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Agricultural Economics (multiple concentrations)

Purdue University in West Lafayette

Agricultural Economics students are prepared to apply economic principles and use quantitative tools to analyze data which assists the agricultural sector in making better decisions.

These decisions involve a wide array of issues including price analysis, international development, international trade, environmental resources and agricultural policy.

Concentrations include:

  • Applied Agricultural Economics
  • Data Analytics
  • Policy and Pre-Law 
  • Quantitative Analysis

Student Spotlight: Cai Chen

Portrait of Cai Chen

Hometown: Elmont, NY
Class year: 2023

I grew up in Elmont, New York, which is in the suburbs of NYC on Long Island. So, needless to say, I wasn’t raised on a farm. My dad did grow tomatoes, cucumbers and other vegetables that we would eat and share with family and friends.  

My parents own a Hibachi restaurant, and so even as a teenager, I thought it would be cool to do what I later learned ag economists call “vertically integrate our supply chain” by starting a farm that produced different raw materials for the restaurant. The need for this became even clearer during the pandemic when my parents couldn’t always secure the quality of products our restaurant usually serves.  

I chose to come to Purdue because it is one of the top ag schools in the world. My first semester had tough moments, but my academic advisor provided great support, especially for someone like me who didn’t come from an agricultural background.  

One thing I always tell myself is that when one door closes, another door opens.  My freshman year I was denied a spot in a national organization, but then I was in the Stewart library and saw a flyer for the “Student Soybean Innovation Competition.”  It didn’t happen the first year, but in my second year as the finance/marketing lead on the team, we won the first-place prize of $20,000 by creating a soy-based bio-stimulant. 

I’ve been active with the Purdue Data Mine, where I have had the chance to network with companies such as Beck’s Hybrid and John Deere. I’ve also been involved with Ag Envoy, Boiler Success Team and Boilermaker Market Club and have gone to multiple conferences where I’ve networked with students from different colleges. I have interned and will be interning again with ADM as a grain merchandiser, and I’ve worked in a Food Science laboratory helping graduate students conduct research. 

As you can tell, there are so many opportunities at Purdue. So, I encourage you to go for it! By coming to Purdue, you’ll meet great people, learn more than you can imagine and have amazing opportunities! 

Plan of Study

Agricultural Economics: Applied Agricultural Economics Concentration, BS

Agricultural Economics: Quantitative Analysis Concentration, BS

 Agricultural Economics: Data Analytics Concentration, BS

 Agricultural Economics: Policy and Pre-Law Concentration, BS

Agricultural Economics (multiple concentrations) Webpage

Transfer to Agricultural Economics (multiple concentrations)

Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue's overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.

Minimum GPA: 2.5


Contact Information

Agricultural Economics
(765) 494-4201
agec1@purdue.edu

College of Agriculture
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Careers in Agricultural Economics (multiple concentrations)

  •   Consultant
  •   Data/Research/Pricing/Financial Analyst
  •   Economist, Supply Chain Manager, Account Manager
  •   Lawyer, Government Relations
  •   Risk Manager, Forecasting Analyst

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