Careers in Agricultural Economics: Job Options and Requirements
Careers in agricultural economics span across many fields, all of which utilize the application of core concepts and principles of economics. Agricultural economics careers are also found in similar fields such as agribusiness or rural economics.
Job Options
In agricultural economics, economists apply theories and principles of economics to better understand and optimize agricultural markets. Those in agricultural economics address problems ranging from clean air and water to questions regarding how poverty can be alleviated. Relationships between supply and demand are examined using data, statistics and market trends.
Job opportunities in agricultural economics exist in many areas including agribusiness management, finance, policy, natural resource economics and economic development. Further options include:
- Real estate
- Commodities broker
- Farm manager
- Development
- Writing for magazines, trade journals and newspapers
- Public relations
Many agricultural economists will teach at the college and university level. Schools across the country not only have economic programs but more specifically programs in agricultural economics, applied economics, resource economics, rural sociology or agribusiness. Additional teaching opportunities exist at the secondary level as well as through organizations such as Future Farmers of America (FFA).
Requirements
All positions as economist will require at least a bachelor's degree. Some entry-level positions such as research assistant or sales can be obtained with only a bachelor's, but more advanced positions will require a graduate degree or a doctoral degree. Basic requirements for entry-level jobs with the Federal Government include three semester hours in statistics, accounting or calculus, in addition to at least 21 semester hours in economics (www.usajobs.gov).
FFA notes that agricultural economists also need a very strong grasp of production agricultural and marketing principles. A specialty are can be helpful in meeting specific job requirements, for example crop management or international development.
Those in agricultural economics fields also need strong mathematical, data, statistical and quantitative skills. The ability to pay attention to detail and conduct complex research is also required.
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8 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- All programs require applicants to have graduated high school in 2008 or earlier
- Must be 22 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
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- Master
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must have either two or more years of college or active military status if you are under 24 years of age
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Alabama (1 campus)
- Arkansas (2)
- Arizona (6)
- California (24)
- Colorado (3)
- Columbia (D.C.) (1)
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- Hawaii (2)
- Iowa (1)
- Idaho (1)
- Illinois (2)
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- Kentucky (1)
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- Massachusetts (1)
- Maryland (1)
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
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- Online Learning
- Georgia (1 campus)
- Texas (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Colorado (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Associate
Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Iowa (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Business
- Agribusiness Operations
- Agricultural Economics
- Farm and Ranch Management
- Agriculture Production
- Animal Science
- Food Sciences and Technologies
- Plant Science
- Soil Science
- Agricultural Business
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School locations:
- Texas (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Economics
- Animal Science
- Food Sciences and Technologies
- Horticulture
- Plant Science
- Soil Science
- Agricultural Business
