BS Agricultural Economics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Kansas State University

Program Overview

The BS Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University is designed for students who want a flexible program that combines economics, business, and agriculture while allowing them to tailor their studies toward a specific career interest. Students develop analytical, economic, and decision-making skills through coursework in agricultural economics, finance, marketing, policy, and quantitative analysis, preparing them for careers in agribusiness, government, consulting, or graduate study.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 : Students begin by building a strong foundation in economics, business, mathematics, and communication. Courses such as Principles of Agricultural Economics (AGEC 120), Microeconomics (ECON 110), and College Algebra (MATH 100) introduce economic decision-making, market principles, and the quantitative skills required for advanced agricultural economics studies.

Year 2 : During the second year, students strengthen their analytical and business knowledge through courses including Macroeconomics (ECON 120), Farm Management (AGEC 308), and Agricultural Marketing (AGEC 315). These subjects help students understand business operations, production decisions, agricultural markets, and economic performance across the food and agricultural sectors.

Year 3 : Students move into advanced economic analysis with courses such as Intermediate Microeconomics (ECON 520), Agricultural Finance (AGEC 520), and Agricultural Policy (AGEC 606). The Agricultural Economics allows students to select approved electives aligned with their career interests, giving them flexibility to deepen expertise in areas such as agribusiness, finance, data analysis, or policy.

Year 4 : In the final year, students integrate their knowledge through advanced agricultural economics coursework, specialty electives, and professional development opportunities. Courses including Agribusiness Strategic Management (AGEC 635), International Agricultural Trade (AGEC 610), and a professional seminar prepare graduates to solve complex agricultural business challenges using economic analysis and strategic decision-making.

Focus areas : Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Finance, Marketing, Farm Management, Agricultural Policy, International Trade, Quantitative Analysis, Risk Management, Business Strategy.

Learning outcomes : Apply economic theory to agricultural decision-making, analyze agribusiness and food markets, evaluate agricultural policies, interpret economic and financial data, develop business and marketing strategies, communicate economic findings effectively, solve complex agricultural business problems, and prepare for leadership roles in agriculture and agribusiness.

Professional alignment (accreditation) : The BS Agricultural Economics is offered through the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University, whose business-related programs operate within a regionally accredited institution. The curriculum is developed with input from agricultural industry partners to prepare graduates for professional careers and graduate education in agricultural economics and agribusiness.

Reputation (employability rankings) : Kansas State University is internationally recognized for excellence in agriculture and is consistently ranked among the leading agricultural universities in the United States. The College of Agriculture maintains strong industry partnerships, research excellence, and extensive employer connections that support excellent career opportunities for Agricultural Economics graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University provides students with extensive hands-on learning through applied coursework, industry engagement, research opportunities, and experiential education. Students gain practical analytical, business, and economic decision-making skills by working with faculty, agricultural businesses, producer organizations, and government agencies while utilizing modern economic software, data analysis tools, and university research resources. The program also encourages internships, undergraduate research, and participation in professional organizations to prepare students for careers in agribusiness, finance, policy, and agricultural consulting. Students enhance their academic learning through the following experiences:

Internships : Complete professional internships with agribusiness firms, agricultural finance institutions, commodity organizations, government agencies, cooperatives, and consulting companies to gain industry experience.
Capstone & Applied Projects : Participate in team-based problem-solving projects and case studies that analyze agricultural markets, agribusiness management, farm business performance, and policy issues.
Computer Applications : Develop analytical skills using spreadsheet modeling, statistical analysis, economic forecasting, and farm management decision-support software integrated into agricultural economics coursework.
Data Analytics : Apply quantitative methods and economic modeling using industry datasets for commodity markets, agricultural finance, production economics, and policy analysis.
Center for Risk Management Education and Research (CRMER) : Access research, outreach programs, and educational resources focused on agricultural risk management and commodity marketing.
Arthur Capper Cooperative Center : Engage with one of the nation's leading cooperative research centers, offering opportunities to study agricultural cooperatives, rural business development, and cooperative management.
Office of Farm and Ranch Transition : Learn about farm succession planning, agricultural business continuity, and rural entrepreneurship through outreach and educational initiatives.
Undergraduate Research : Work alongside faculty on research projects involving agricultural markets, international trade, environmental economics, production economics, and rural development.
Professional Student Organizations : Join organizations such as the Agricultural Economics/Agribusiness Club and Collegiate Farm Bureau to develop leadership, networking, and professional skills.
Library Resources : Utilize Kansas State University Libraries for access to agricultural economics databases, market reports, economic journals, government publications, and business research resources.
Seminars & Industry Networking : Attend guest lectures, employer presentations, professional conferences, and agricultural industry events featuring economists, policymakers, and business leaders.
Global & Extension Opportunities : Participate in study abroad programs and Kansas State Research and Extension activities that provide practical exposure to domestic and international agricultural systems.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BS Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University are prepared for careers that combine economics, business, and agriculture to solve challenges across food systems, agribusiness, finance, and policy. The program develops analytical, quantitative, and decision-making skills that are highly valued by employers in the agricultural sector. Graduates commonly pursue careers as Agricultural Economist, Agribusiness Manager, Commodity Market Analyst, and Farm Management Consultant:

Career and Employment Services : Students receive career support through the K-State Career Center, including career advising, résumé and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, career fairs, Handshake job listings, employer networking events, and internship assistance.
Employment Statistics and Salary Figures : Kansas State University reports that approximately 95% of graduates are employed, continuing their education, or engaged in other career pursuits within six months of graduation. Agricultural economics graduates are employed across agribusiness, finance, government, consulting, and agricultural marketing organizations.
University–Industry Partnerships : Students benefit from strong connections with agribusiness firms, agricultural cooperatives, commodity organizations, financial institutions, government agencies including the USDA, and alumni networks through internships, guest lectures, industry projects, and recruitment events organized by the Department of Agricultural Economics.
Long-term Accreditation Value : Kansas State University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensuring that the degree is nationally recognized and provides a strong foundation for professional careers, certifications, and graduate education.
Graduation Outcomes : Graduates possess expertise in agricultural markets, business management, economic analysis, finance, policy evaluation, and data-driven decision-making, enabling them to work in domestic and international agricultural industries or continue into advanced academic programs.

Further Academic Progression : Graduates may continue their education through master's and doctoral programs such as the Master of Agribusiness (MAB), MS in Agricultural Economics, MS in Economics, or related graduate degrees in agribusiness, finance, applied economics, business administration (MBA), public policy, or international agricultural development at Kansas State University or other leading institutions. These advanced qualifications can lead to careers in research, academia, government policy, agribusiness leadership, and agricultural consulting.