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.
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.
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.
