Mar 28, 2024  
2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Agricultural Economics (B.S.): Quantitative, Specialty, and Farm Mangagement Options


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The agricultural economics program balances the theoretical and practical applications of agricultural economics to give students the best grasp on emerging issues facing professionals in food and agriculture today. Students earn a BS in agriculture with a major in agricultural economics.

The requirements for the first two years are virtually the same for all options in agricultural economics. Exceptions to those requirements are noted in the discussion of the farm management, specialty pre-law, specialty pre-vet, and natural resources quantitative option.

Bachelor’s degree requirements

Quantitative Option


This program allows students to pursue mathematics and statistics along with the agricultural economics curriculum. With these advanced quantitative skills students will be well prepared for MS and PhD studies in agricultural economics and will have excellent opportunities in future employment, especially as an economic analyst or consultant.

Social Sciences Elective


  • Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology, History, Geography, Women’s Studies or American Ethnic Studies

Humanities Elective


  • History, Music, Art, English (above 210), Philosophy, Theatre, Dance, Modern Language

Natural Sciences (8 credit hours)


  Select  a combination of 2 courses for a total of 8 credit hours

Specialty Option


By combining agricultural economics with another degree, minor, or pre-professional program, students can develop a program that fits their interests and career goals. Students have combined agricultural economics with political science, computer science, nutrition, journalism, grain science, accounting, and business.

General requirements


  • Communication elective Credits: (3)
    Select from: English (above 200), Communication studies (above 300) or a modern language

Social Sciences Elective


  • Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology, History, Geography, Women’s Studies or American Ethnic Studies

Humanities Elective


  • History, Music, Art, English (above 210), Philosophy, Theatre, Dance, Modern Language

Natural Sciences (8 credit hours)


  Select  a combination of 2 courses for a total of 8 credit hours

Agricultural Economics Restricted Electives (21credit hours)


(At least 6 credit hours numbered 598 or above)

Three of the possibilities requiring very careful coordination are:


Specialty in Pre-Veterinary Medicine


Designed to give an understanding of the roles a veterinarian plays—such as doctor, manager, and consultant—this specialty also prepares students with all the biological science requirements needed to apply to veterinary school.

Requirements for the first two years are much the same. Students take CHM 210-Chemistry I in place of CHM 110 General chemistry and CHM 111 General Chemistry Laboratory.

Additional requirements are below:

Specialty in Pre-Law


While law school admission committees have no preference for undergraduate major, law schools look for breadth and depth in the curriculum and value diversity such as found in the agricultural economics major. The Association of American Law Schools emphasizes the selection of rigorous course work to develop analytical and critical thinking skills, oral and written communications skills, and an understanding of our society’s institutions and values.

The pre-law specialty in agricultural economics, with coverage from the natural sciences to applied technology (in food and agriculture) to social sciences to the humanities, provides a wide breadth of educational exposure. It also provides a strong foundation for problem solving with good analytical skills. For example, the agricultural economics curriculum with its courses in mathematics, statistics, and economics is known for providing the opportunity to develop analytical skills.

The study of economics when combined with political science and philosophy gives students excellent exposure to understanding government and private institutions and to comprehending the value systems that guide the functioning of our society.

Students in the pre-law specialty are encouraged to select communication electives that will enhance their creative writing and speaking skills.

As an agricultural economics student in the pre-law specialty, you will be encouraged and expected to work closely with both your agricultural economics advisor and the university pre-law advisor. Our goal is to help you design your educational program to maximize your opportunities.

Specialty in Natural Resources


This secondary major focuses on environmental issues and agricultural economics. Courses in this 15-hour specialty option include resource management and conservation. Refer to the Secondary Majors section of this catalog.

Farm Management Option


Teaches how to apply agricultural economics to the management of the farm, ranch, or commercial feedlot.  This program includes course work in livestock and crop production, agricultural technology, and agricultural economics.

General requirements


  • Communication elective Credits: (3)
    Select from: English (above 200), Communication studies (above 300) or a modern language

Social Sciences Elective


  • Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology, History, Geography, Women’s Studies or American Ethnic Studies

Humanities Elective


  • History, Music, Art, English (above 210), Philosophy, Theatre, Dance, Modern Language

Natural Sciences (8 credit hours)


Select  a combination of 2 courses for a total of 8 credit hours

Unrestricted electives as needed to meet 127 credit hours


Total credit hours required for graduation (127)


Must satisfy K-State 8 general education requirements.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Students who first enroll in Summer 2011 or later must meet the requirements of the K-State 8 General Education Program.

Students who began their programs of study in earlier terms under the University General Education (UGE) program may complete their degrees with UGE requirements or may choose to move to the K-State 8. Students should check with their academic advisors to determine which choice would be better. To switch, students must consult with their academic advisors.

Students who are readmitted in Summer 2011 and later will be designated as meeting the K-State 8 by the Office of Admissions. Deans’ offices can make an exception for the readmitted student who has completed UGE or who would prefer to complete UGE requirements.

For additional information about the University General Education program, check the requirements specified by the College of Agriculture.

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