Majors at the University of Connecticut
Agriculture and Resource Economics
The mission of the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Connecticut is to conduct and communicate the highest quality economic research to improve the viability of the food and fiber sector and protect and enhance the environment in the state, the nation, and the world. To accomplish its mission the Department has concentrated its efforts in three areas:
- Food Marketing – encompassing the study of domestic and international markets for food and fiber for the purpose of increasing the variety, quality, and availability of such products and of improving the structure and efficiency of markets. The federally funded Food Marketing Policy Center is the coordinating group in this area;
- Environmental and Resource Economics – including the study of land, water, coastal resources, fisheries and aquaculture management and policy issues as well as environmental economic concerns and policies. Part of these activities are coordinated through the federally funded Connecticut Sea Grant Program; and
- International Agricultural Development and Trade – including the study of international trade policies, foreign market development, and the role of food safety, health, and agriculture in international economic development.
The Agricultural and Resource Economics major places a high priority on flexibility and individualized attention. In addition to meeting the general education requirements of the University and the College, students may specialize in areas of concentration including Marketing and Business Management, Environmental Economics and Policy and International Development.
Academic Department
Nature of Work
Agricultural and Resource Economics conducts research to understand and improve government policy, market performance, environmental quality, the efficiency of natural resource use, and economic welfare. Production, distribution, and consumption of food, fiber, and energy in both well-developed and less-developed countries are studied with emphasis on the development and application of rigorous economic theory and quantitative methods.
Sample Job Titles
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Commodity Trader
- Agribusiness Loan Officer
- Land Conservancy Director
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- Legislative Assistant
- Resource Management Specialist
- Public Relations or Marketing Manager
- Financial Manager or Analyst
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Potential Employers
Recent Agricultural and Resource Economics graduates hold leadership positions at institutions such as Merrill Lynch, the Connecticut Farm Bureau, and Traveler’s Insurance Company. Some graduates may pursue further academic training such as graduate school or law school.
Useful Skills
Agricultural and Resource Economics majors face a challenging yet interesting coursework with major emphasis on research, community outreach and seminars by prominent researchers working in fields within and related to Agricultural and Resource Economics. The major places great emphasize on practical knowledge and analytical techniques for problem solving in the food and fiber industry, public policy, agricultural education and the environment. By combining economics with computer tools and quantitative analysis along with practical subject matter, the Agricultural and Resource Economics major develops skills that are valuable to work in any career field of interest.
Getting Experience
It is important for everyone (no matter what his/her major) to gain career related experience. Participating in volunteer work; finding an internship or a cooperative education experience; a work study or student labor position on campus; or a shadowing program will help students gain valuable experience which will make students marketable to potential employers. Such experience also introduces students to a possible career or industry by connecting classroom theory to “real world” experience. Some benefits of participating in an internship, cooperative education, or job shadowing experience include but are not limited to: creating a network of professional contacts mentors, and references; developing professional, transferable skills; establishing credibility with a potential full-time employer; and gaining an advantage over the competition. Please visit Career Services for assistance with finding opportunities to gain experience in your field of interest.
Employment Opportunities
There are a number of exciting and rewarding employment opportunities available to Agricultural and Resource Economics majors. Opportunities available to recent graduates include managerial and policy analyst positions in corporations, government, non profit organizations or operating their own businesses.
Internet Links
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