PASSION THAT PAYS

The Agricultural Economics (AEC) program provides students with the knowledge and skills to analyze market issues and trends and to develop innovative solutions to complex global food supply chain challenges.

The profession of agricultural economics is more than farm business. Our students learn about farming practices, resource management, marketing strategies, policy analysis, and other economic factors that impact agricultural businesses and their profitability. Our undergraduate degree program provides students with the skills needed to promote sustainable food production and distribution practices.

You can choose from three track options: Agribusiness Management and Food Marketing, Agricultural Economics, or Advanced Studies. Students completing the Agribusiness Management and Food Marketing track option complete all the requirements for a minor in Business. The Agricultural Economics track option is ideal for students interested in completing a minor in areas such as plant science, animal science, sustainable agriculture, and community and leadership development. For students interested in a double major or graduate school, the Advanced Studies track option may be ideal.

Careers

The Agricultural Economics degree will prepare you for careers in agribusiness management, food industry consulting, market analysis, and policy development across industry, academia, government, and non-profit, such as:

  • Agribusiness manager
  • Agricultural sales agent
  • Commodity broker
  • Congressional staff
  • Lawyer
  • Loan officer
  • Lobbyist
  • Market research analyst
  • Policy analyst
  • Supply chain management

Accelerate Your Career Into Graduate School

For highly motivated students, the opportunity exists to integrate up to 12 credit hours of undergraduate and graduate coursework through the Accelerated Master’s Pathways or AMP program. Students will save time and money by receiving dual credit for select courses taken during their senior year of undergraduate studies. Those interested in pursuing this path to a graduate degree should consult with their academic advisor.

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The AEC Community

Our priority is student success. Comprised of students, faculty, and staff, the AEC community strives to help students reach their full potential. We work closely with students to help them identify the pathway that best fits their professional goals. Our faculty and staff play an active role in mentoring students. Whether by teaching in the classroom, serving as career and professional development mentors, or guiding research projects or internships, we connect with students one on one.

Whitney Peck with a presentation board
Zoey Ortega with a horse

Get Involved

Opportunities abound for students in the AEC program. Whether you are interested in undergraduate research, gaining hands-on experience through an internship, exploring agribusiness industries while developing your professional network through the Agribusiness Club, or joining the 3x National Championship Academic Team, the AEC program is sure to have an opportunity that meets your interests.

Experiential Learning

Hands-on learning is at the heart of what we do in AEC. Our program provides students with opportunities to practice what they learn in the classroom in real-world settings. Our students develop the essential employability skills needed to meet the needs of the global food supply chain.

AEC 110 Current Issues in Agricultural Economics

Students are introduced to agricultural economics and explore the role of agriculture in the national and international landscape.

AEC 302 Agricultural Management Principles

Students receive an overview of economic principles and management tools for farm and agribusiness decision making.

AEC 305 Food and Agriculture Marketing Principles

Students explore the role of the market in determining prices and coordinating productive activities in food and agriculture systems.

AEC 422 Agribusiness Management

Students evaluate agribusiness decision making tools and problem solving techniques through case studies and computerized simulations.

Living Learning Program

The Living Learning Program (LLP) supports student success by placing students with similar interests into smaller communities in particular residence halls.

Academic Enrichment

Our college believes in learning by doing. Our students are required to complete at least one type of experiential or hands-on learning opportunity, such as undergraduate research, an internship or an education abroad experience.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous alumni, donors and community partners, we have one of the largest scholarship programs at UK. Only one application is required for our college’s scholarships, but there are hundreds of potential awards.

Student Services

We’re here to help you grow personally, academically and professionally.

Ready to turn your passion into a career?

Explore endless opportunities at the University of Kentucky and take the first step toward your future.

Academic Advisor II
Beka Hott

Academic Coordinator
Amanda Mayo

Director of Undergraduate Studies
Jill Stowe, PhD