Agricultural economics | Agribusiness emphasis
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics
Overview
Related Topics
Plant roots in business
Companies that produce and distribute food and agricultural goods and services rely on business professionals to finance operations, lead production processes, manage operations and employees, develop marketing and sales strategies, and much more. Understanding agricultural economics, markets and supply chains helps these professionals make informed business decisions in a changing economy.
This program prepares you to fulfill that role. You will build practical business skills and explore topics in commodity trading, policy, marketing, finance, global markets, communication and other areas as they relate to the agriculture and food industry. You’ll learn how economic factors influence agricultural businesses and how organizations respond to changing markets, consumer demand and emerging trends.
Hands-on learning experiences include real-world projects for leading agriculture and food companies, internships and field trips to local agribusinesses. Through these experiences, you can apply what you learn while building connections with professionals across the agriculture industry.
In this program, you will build skills to lead production processes, manage operations and develop marketing and sales strategies. These skills can prepare you for careers in commodity marketing and trading, agricultural finance, supply chain management, sales, operations and agribusiness leadership. Our graduates work for companies like AgWest Farm Credit, CoBank, StoneX Group, Columbia Grain, Northwest Grain Growers and Lamb Weston.
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy both business and agriculture
- Work well as part of a team
- Have strong communication, decision-making and leadership skills
- Are involved in 4-H, FFA or other agriculture-related activities
- Are interested in business and agriculture issues in the news
- Want to understand how economics, finance and policy affect agriculture and food systems
Where markets meet the farm
Curriculum
The B.S.Ag.Econ. in agricultural economics, agribusiness emphasis is a 120-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.
View the sample four-year plan for this degree.
Explore program courses in the University Catalog
Learning outcomes
- Apply economic principles such as supply and demand to make financial projections
- Foundational skills in agribusiness operations
- How to use statistical tools and methods to evaluate businesses, manage risk and formulate profitable strategies
- Understand the impact of international trade and regulations on agricultural markets
Hands-on learning
- Assist a real-world client through capstone projects
- Observe the state policy-making process first-hand
- Participate in agricultural commodities trading with real money
- Gain experience through internships in government or the private sector
- Learn about global agriculture through study abroad opportunities
Career outcomes
Current job openings
3,291 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Agricultural Managers
$36,690 - Farm Product Buyers and Purchasing Agents
$78,679 - Postsecondary Agricultural Sciences Teachers
$87,482 - Farm and Home Management Educator
$66,575 - Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
$72,354
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Clubs
Get involved beyond the classroom and deepen your experience through student clubs and hands-on learning opportunities. You may choose to participate in:
- Agricultural Risk Management Club, aimed at helping students better prepare for careers in risk management
- Collegiate Young Farmers and Ranchers, a collegiate branch of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation that works to promote agricultural literacy around the state
- CALS Student Affairs Council (CALSAC), the unifying body of student organizations within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
While paying for college can feel overwhelming, University of Idaho is committed to affordability and clarity about tuition and financial aid. Here are a few key resources to help you understand the cost of your degree and explore available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Use U of I’s Cost Calculator to estimate tuition and other expenses associated with earning your degree.
- Discover scholarship opportunities: When you apply to University of Idaho, you’re automatically considered for scholarships. Additional awards are available based on your previous experience, background and anticipated program of study.
If you have any questions about financial aid, scholarships or cost, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors can help you make informed financial decisions and navigate each part of the process. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office for assistance.
Idaho LAUNCH
This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.
Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.
Recognized STEM Program
This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.
Application information
Undergraduate applications open each September, and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.
Have questions?
Not sure if this program is the right fit? Connect with your admissions counselor or request more information to get personalized guidance on program details, requirements and next steps.
Find your admissions counselor
Request more information
Connect with program faculty
Branching out
AERS student combines math, science and agriculture
U of I student explores risk management
Hadley Beechinor finds interest in commodity trading and risk management