Agricultural and Food Business Economics
College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
- Offered as:
- Major
Overview
The agricultural and food business economics major gives you what you need to succeed in the changing field of food and agriculture — knowledge of economic systems and business practices, as well as a deep understanding of animal, plant, and food systems.
The program prepares not only aspiring growers of crops, but also students who are interested in related industries, such as global marketing, direct marketing, or food production.
[+] Strengths of the program
- WSU's faculty researchers rank in the top 5 nationally for agricultural research, and in the top 10 in nearly every plant science-related area.
- Choose from a rich selection of agriculture courses, science and general education classes, business and economics courses, and modern classrooms and laboratories.
- Learn and practice new agricultural technologies for the future.
- Interact personally with faculty--students are encouraged to participate in research programs with faculty scientists who are on the leading edge of their fields.
[+] Courses & requirements
Required/prerequisite courses for freshmen include:
- AS 101: Introductory Animal Science
- Chem 101: Introduction to Chemistry
- Chem 102: Chemistry Related to Life Sciences
- CropS/Hort 102: Cultivated Plants
- AFS 101: Introduction to Agricultural and Food Systems
- HD 205: Communication in Human Relations
Examples of courses that agriculture and food business economics majors can expect to take:
- Econ 102: Fundamental Macroeconomics
- Math 202: Calculus for Business
- EconS 351: Introduction to Food/Agricultural Markets
- EconS 450: Advanced Farm and Ranch Management
- EconS 452:Adcanced Business Management Economics
A business minor can be integrated with your major if courses are selected to fulfill the requirements of a specific minor in business.
Note: See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.
[+] Scholarships and financial aid
The College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences annually awards roughly $600,000 to students.
A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are also available to help students with educational costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.
Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application by January 31st to be eligible to receive scholarships. Filling out the general scholarship application guarantees a student’s eligibility to be considered for over 7,000 awards. Students should also be sure to fill out their FAFSA by February 15th to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and need-based financial aid.
For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.
[+] Careers
Graduates in this major are highly qualified to fill positions in a variety of areas, including:
- Food Systems Analyst
- Food Industry Manager
- Agricultural Production Manager
- Agricultural Economist
- Commodity Broker
- Loan Officer
- Agricultural Marketing Executive
- Natural Resource Protection Officer
- Public Policy Manager or Analyst
- Production & Marketing Consultant
- Non-Profit Executive
All of these career options — and more — are available in a variety of venues, including private industry, commercial farms and ranches, government agencies, production agriculture, and universities.