The Agricultural Economics minor equips students with economic and business skills for the agricultural sector, enhancing career opportunities by providing analytical tools, market insight, and decision-making skills essential for roles in agribusiness, policy, and resource management.
Earning a minor in Agricultural Economics equips students with essential business and economic skills tailored to the agricultural sector. The minor complements majors such as Agricultural Education and Advocacy, Animal Sciences, Community and Leadership Development, Equine Science and Management, Horticultural Science, Natural Resources and Environmental Science, and Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food Systems. With courses in management, marketing, and policy, students gain insight into the economic forces that shape food systems. The flexible structure allows for customization.
To complete the Agricultural Economics minor, students must successfully complete at least 15 credit hours. All students must complete the preprofessional course, ECO 201, with a grade of "C" or better; two selected courses with a grade of "C" or better, from AEC 302, AEC 303, AEC 305, or AEC 306; and nine additional elective credits. Elective credits must be selected from any AEC prefix course at the 300-level or greater, excluding AEC 301 and AEC 399, and including no more than one of the following: AEC 324, AEC 325, or AEC 326.
Students must complete ECO 201 Principles of Economics I with a grade of "C" or better.
A comprehensive study of economic principles and management tools useful in farm and agribusiness decision making. Utilizes a system approach to the planning, implementation and control of the agricultural business. Specific attention to the application of management and decision theory, economic principles used in decision making, and risk management strategies. Emphasis on planning the future course of 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. (4 credits) Prerequisite: "C" or better in ECO 201
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. (3 credits) Prerequisite: "C" or better in ECO 201 and either MA 123 or MA 113
Analysis of the market's role in determining prices and coordinating productive activities in the food and agricultural systems. (3 credits) Prerequisite: "C" or better in ECO 201.
This course examines how to create and distribute original economic ideas in written and oral forms using appropriate digital technologies. This course is a Graduate Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) course in certain programs and hence not likely to be eligible for automatic transfer credit to UK. (3 credits) Prerequisites: ECO 201; CIS/WRD 110 and 111 or equivalent; 30 credit hours of coursework; AEC 305 (pre- or co-requisite)
Students must complete nine credits of additional electives from any AEC prefix course at the 300-level or greater, excluding AEC 301 and AEC 399, and including no more than one of the following: AEC 324, AEC 325, or AEC 326.
Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment
