Agricultural Economics University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Overview

The Agricultural Economics programme at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln provides students with a robust foundation in economic principles applied specifically to the fields of agriculture, business, and government. This degree focuses on developing practical skills in evaluation, planning, and management for both public and private sectors.

Students can tailor their education by selecting from five distinct options: Applied Economics, Farm and Ranch Management, Public Policy, Quantitative Analysis, or a specialised Pre-Law track. Each pathway ensures that graduates are prepared for the specific demands of their chosen professional field.

The curriculum is designed to integrate diverse bodies of knowledge through a mandatory capstone experience.

Why Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a unique learning environment through the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances core scientific knowledge with advanced business and economic applications.

The institution maintains strong partnerships with community colleges through joint academic transfer programmes, facilitating a smooth transition for diverse learners. Facilities and teaching methods emphasise experiential learning, ensuring students gain hands-on experience before graduation.

Distinctive features include the 3-3 Law Program, which allows qualified students to begin legal studies early, potentially earning both a bachelor's and a Juris Doctor degree in just six years. This accelerated pathway highlights the university's commitment to professional development.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 30330 per year
• National fee: USD 30330 per year
• Local fee: USD 11100 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Science and Decision-Making for a Complex World
• Economics of Agriculture
• Quantitative Methods in Agribusiness
• Farm and Ranch Management
• Commodity Marketing
• Resource and Environmental Economics
• Agricultural and Natural Resource Policy Analysis
• Agricultural Finance
• Rural Property Appraisal
• International Food and Agricultural Trade
• World Food Economics
• Agricultural Development in Developing Countries
• Rural Community Economics
• Ethics in Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Water in Society
• Behavioral Economics
• Energy and the Environment
• Grain Merchandising
• Agribusiness Management
• Cooperatives

Careers with Agricultural Economics

Graduates from this programme pursue diverse roles across the global agricultural complex. Recent alumni have secured positions as grain merchandisers, chemical representatives, and agricultural real estate specialists at prominent organisations such as Cargill and Dow AgroSciences.

Other common career paths include roles as cattle analysts, district sales managers, and production supervisors. Many graduates also return to lead family-owned farming operations or continue their education in prestigious law and graduate schools across the country.

The programme prepares individuals for industries ranging from international trade and public policy to commodity marketing and financial lending. This versatility ensures that students are highly competitive in the evolving job market.