Fields of Study
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 agricultural business — 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
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- 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:
- ANIM_SCI 101: Introductory Animal Science
- CHEM 101: Introduction to Chemistry
- CHEM 102: Chemistry Related to Life Sciences
- CROP_SCI/HORT 102: Cultivated Plants
- AFS 101: Introduction to Agricultural and Food Systems
Examples of courses that agriculture and food business economics majors can expect to take:
- ECONS 102: Fundamentals of Macroeconomics
- STAT 212: Intro to State Methods or MGTOP 215: Statistics
- MATH 202: Calculus for Business and Economics
- ECONS 351: Introduction to Food & Agricultural Markets
- ECONS 450: Advanced Farm and Ranch Management
- ECONS 452:Advanced Business Management Economics
A minor in business, agribusiness, economics, sustainable development, or natural resources is encouraged.
Graduation requirements
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
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A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs.
For all students at WSU
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.
To get all the financial help WSU can provide, start by doing these two things:
- Complete the University's general scholarship application so you can be eligible for scholarship consideration.
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so WSU can consider you for aid (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.) based on financial need.
Click here for more info about WSU scholarships and financial aid
For agriculture majors
The College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) annually awards more than $500,000 to students. For more information, see the CAHNRS scholarships page.
- 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.