Undergraduate Program
Agricultural Economics is much more than farm business. Our students study the entire "farm-to-fork" food system, environmental and natural resource issues, local and international economic development, law, policy, and more. They gain a deep understanding of how agricultural products are produced, processed, distributed, and consumed within the global food supply chain.
Through coursework in topics such as farming practices, resource management, marketing strategies, and policy analysis, students learn to analyze the economic factors that impact agricultural businesses and their profitability. By examining the relationship between supply and demand, pricing mechanisms, government subsidies, and trade agreements, students develop the skills needed to make informed decisions that promote sustainable food production and distribution practices. With this comprehensive knowledge base, our graduates are well-equipped for careers in agribusiness management, food industry consulting, market research analysis, and governmental policy development within the dynamic field of agricultural economics.
With expertise in analyzing market trends and understanding the complexities of the food supply chain, our alumni can play a crucial role in developing innovative solutions to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture. Whether working for a government agency, a non-profit organization, or a private company, individuals with a background in agricultural economics can make a significant impact on the future of food production and distribution. The ability to balance economic considerations with environmental and social concerns makes alumni valuable assets in shaping policies and practices that promote a more resilient and equitable food system.
Passion that PAYS off.
Our students chose Ag Econ to be the highest-earning and among the most employable graduates in agriculture. An agricultural economics degree is one of the most versatile degrees in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment here at UK. Our graduates are also some of the highest in demand for positions including agribusiness managers, ag sales, loan officers, ag policy, commodity brokers, etc. due to their well-rounded background in agribusiness, the ag supply chain, real-world experience, and global perspective they gain through internships, research, and education abroad. *Median salary per year, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
$63,380*
Loan Officers
$63,920*
Market Research Analysts
$127,990*
Lawyers
A Degree that Works for YOU.
Since agricultural economics covers such a broad range of the ag industry, our students are exposed to the whole system, from the farm to the fork. In addition, our students learn to analyze situations from a national and international perspective and create innovative and modern solutions to multifaceted issues.
While our students are exposed to the broad agricultural system, each student further specializes their degree plan through one of our three track options to customize their education to their career plan and goals.
Agribusiness Management and Food Marketing
For students interested in careers in marketing, sales, and management of farms or firms involved in food and agricultural products, our Agribusiness Management and Food Marketing track includes a minor in Business Administration built into the 4-year plan.
Agricultural Economics
For students interested in careers in rural public policy analysis, rural economic development, natural resource and environmental economics, cooperative extension, or other individualized programs, the Agricultural Economics track includes 15 credit hours of specialty support coursework in place of the Business Administration minor.
Advanced Studies
Students who plan to pursue graduate study in law, business, public policy, or other areas including agricultural economics and international affairs specialize their education to prepare for graduate programs.
Experience Makes All the Difference.
Experiential learning opportunities play a crucial role in preparing students for the real world by allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. By engaging in hands-on experiences, students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper understanding of their chosen field of study. These opportunities also enable students to improve their communication and teamwork skills as they collaborate with professionals and peers in real-world scenarios. Furthermore, experiential learning helps students build confidence in their abilities and gain valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses. Employers highly value candidates with hands-on experience, making experiential learning an essential component of academic programs aiming to produce competent and well-rounded graduates capable of thriving in today's competitive job market.
To prepare our students, all of our incoming students complete a structured internship, independent research, entrepreneurial activity, or education abroad experience before they graduate. This exposure to 'real-world' business has given our students an essential head-start in the workplace and an appreciation for the applied aspects of research for those who choose to continue their academic careers on to graduate school.
Students then share their experiences through our AEC Undergraduate Symposium and 3-Minute Presentations. At Symposium, each student presents their experience via posters and one-on-one discussions with faculty, staff, students, and mentors.
Internships
There is no better way to get hands-on experience while finalizing career goals. Many of our students explore their career options through several internships throughout their time here at UK. Not only does this give them an edge in the job market, it also solidifies their career decisions and helps them find their future career path.
Learn MoreIndependent Research
Our students have the opportunity to work with our faculty members on a research or independent study project. With mentorship and guidance, students will design their project, complete a learning plan and achieve their learning goals.
Learn MoreEducation Abroad
Think of education abroad as an investment in your future. Students who study abroad can become more culturally sensitive and self-confident. These skills help you build relationships, communicate and network professionally. By broadening your understanding of your discipline, you also open yourself up to more social mobility and new job markets.
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Making Opportunities Possible.
Our goal is to empower students to pursue their educational goals and broaden their horizons through meaningful international experiences. By investing in our students' intellectual curiosity and academic growth, we are committed to preparing them for successful careers and leadership roles in an increasingly globalized world.
Thanks to generous donors and supporters of our department, students are able to receive funding to pursue career-enhancing opportunities from the AEC Student Opportunity Fund and the Brannon International Fund.
AEC Student Opportunity Fund
Our commitment to our students extends beyond the classroom. Through generous alumni gifts, our AEC Student Opportunity Fund can aid students in the financial aspects of pursuing these career-enhancing opportunities.
Learn MoreBrannon International Fund
To further support international experiences, the Brannon International Fund can aid students in the pursuit of opportunities including education abroad programs, international conferences and competitions, and international internships.
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Find Your Family.
Our department is a tight-knit group of faculty, staff, and students. We encourage all of our students to find their home-away-from home, their family, their community here in our department, in our college, and on our campus. Within AEC, we have two undergraduate student organizations – the Agribusiness Club (ABC) and the AEC Academic Team – for students to connect with others in their major and build relationships that will last well beyond graduation.
Agribusiness Club (ABC)
The Agribusiness Club hosts regular meetings with local agribusiness managers, participates in an in-state trip to businesses such as Chaney’s Dairy and Preservation Distillery in the fall, and an out-of-state trip in the spring. The recent out-of-state trips have been to Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Learn MoreAEC Academic Team
Academic Team is a fast-paced, quiz bowl team competition in the same style as Jeopardy. Two teams compete on their knowledge of Ag Economics coursework. The competitions occur in different cities around the U.S. at two national conferences -- SAEA (Feb) and AAEA (July).
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Two Degrees in Less Time.
Set yourself apart in the job market, have broader career opportunities, and enjoy increased earning potential by completing your bachelor's and master's degrees at the same time through the University Scholars Program. Students have the opportunity to integrate their undergraduate and graduate studies into one continuous program, often completing both degrees in less time than that of a conventional program.
Don't wait, talk to your advisor in the fall of your third year to plan your courses.
University Scholars Program
Learn more about graduate degree options and the program's requirements.
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A Word from Our Alumni.
Josey Moore, '19
"As an undergrad, UK's Ag Econ program became a second home to me as an out-of-state student. I often reflect on my time at UK and specifically my time in the Ag Econ department and feel blessed that I had a hands-on department that saw the potential in each and every one of its students, going out of their way to ensure success beyond the classroom."
Martin Williams, '20
"I have Kenny Burdine to thank for showing me that what you do isn’t as important as how you make people feel. Dr. Burdine’s class was always so relevant, but he also reinforced the desire to learn the material by getting to know his students and giving us a reason to respect him and the material he was teaching."
Erica Rogers, '18
"I realized that valuable lessons are taught in the classroom, but experiential learning is a different machine -- there are some things you have to experience for yourself before you can fully understand them."
