Agricultural Economics - BS, Policy and Economic Analysis Option
The Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics, with an option in Policy and Economic Analysis is designed to assist in the development of economic theory and quantitative analysis skills that students can apply to analyze and communicate about agricultural policy and economic issues in Texas, the nation, and the world. The option equips students with analytical skills to understand the causes, nature, and effects of government participation in agriculture; and interrelationship of the American agriculture and agribusiness sector with the political and economic system, public administration, and interest group representation. A student’s educational experience is further enriched with supportive high impact opportunities such as participation in the Agriculture and Natural Resource Program (ANRP) Congressional Internship; Texas State Government Internships, Commodity groups and Lobby internship; Study Abroad and Independent research. With the aid of faculty and staff advisors, students in the Policy and Economic Analysis option design their plan of study reflecting their particular future goals by incorporating higher-level electives outside the department. Students interested in graduate education may focus on developing a strong background in the following areas: quantitative analysis, economic theory, and applied economics. Those interested in entering law school may focus on courses in law, political science, and technical writing. Furthermore, those students interested in careers in government and policy may focus on courses in policy, political science, and management.
Graduates are trained for a wide variety of careers in local, state, and federal governments, and also with commodity groups and lobby firms. The program prepares students to continue on to graduate school, or pursue the 5-year combined program (BS AGEC and MPS PSAA) with the Bush School of Government and Public Service. A good number of students have pursued this option and continued on to law school.
The BS in Agricultural Economics with a Policy and Economic Analysis option is also offered at the Texas A&M Higher Education Center in McAllen, Texas.