Curricula in
Agricultural Business and Economics combine comprehensive business training with a broad background in both the social and natural sciences. Students may choose a general program of study, or select a career track that provides more specialized training in Agribusiness Management and Marketing, Farm Management, Natural Resources Management, or Community and Economic Development.
Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology
To fully grasp and tap into the diversity and complexity of today’s agriculture, graduates of Auburn’s Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology department receive extensive training in the fields of business, agricultural science and biology. They learn how these principles influence the agricultural industry. Graduates are prepared for various careers in agribusiness, the financial sector or other private or government organizations.
Quick facts
Emphasis is placed on applied training in business management, marketing and finance with considerable hands-on experiences. These experiences (inside and outside the classroom) lead to employment opportunities, not only in the agricultural sector but also in other non-agricultural businesses.
The evolving business structures that support the U.S. food system continue to be influenced by globalization and consolidation. Expertise needs will evolve and create a demand for graduates with excellent business skills, international understanding and leadership qualities. Graduates must deal with increasing market uncertainty, risk analysis, petroleum dependence, niche business opportunities and global food production and distribution systems.
Subjects studied
Students majoring in
Agricultural Business and Economics take a variety of courses to prepare them to enter the many careers available in the business and agricultural industries.
During their
first two years students take business courses such as Microeconomics, Financial Accounting, Macroeconomics, Managerial Accounting and Statistics, as well as other core courses that will provide the knowledge base necessary for the advanced
Agricultural Economics classes.
As students progress through their four years they will take Agricultural Finance, Agribusiness Marketing, Agricultural Law, Resource Economics, Agricultural Business Management, Agricultural Policies and Trade, Farm Management and Agricultural Prices.
Students interested in the natural resources may choose to learn more about resource scarcity and environmental and rural development issues that have become critical. Public institutions that steward and safeguard our natural and human resources are primary employers in these areas.
Careers
- Food Broker
- Banker
- Market Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Agricultural Statistician
- Farm and Land Appraiser
- Commodity Broker
- Sales Representative
- Resource Economist
- Ag. Policy Analyst
- Community Development Specialist
- Attorney
Employers
- Grain Companies
- Commercial Banking Institutions
- Cooperative Credit Institutions
- Food Manufacturers
- Commodity Brokers
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Federal, State and Local Agencies
- Federal, State and Local Governments
- Farm Supply Farms
- Investment Firms
- Private Business
- Farm Organizations
- Chemical Companies
- Insurance Companies
- Accounting Firms
- Marketing Services
