Program Overview

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Agribusiness and Applied Economics Program

The Agribusiness and Applied Economics program at Ohio State University integrates business and economic principles to prepare graduates for careers in managing, marketing, and financing agribusiness firms. This major is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in domestic and international markets, as well as manage the appropriate use of natural resources.

Program Overview

• The program is offered as a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
• It is housed in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences on the Columbus campus.
• Students can declare a major in Agribusiness and Applied Economics at any time after admission to Ohio State.
• Each student is assigned an academic advisor and a faculty advisor to assist with career aspirations and goals.

Curriculum

The curriculum for Agribusiness and Applied Economics includes:

• A Generalist Track or an Industry Track with 36 to 43 semester credit hours of required and elective courses.

Required Classes

• Managerial Economics
• Managerial Records and Analysis
• Econometrics
• Quantitative Methods
• Principles of Food and Supply Chain
• Principles of Agribusiness Finance
• Principles of Agribusiness Management
• Principles of Agribusiness Marketing
• Economics of Public Policy Analysis
• Strategic Management

Elective Classes

• Agricultural Cooperatives
• Agribusiness Law
• International Commerce and the World Economy
• Commodity Futures and Options Markets
• Salesmanship in Agribusiness and Agriculture
• International Economic Development
• Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
• Farm Business Management
• Grain Merchandising
• Human Resource Management in Small Businesses
• A minor study area outside of the major is required, consisting of an additional 12 to 15 credit hours selected from over 180 university-wide options.
• Elective courses comprise the remaining hours needed to complete the 121 credit hours required for graduation.

Study Abroad and Internship Opportunities

• Students can participate in a study abroad program through the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in Brazil to earn credit that can count toward major electives.
• An internship worth two credit hours is required to graduate with a degree in Agribusiness and Applied Economics, aiming to challenge students to apply classroom skills in a real-world work environment.

Student Organizations

• The Agribusiness Club meets bi-monthly with guest speakers from various agribusinesses discussing internships and job opportunities.
• The Agribusiness Marketing Team participates in a national competition annually, developing a complete marketing strategy for a product and presenting it to a panel of judges.

Career Opportunities

More than 95% of graduates find employment within six months of graduating. The program prepares students for careers in:

Management

• Corporate/cooperative executive
• Farm manager/operator
• Regional sales manager
• Retail or wholesale manager
• Small business owner

Finance

• Financial analyst
• Futures broker
• Loan officer

Marketing and Sales

• Commodity merchandiser
• International trade specialist
• Sales representative

Resource Economics and Management

• Natural resource economist
• Natural resource manager

Public Service and Policy

• County 4-H or extension agent
• Local government
• Public policy analyst
• Political lobbyist

Salary Estimates

Beginning salaries for recent Agribusiness and Applied Economics graduates average $55,475, depending on skills, previous work experience, and other factors determined by employers.

Scholarships

Approximately $50,000 in department scholarships are awarded annually to Agribusiness and Applied Economics majors based on academic achievement, activities, leadership, and a personal interview.