AREC Home
About the Department
Research & Publications
Extension
Academics

"I have found the Agricultural and Resource Economics Department to be an essential part of my success as a student. The College of Agriculture and the Department both have quality professors, advisors and staff that care for students and their professional success. I feel I have received a high quality education that will lead to a successful future for me within the agriculture industry."
--Class of 1994

"The Department has designed a program which will lead to a productive career. Emphasizing a broad-based curriculum, it has prepared me for careers in marketing, finance, and general business. This diversity is demanded in the ever-changing agriculture industry."
-- Class of 1995

"This Department has faculty that not only give quality education but also provide advice that is helpful in shaping my interests. This as well as the wide variety of courses offered in agricultural economics and related fields is providing me with the necessary launch pad for an advanced degree in Agricultural Economics and a career in Agricultural Management."
-- Class of 1995

"Coming to the University I feared being a number amidst a great many students. Instead, I know each of my professors which I have in the Department. This personal contact and caring has made me feel at home and served to increase my interest and dedication to my program of study."
--Class of 1995

Overview

The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics prepares students to assume responsible positions in the management of the world's natural and human resources. Private firms and government agencies seek employees with excellent problem-solving and communication skills. Students develop these skills through their studies in agribusiness management, finance, economic theory, natural resource economics, environmental regulation, quantitative techniques, and economic development, both domestic and international.

You do not need a farm or ranch background to major in agricultural and resource economics. In fact, most of our majors come from rural towns and large metropolitan areas. Our students are interested in managing the production of food and fiber, regulating the use of natural resources, starting their own businesses, marketing agricultural products, selling inputs to agricultural firms, and managing large agribusiness corporations. Our programs are flexible enough to meet the unique needs and interests of each student.

Careers
Training in agricultural and resource economics prepares the student for a wide range of professional opportunities, both within and outside the agricultural sector. Private sector employers include farms and ranches, companies selling agricultural chemicals and machinery, agricultural lenders, and agricultural marketing at all stages, including commodity trading and international trade. Public sector employment opportunities include positions in agricultural services, natural resource management, and economic development.

Many students use their knowledge and problem-solving expertise in nonagricultural careers such as real estate development and environmental management, since the skills acquired in the program can be applied to all business problems. Other graduates go on to graduate school in agricultural economics, law, public administration, and other business-related fields.

Faculty
The faculty of the Department are nationally recognized for their teaching, research, and extension activities. Teaching faculty have active research programs which ensure that undergraduate education keeps pace with advances in applied economic problem solving. Timely research results are integrated into undergraduate class presentations and discussions.

The Department considers undergraduate advising to be an important responsibility. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor and together they design a program of study. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisors on a regular basis. All faculty also have regularly scheduled office hours for students.

Agricultural Business Club
This student-managed club offers students an opportunity to broaden their educational experience beyond the classroom. Bi-monthly meetings feature speakers from agribusiness, governmental agencies, environmental groups and the university. A field trip is planned each semester as well. Each year, the Club sponsors the Arizona Agricultural Business Forum which brings over 100 leaders to Tucson to hear outstanding speakers on agricultural and natural resource issues.

Facilities
The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics is housed in the Economics Building near the center of campus. Most departmental classes are taught in the Economics Building. All Agricultural and Resource Economics students have access to the Department's microcomputer laboratory. This state-of-the-art facility allows the student to access the UANet, real time future's market quotations, and a full menu of application software. The lab is staffed by knowledgeable and helpful staff.

Scholarships and Internships
Students are eligible for general University scholarships and for College of Agriculture and Life Sciences scholarships. A number of the college's scholarships are available only to students majoring in agricultural and resource economics. Selected summer internships are available with state and federal agencies, agricultural chemical sales firms, banks, and other agribusinesses.

Return to AREC Undergraduate Program