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Agricultural Economics

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Agricultural Economics Department
200 Mumford Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: 573-882-6368
Fax: 573-882-3958
E-mail: agecon@missouri.edu
 
Major Curriculum*
Course Credit
First Semester
Introduction to Agribusiness Management 1
Applied Microeconomics 3
College Algebra 3
Political Science 3
Computing and Information Systems I 3
Animal Science 3
 
Second Semester
Survey of Global Agribusiness 1
Applied Macroeconomics 3
English Composition 3
Finite Mathematics 3
Plant Science 3
Humanities Elective 3
 
Third Semester
General Biology 3
Biology Laboratory 2
Intro to Mathematics of Ag Econ 3
Accounting I 3
Agricultural Marketing System 3
Agricultural Sales 3
 
Fourth Semester
Speech Communication 3
Statistics 3
Accounting II 3
Chemistry 3
Money and Banking 3
   
Summer: International studies recommended 3
 
Fifth Semester
Agricultural and Rural Economic Policy 3
Agricultural Prices 3
Biochemistry 3
Production Ag Elective 3
Humanities Elective 3
 
Sixth Semester
Commodity Marketing 3
International Ag Development 3
Communication Elective 3
Humanities Elective 3
Elective 3
   
Summer: Internship recommended 3
 
Seventh Semester
New Products Marketing 3
International Food Trade and Policy 3
Production Ag Elective 3
Other Electives 6
 
Eighth Semester
Senior Capstone 3
Other Electives 12
 
*Individual degree program may vary.
 
Minor Curriculum
  • Minors programs shall include a minimum of 18 hours of course credit in Agricultural Economics, including the principles courses (Ag Economics 1041 & 1042).
  • Of the 18 hours, a minimum of nine hours in Agricultural Economics at the 3000 level or above must be completed in residence at MU.
 

In the field or in the factory, agricultural economists apply business concepts and problem-solving skills to effectively and efficiently manage farm, environmental and commercial decisions.

Agricultural Economics

If you're interested in improving food production and processing, developing agricultural policy, helping rural communities preserve and develop their economic strengths or protecting our natural resources, then a career in agricultural economics is right for you.

Career Opportunities

A bachelor's of science degree in agricultural economics from the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) will provide you with all the skills you'll need to succeed in a wide variety of agricultural economics careers.

You can individualize your degree program to fit the career field that most interests you. The solid foundation of business skills and agriculture you'll acquire while earning your agricultural economics degree will prepare you for any number of careers, including:

  • Marketing agriculture products and services with a career as a grain merchandiser, sales representative, production manager or marketing consultant. You might find yourself promoting commodities for farm organizations, developing marketing programs for food companies or forecasting prices and demand.
  • Interpreting how agriculture policies affect various interest groups, such as environmental groups, government agencies, commodity organizations and the media. These policies include all aspects of agriculture, from water and soil use to technology adoption to international trade patterns.
  • Managing environmental resources in an economically and ecologically sound manner. With your degree, you might help communities develop and implement policies for environmental protection, advise food processors about ground water protection or lobby Congress for an environmental group.
  • Managing farms and ranches. To compete in today's market, farmers and ranchers need strong financial and business skills. With an agricultural economics degree, farmers can better analyze market conditions and prepare their businesses accordingly. Such skills also are beneficial in other finance careers, such as banking, estate planning and real estate appraising.

Research/Internship Opportunities

As an agricultural economics student, your chances to gain real-world field experience through research and internships are almost limitless.

Opportunities for internships exist with state and national agricultural commodity organizations such as the Missouri Soybean Association and the National Pork Producers Council; state and federal agencies such as the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and private companies such as John Deere and Monsanto. The hands-on training will help prepare you for your future career.

If you're interested in research, many faculty members hire undergraduate students to assist with their projects. You might assist with projects ranging from determining the total economic impact of an ethanol plant to determining the environmental impact of a confined animal feeding operation.

Get Involved on Campus

Want to have fun and develop your leadership skills and professional contacts at the same time? Then join one or more of the College’s student clubs and organizations. There are more than 30 to choose from, and each gives you the opportunity to apply what you’re learning in the classroom while making lifelong friends.

AgEcon Club
  • The Agricultural Economics Club promotes professional and social interactions between students and Agricultural Economics faculty. Most members are Agricultural Economics majors, but any undergraduate may join. The Club meets twice a month and has dues of $7 per semester or $10 per year. Some of our activities include guest speakers, social activities (bowling, BBQ, softball etc.), American Agriculture Economics Association annual meeting (this year in Long Beach, Calif.) and our annual Fall Trip (past trips have included Chicago, Moline, St. Louis etc.)

    Agricultural Economics Club
    200 Mumford Hall, 573-882-1738

  • The Mizzou Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapter is associated with the Missouri Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau. There are several purposes of the club, including: to acquaint students with the State Farm Bureau Organization, or allow students who have already been involved through their home towns to continue to stay active; to give students an opportunity to develop and strengthen their leadership skills through involvement in social and professional activities, along with options to run for chapter officer or take part on committees; to offer students a chance to become acquainted with other students who may have similar interests and goals; and to help students further their career goals, through support of political internships and/or exposure to other careers in agriculture. Anyone may join the Collegiate Farm Bureau simply by paying dues. Annual activities include Food Check Out Day, Farm Forum, Legislative Day, Resolutions Meeting, Washington, D.C., trip, Softball Game, Hayride, Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference and Missouri Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. To learn more, visit the Collegiate Farm Bureau Web site.

    Agricultural Economics Department
    200 Mumford, 573-882-6368

  • National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) allows students to become acquainted with the agricultural marketing profession through interaction with professional NAMA members. The MU NAMA chapter provides a wide variety of programs for its members, and each year members showcase their skills at the National Product Marketing competition where they develop a marketing concept from the ground up for a new or existing product. MU NAMA has been selected as national marketing champion several times.

    Agricultural Economics Department
    200 Mumford Hall, 573-882-6368

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