Agribusiness Management and Applied Economics, BS
The curriculum is dynamic and adaptable, providing you with an in-depth understanding of business operations and economic development within the agricultural and natural resource industries. When you graduate, you’ll be well-prepared to manage small businesses and tackle complex environmental challenges in the agribusiness and natural resource sectors.
As an Agribusiness Management and Applied Economics student, you’ll work with an adviser to select an area of emphasis, Agribusiness Management or Natural Resource Economics, and electives that match your goals.
Your Degree Plan
Energy Resource Economics
ARE 187
The course poses dilemmas for developing and modern societies by rising energy demands amid concerns for the world's environment. The course focuses on the economics of fuel sources and technologies, and historical and new concerns over resource scarcities.
Agribusiness Sales and Management
ARE 380
This course is designed to provide students with essential spreadsheet and sales skills they can apply regardless of their chosen profession. The course will cover spreadsheet basics and students will apply that knowledge to problems related to agricultural and resource economics.
Agricultural and Natural Resources Law
ARE 382
Introduction to legal concepts, principles, and practices related to environmental, natural resource, and agricultural issues in the legal system in which statutes are enacted, administered, and enforced.
Marketing Agricultural Products
ARE 431
Organization, functions, and analysis of the agricultural marketing system. The key areas include food consumption, exports, price analysis, marketing costs, market power, commodities and futures market, food safety, and government regulations.
New Venture Creation
ARE 422
In this course, students will learn the process of starting a new venture. The student will gain an in-depth understanding of the framework and process by practicing the techniques on a startup of the student’s choice.
Futures Markets and Commodity Prices
ARE 440
Analysis of price-making forces that operate in the marketplace with an emphasis on major agricultural and mineral commodity and futures markets.
Agriculture, Environmental, and Resource Policy
ARE 450
Economic analysis of (a) agricultural, natural resource, and environmental policies; (b) problems of externalities and market failure; (c) alternative policies for addressing such problems; and (d) benefits and cost of alternative policies.
Foundations of Applied Geographic Information Systems
RESM 440
An introductory course designed to provide the necessary background and techniques to use GIS technology to analyze and solve spatial problems. An emphasis is placed on acquisition, management, and manipulation of spatial data.
Agribusiness Management
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Provides the necessary training for the application of economic theory and analysis to environmental and natural resource issues to prepare you for careers as analysts, in government, or to continue to graduate school.
3+3 Law Program
This major is eligible for the 3+3 Law Degree Program that allows qualified students to earn a bachelor’s degree and law degree in 6 years instead of 7 years.
Honors
Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.
The WVU Difference
What sets this program apart?
- Faculty have wide range of expertise and interests, including agribusiness management, agricultural and natural resources law, organic and local food marketing, entrepreneurship, and environmental economics and policy.
Coursework provides a broad-based education, preparing you for a diverse range of opportunities after graduation.
- Capstone course prepares you for the next step as you complete a senior thesis, semester abroad, or an internship.
- Strong partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service provides invaluable opportunities, such as networking and internships.
- Unique blend of career development courses, career fairs, and professional associations ensures you will graduate career-ready.
- Learn in farms and forests, our Research, Education, and Outreach Centers, located throughout West Virginia.
- Morgantown facilities include the 190-acre Agronomy Research, Education, and Outreach Center, 175-acre Organic Agriculture Research, Education, and Outreach Center, and the 408-acre Animal Science Research, Education, and Outreach Center.
- Turn business ideas into reality with guidance from the WVU Hayhurst LaunchLab.
- Small-school environment with all the resources of a large university. You’ll benefit from 1-on-1 faculty interactions and develop a close relationship with your faculty and peers.
Learn by Doing
Get involved outside the classroom.
From providing support to students accepted to competitive forums and conferences, to encouraging and supporting participation in student etiquette dinners and career development courses, the Agribusiness Management and Applied Economics program makes investing in student development a top priority.
The program’s coordination and collaboration with WVU Global Affairs also makes it easy to study abroad and still graduate on time.
- Alpha Gamma Rho
- Block and Bridle Club
- Sigma Alpha
- Society of Environmental Professionals
- WVU Collegiate 4-H Club
- WVU Collegiate Horsemen's Association
- WVU English Equestrian Club
- WVU Plant and Soil Science Club
- WVU Western Equestrian Team
View all of the student organizations you can join.
- Agribusiness Council
- American Agricultural Economics Association
- American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
- American Wind Energy Association
- Association of Energy Services Professionals
- Association of Environmental and Resource Economists
- Energy Management Association
- International Society of Sustainability Professionals
- National Agri-Marketing Association
- National Association of Energy Service Companies
- National Association for Environmental Management
- National Farmers Union
- North American Agricultural Marketing Officials
- Professional Association for Supply Chain Management
- The National Association of Environmental Professionals
- West Virginia Association of Geospatial Professionals
Careers and Outcomes
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
Natural Sciences Managers
Has a Bright Outlook
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $161,180
Possible Job Titles: Chemical Process Exploration Manager, Environmental Program Manager, Natural Sciences Manager, Research and Development Director (R and D Director)
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $66,780
Possible Job Titles: Outside Sales Representative, Sales Consultant, Sales Representative (Sales Rep), Salesman
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Median Salary: $87,980
Possible Job Titles: Aquaculture Director, Farm Manager, Greenhouse Manager, Ranch Manager
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
Median Salary: $66,700
Possible Job Titles: Apartment Manager, Community Manager, Property Manager, Resident Manager
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $136,550
Possible Job Titles: Compliance Director Global RA Manager (Global Regulatory Affairs Manager), RA Director (Regulatory Affairs Director), RA Manager (Regulatory Affairs Manager)
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Median Salary: $78,420
Possible Job Titles: Enforcement Officer, Environmental Inspector, Environmental Protection Specialist, Environmental Quality Analyst
Management Analysts
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $101,190
Possible Job Titles: Business Analyst, Business Consultant, Management Analyst, Management Consultant
Business Continuity Planners
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $81,270
Possible Job Titles: Business Continuity Administrator, Business Continuity Consultant, Business Continuity Coordinator, Business Continuity Analyst
Environmental Economists
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $115,440
Possible Job Titles: Environmental Economist, Natural Resource Economist, Research Economist, Resource Economist
Farm and Home Management Educators
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $58,120
Possible Job Titles: 4-H Youth Development Specialist, Extension Agent, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
Median Salary: $59,330
Possible Job Titles: Farm Supervisor, Harvesting Supervisor, Hatchery Manager, Logging Supervisor
FAQs
Common questions and answers about Agribusiness Management and Applied Economics.
The Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources offers a wide range of hands-on courses. There is ample opportunity to spend time outside on WVU farms in classes such as Poultry Production Lab (ANPR 367L), where you will learn about poultry production systems, related feed manufacturing and product processing practices, or Beef Production Lab (ANPR 341L), where you gain experience in beef cattle management, including feeding, handling, health programs, and farm visits.
The Davis College also offers plenty of opportunities to receive hands-on instruction during your coursework, from collecting and analyzing samples in Environmental Sampling and Analysis (ESWS 355), to learning to use drones to collect and analyze spatial data in natural resources applications in Drones in Resource Management (RESM 405L).
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Agribusiness Management and Applied Economics major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.
Tuition and Aid
How much does Agribusiness Management and Applied Economics at WVU cost? And how can you save?
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.
Ways to Save
Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.
Financial Aid
The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Agribusiness Management and Applied Economics, BS is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Ohio Tuition Reciprocity
As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Agribusiness Management and Applied Economics can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.
Start at Another WVU Campus
You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.
Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
Request Info
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