Applied Economics

USU has the only agricultural economics degree in the state. This major helps students develop quantitative skills and a deeper understanding of economic theory and how it specifically pertains to agriculture. Agricultural economists analyze production, distribution, and consumption of farming goods. They help farmers maximize their gains and minimize their losses.

The coursework for the agricultural economics degree consists of economic theory and research making it an excellent preparation for graduate studies in economics, agricultural economics, natural resources, business, or law.

With a relatively small faculty, and a low student-to-teacher ratio, students are guaranteed individualized attention. Most of the faculty members in the College of Agriculture have national and international experience that helps them bring a global perspective to the class. Students have the opportunity to do research in labs and in the field.

Emphases:

• Economic Theory: This emphasis prepares students to work directly after graduation or to pursue graduate study in economics, agricultural economics, quantitative economic analysis, or other related research degrees. Students with this emphasis often become economists involved with policy analysis for governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations.
• Managerial Economics: This emphasis is for students planning for careers in business; it is useful for students planning to enter the job market upon graduation or as excellent preparation for students who intend to pursue a master of business administration (MBA) or master of public administration (MPA).
• Prelaw Economics: This emphasis is for students who plan to attend law school or pursue a career related to political science. The large number of elective credits included in this emphasis area provides enough flexibility for students to custom design their program of study to meet individual interests and educational goals. Several students have taken advantage of this flexibility to design a dual major in political science.

Bachelor Degree Minimum Requirements

Admission to USU is test optional for Spring 2022, Summer 2022, and Fall 2022. ACT/SAT test scores will still be considered if submitted.

• 2.8-4.0 GPA - Admitted in Good Standing
  • Students with less than a 2.8 high school GPA may still be admitted in good standing based upon the combination of their GPA and ACT/SAT score. See if you qualify.
• 2.79 GPA & below - Considered for Earned Admission path.

Associate Degree Minimum Requirements

Most USU Eastern and USU Blanding Associates Degrees and Certificates are open enrollment and do not require a minimum high school GPA or ACT/SAT score.

Recommended High School Prep Work

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of Math (One class beyond math 3)
• 3.5 years of Social Science
• 3 years of Lab-Based Science (one each: biology, chemistry, and physics)
• 2 years of a world language (same language, taken progressively during grades 9-12)

Students who graduate in agricultural economics typically continue on to graduate school in economics, MBA programs, or law school. They may also pursue the following career options:

• Commercial bank operations
• Commodities trader
• Food marketing and sales
• Agricultural input marketing and sales
• Insurance sales and adjusting
• Loan officer
• Agribusiness manager
• Farm and ranch management
• Stock and commodity brokerage
• Real estate appraisal
• Banking

Career Services provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.