriculture in both a national and international dimension. Students who have completed ECO 201 are not eligible to take AEC 110 without the consent of the instructor.

Spring Semester
15 Credit Hours
UK Core - Comp. & Comm. II
3
UK Core - Natural, Physical and Math
3
ECO 201
3
ECO 201 - PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS I

ECO 201

3 credit hours

The study of the allocation of scarce resources from the viewpoint of individual economic units. Topics include household and firm behavior, competitive pricing of goods and resources, and monopoly power.

UK Core - Global Dynamics
3
UK Core - Arts and Creativity
3

Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).

Total Sophomore Year Credit Hours : 31

Fall Semester
15 Credit Hours
ACC 201
3
ACC 201 - FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING I

ACC 201

3 credit hours

This course is designed to provide an introduction to financial accounting from the users' perspectives. Its primary purposes are to promote understanding of financial accounting information for decision making purposes and to focus on financial accounting's role in communicating business results.

Prereq: Successful completion of 27 semester credit hours or consent of the School of Accountancy Director.

ECO 202
3
ECO 202 - PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS II

ECO 202

3 credit hours

A study of how society’s needs are satisfied with the limited resources available. Topics include contemporary issues such as inflation, unemployment, economic growth, international dependencies, and how public policy deals with them. A critical understanding of the U.S. and global economies will enhance your value as a manager or executive of a business (whether for-profit or non-profit), as a family member dealing with jobs and financial decisions, and as a voter in a democracy. The course will allow you to become knowledgeable of, and able to critically think about, the major macroeconomic issues of unemployment, jobs, recessions, economic growth, inflation, deflation, oil prices, monetary policy, the Federal Reserve, fiscal policy, budget deficits, the national debt, international trade, international finance, and the financial system.

Prereq: ECO 201.

STA 296
3
STA 296 - STATISTICAL METHODS AND MOTIVATIONS

STA 296

**UK Core - Statistical Inferential Reason**

3 credit hours

Introduction to principles of statistics with emphasis on conceptual understanding. Students will articulate results of statistical description of sample data (including bivariate), application of probability distributions, confidence interval estimation and hypothesis testing to demonstrate properly contextualized analysis of real-world data.

Prereq: MA 113, MA 123, MA 137, or equivalent.

AEC 305
3
AEC 305 - FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL MARKETING PRINCIPLES

AEC 305

3 credit hours

Analysis of the market's role in determining prices and coordinating productive activities in the food and agricultural systems.

Prereq: "C" or better in ECO 201.

Elective
3
Spring Semester
16 Credit Hours
ACC 202
3
ACC 202 - MANAGERIAL USES OF ACCOUNTING INFORMATION

ACC 202

3 credit hours

An introduction to the use of accounting data within an organization to analyze and solve problems and to make planning and control decisions.

Prereq: ACC 201, or ACC 221, or consent of School of Accountancy Director.

AEC 302
4
AEC 302 - AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES

AEC 302

4 credit hours

A comprehensive study of economic principles and management tools useful in farm and agribusiness decision making. Utilizes a systems approach to the planning, implementation and control of the agricultural business. Specific attention to application of management and decision theory, economic principles used in decision making, and risk management strategies. Emphasis on planning the future course of the business, acquiring and managing the necessary resources, and establishing physical and financial control over the business. Lab incorporates microeconomic applications of management principles developed in lectures. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, two hours per week.

Prereq: "C" or better in ECO 201.

AEC 303
3
AEC 303 - MICROECONOMIC CONCEPTS IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

AEC 303

3 credit hours

Emphasis on the development of theoretical models of production and consumption economics and application of these models to problems. The importance of concepts of marginality to managers and consumers is emphasized. Role of risk and uncertainty in resource allocation is outlined.

Prereq: "C" or better in ECO 201 and "C" or better in MA 123 or MA 113.

MA 162
3
MA 162 - FINITE MATHEMATICS AND ITS APPLICATIONS

MA 162

3 credit hours

Finite mathematics with applications to business, biology, and the social sciences. Linear functions and inequalities, matrix algebra, linear programming, probability. Emphasis on setting up mathematical models from stated problems.

Prereq: MA 109 or equivalent.

Elective
3

Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).

Total Junior Year Credit Hours : 32

Fall Semester
16 Credit Hours
B&E 105
1
B&E 105 - TECHNOLOGY FOR BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

B&E 105

1 credit hours

This course prepares pre-major students in the Gatton College of Business & Economics to use business software at a high level of proficiency and focuses on Microsoft Excel and Access. Lectures will be supplemented with hands on experiences with business problems.

Prereq: ACC 201 and ECO 201, pre-major in the Gatton College of Business & Economics, or consent of instructor.

AEC 306
3
AEC 306 - TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION IN ECONOMICS

AEC 306

3 credit hours

This course examines how to create and distribute original economic ideas in written and oral forms using appropriate digital technologies. This course is a Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) course in certain programs, and hence is not likely to be eligible for automatic transfer credit to UK.

Prereq: ECO 201; CIS/WRD 110 and 111 or equivalent; 30 credit hours of coursework. AEC 305 is a co-requisite (recommended) or prerequisite. This course fully satisfies the University's graduation composition and communication requirement (GCCR) for AGEC majors. To receive GCCR credit, students must earn an average (weighted) of "C" or better on all GCCR assignments.

AEC Course
3
ECO 391
3
ECO 391 - ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS STATISTICS.

ECO 391

3 credit hours

Statistical ideas are part of the language of business. An understanding of statistics will enhance your value as a manager or executive. Many of the upper division courses in Accounting, Agriculture Economics, Economics, Finance, Management, Marketing, and Public Policy use and build upon the statistical techniques and analysis learned in ECO391. This course provides a survey of statistical techniques relevant to modern economics and business, with major emphasis on estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation, modeling, analysis of variance, regression, and forecasting.

Prereq: STA 296 or STA 381 or the equivalent.

Elective
3
Elective
3
Spring Semester
16 Credit Hours
AEC 301
1
AEC 301 - CAREER READINESS FOR AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

AEC 301

1 credit hours

This course examines post-graduate opportunities, expectations, and strategies in agricultural economics. Students will explore information relevant to writing resumes, completing job applications, and participating in job interviews.

Prereq: Standing in Agricultural Economics and a C or higher in ECO 201

AEC Course
3
AEC Course
3
MKT 300
3
MKT 300 - MARKETING MANAGEMENT

MKT 300

3 credit hours

The literature and problems in the retail distribution of consumers' goods, wholesale distribution of consumers' goods, industrial goods, sales organizations, sales promotion and advertising, and price policies.

Prereq: Sophomore standing or higher.

MGT 301
3
MGT 301 - BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

MGT 301

3 credit hours

A study of planning, organizing and controlling; an interdisciplinary approach; actual decision-making cases.

Prereq: Sophomore standing.

Elective
3

Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).

Total Junior Year Credit Hours : 13 - 18

Summer Semester
1 - 6 Credit Hours
AEC 399
1 - 6
AEC 399 - EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

AEC 399

*Students have the option of taking AEC 395 or AEC 396 to satisfy the Academic Enrichment Experience. AEC 395, AEC 396 or AEC 399 may be taken during the fall or spring semesters.

1 - 6 credit hours

A field or community-based experience in the application of economics to agricultural or rural problems. May be repeated; a maximum of six credits allowed. Pass-fail only. Credit not available for the Agricultural Economics Major Requirements.

Prereq: Nine hours in agricultural economics or economics, permission of instructor and department chairperson and completion of learning agreement prior to registration.

Fall Semester
12 Credit Hours
AEC Course
3
FIN 300
3
FIN 300 - CORPORATION FINANCE

FIN 300

3 credit hours

An introduction to the basic principles, concepts, and analytical tools in finance. Includes an examination of the sources and uses of funds, budgeting, present value concepts and their role in the investment financing and dividend decision of the corporate enterprise.

Prereq: ECO 201, ECO 202, ACC 201, ACC 202, MA 123 or MA 137, STA 296 or equivalent, or consent of department.

Elective
3
Elective
3

Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).

Total Senior Year Credit Hours : 15

Spring Semester
15 Credit Hours
AEC 422
3
AEC 422 - AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT

AEC 422

3 credit hours

Examines and analyzes decision-making tools and problem-solving techniques available to agribusiness managers. Provides learning experiences in addressing contemporary economic, marketing and management issues through case study analyses, selected readings and computerized business simulations.

Prereq: AEC 303, AEC 305, MGT 301, MKT 300, and either FIN 300 or AEC 441G

AN 300
3
AN 300 - INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS ANALYTICS

AN 300

3 credit hours

This course introduces Business Analytics and its application to business problems in functional domains including Operations, Marketing, Management, etc. Students learn contemporary tools, models, and methods for developing and deploying descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics approaches to solving such problems. This core course enables future in-depth knowledge of Business Analytics in advanced classes.

Prereq: (1) Completion of all college pre-major requirements and Admission to Upper Division in Business and Economics, or (2) consent of department.

Elective
3
Elective
3
Elective
3

Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).

Apply for Our Scholarships

In addition to automatic and competitive scholarships from the University of Kentucky, our students are also eligible for a variety of awards from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. With one of the largest college-based scholarship programs, we have awarded more than $3 million over the past four years. These awards are based on a variety of criteria such as hometown, major, career goals, high school extracurriculars, and more. 

For first-semester freshmen, the application deadline was January 31, 2021. The deadline for current students and transfer students has been extended to Monday, March 15 2021. For more information, click here.  

Living Learning Program

Named after UK's first female graduate, Belle C. Gunn, this first-year program is open to all University of Kentucky freshmen.  We seek students who, like Gunn, have passion and determination.  Through field trips, professional development workshops, and service programs, we apply student passions to global issues at the intersection of food, economics, and environment.  All students in this program will also enroll in connected courses, share study groups, and have an assigned peer mentor - all to help with the transition to college life. 

While all students will enjoy the same benefits, some events and projects will be geared toward students' preferences and career goals. Depending on interests, each student will join one of the following tracks: 

  • Food & Health 
  • Family & Community 
  • Nature & Landscapes 
  • Livestock & Equine 

All students participating in our living learning program will live in Woodland Glen IV, one of UK's newest residence halls.  To apply, select the "Belle C. Gunn First Year Program" while completing the housing application. For more information, visit our college website.

 

International Opportunities

Should you choose, you can gain international experience while earning credit towards your Ag Economics degree. We offer a variety of study, research, intern, and service abroad programs for all budgets and comfort levels. Some students have even earned grants and scholarships to fully fund their international experiences.

These programs are designed to broaden your mind and introduce you to unfamiliar ways of thinking and living. Ultimately, these experiences will make you a more competitive applicant in the global workforce. 

Pre-Med? Pre-Vet? Pre-Law?

Each year, many of our graduates attend professional schools in areas such as veterinary medicine, law, pharmacy, dentistry, and more. If you are interested in pursuing a similar path, we offer pre-professional advising services. 

Our pre-professional advisors will assist you with: 

  • Listing required courses for respective professional schools 
  • Scheduling pre-professional courses alongside your major requirements 
  • Suggesting supplemental coursework 
  • Connections to student organizations, volunteer work, shadowing experiences, etc.
  • Preparatory information for admission tests
  • Navigating the application process

Click here for more information.

Clubs & Organizations

Students can join organizations and clubs to learn outside the classroom, gain valuable work experience and develop their leadership skills. Many of our Agriculture Economics students are involved in:

AgriBusiness Club
Explore agribusiness and interact with industry professionals to improve understanding of business in agriculture

Academic Quiz Bowl Team
Test your agribusiness knowledge jeopardy style as you travel and compete nationally

Learn more about Clubs & Organizations in our college.

Imagine Your Future

Market Research Analysts

Market research analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$63,120

per year in 2018

Number of Jobs

681,900

in 2018

10 Year Job Outlook

139,200

new jobs (average)

Imagine Your Future

Lawyers

Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$120,910

per year in 2018

Number of Jobs

823,900

in 2018

10 Year Job Outlook

50,100

new jobs (average)

Imagine Your Future

Loan Officers

Loan officers evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of loan applications for people and businesses.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$63,040

per year in 2018

Number of Jobs

316,200

in 2018

10 Year Job Outlook

24,300

new jobs (average)

Contact

Wayne Centers

Director of Student Relations

College of Agriculture, Food & Environment

College of Agriculture, Food & Environment

N6 Agricultural Science Center

859-257-3469

Other programs from the College of Agriculture, Food & Environment:
Consumer Economics & Family Financial Counseling
Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food Systems
Community & Leadership Development
Agriculture
Natural Resources & Environmental Science
Merchandising, Apparel & Textiles
Landscape Architecture
Human Nutrition
Hospitality Management & Tourism
Horticultural Sciences
Forestry
Food Science
Family Sciences
Equine Science & Management
Dietetics
Career & Technical Education
Animal Sciences
Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology

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