Agricultural & Applied Economics
A Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics prepares students to manage food companies, farms, ranches, banks, warehouses, insurance agencies, real estate agencies, and many other businesses. Graduates become leaders and decision-makers in organizations that supply agricultural inputs, provide financial and professional services, and process and distribute agricultural products to consumers.
An increasing number of our graduates pursue advanced studies in economics, agricultural economics, business administration, and law.
The degree program has 12 hours of free elective courses which allow students to easily build in a minor or receive maximum credit for courses taken at other institutions.
Future Agricultural Economists
Learn more about the Agricultural and Applied Economic program through student testimonials and program highlights.
Degree & Course Details
Internship-Based Learning
Through our internship programs, students gain meaningful, relevant experience in professional environments across businesses, firms, and public agencies.
Understanding Global Agriculture
As an integral part of the Agricultural and Applied Economics curriculum, the study abroad program creates a unique experience of studying economics and business management through traveling the world.
Industry Connections
The college has strong ties with industries, offering students access to internships, co-op programs, and job placement services for smooth transition to professional careers.
Key Courses
View Degree Courses in Catalog
AAEC 2305 - Fundamentals of Agricultural and Applied Economics
Fundamental economic principles and their application to problems and issues in the food, fiber, and natural resource sectors of the economy.
- View in Catalog
- Credit Hours: 3
AAEC 3315 - Agricultural Price Theory
Basic economic principles with applications to agricultural pricing problems and resource allocations.
- View in Catalog
- Credit Hours: 3
- Prerequisite(s): AAEC 2305 or ECO 2301 and MATH 1331.
AAEC 3316 - Applied Risk Analysis and Management
Familiarizes students with the concepts of risk and provides tools for applied analysis of risk and risk management, especially as related to biological production and markets.
- View in Catalog
- Credit Hours: 3
- Prerequisite(s): AGSC 2301 and AAEC 3315.
AAEC 4305 - Agricultural and Public Policy
Historical development and economic analysis of public programs and policies affecting the food and fiber sector and the environment.
- View in Catalog
- Credit Hours: 3
- Prerequisite(s): AAEC 3315.
Accelerated Programs
Texas Tech offers two accelerated pathways for agribusiness majors. Admission to one of these programs allows students to count 9 hours of graduate coursework to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics to Master of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics to Master of Agribusiness
Alumni Spotlight
Our Agricultural and Applied Economics graduates are making an impact across industries. Explore where our alumni are working and what they're building.
Tyllor Ledford
Tyllor LedfordB.S. Agricultural and Applied Economics (2023), M.S. Agricultural and Applied Economics (2024)
Assistant Regional Director for South & Southeast Asia, U.S. Wheat Associates
Tyllor Ledford
Kaden Hicks
Kaden HicksB.S. Agricultural and Applied Economics Degree
CFO/Licensed Commodity Broker, May or May Not Livestock
Kaden HicksCareer Paths and Salary Ranges
From finance to real estate to entrepreneurship, graduates from Agricultural and Applied Economics develop the knowledge and skill sets to succeed across industries.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Incoming students are considered for merit scholarships when they apply for admission. Admitted students can find additional external scholarship opportunities through Scholarship Universe.
All ScholarshipsDavis College Financial Resources
Davis College is proud to offer one of the largest scholarship programs at Texas Tech.
View Davis College Financial ResourcesAgricultural and Applied Economics Department Scholarships
Scholarships are also awarded on the departmental level based on academic performance and leadership.
View AAEC ScholarshipsFaculty and Advisors
Meet the faculty and staff you'll learn from. Explore their passions, research interests, publications, labs, and projects.
Faculty Directory Explore Research Labs
Krishna P. Paudel, Ph.D.
Krishna P. Paudel, Ph.D.Professor and Department Chair
Environmental and Resource Economics and International Development Economics
Luis Sandoval, Ph.D.
Luis Sandoval, Ph.D.Assistant Professor
Agricultural and Applied Economics
Melissa Villarreal
Melissa VillarrealUndergraduate Academic Advisor
Agricultural & Applied Economics
Student Spotlight
Meet a few of the students who have sat in the same seat you will. Explore their passions and interests, and learn about their future after Texas Tech.
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Cash Campbell
Agricultural and Applied Economics
Davis College Student Organizations
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Agriculture Economics Association
Texas Tech’s Agricultural Economics Association empowers undergraduates through professional networking and award-winning competitive teams, including Quiz Bowl and Spreadsheet contest. Members bridge the classroom and industry via signature events like the Bankers Agricultural Credit Conference and the annual Pig Roast, fostering leadership and career readiness within the Davis College community.
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Student Agricultural Council
The Student Agricultural Council supports all Davis College competitive teams, clubs, and organizations. They work to establish and maintain a working relationship between students, faculty, administration, and the Davis College community. The officers oversee Davis College events including Ag Fest, Winter Welcome, and banquets throughout the year.
Student Agricultural Council -
Agri-Techsans
Agri-Techsans are a select group of students who assist with recruiting for and promoting the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources and Texas Tech. They travel all over the nation to speak to prospective Red Raiders and families.
Agri-Techsans -
Ambassadors for Agriculture
Ambassadors for Agriculture members dedicate their time to advocate for agriculture in and out of the classroom, serve the community by volunteering at various locations, and educate youth with activities relating to agriculture, natural resources, and landscape design.
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MANRRS
MANRRS offers a welcoming community that brings together people from a wide range of experiences, all working toward a stronger future for students and professionals in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences.
Related Programs
International Agribusiness Minor
A minor in International Agribusiness combines business, economics and agriculture from a global perspective.
Learn about International Agribusiness MinorAgribusiness Management Minor
Offered by the Agricultural and Applied Economics Department for non-departmental students to provide training in economics and business with an agriculture perspective.
Learn about Agribusiness Management MinorExcellence in Agriculture Finance Certificate
This certificate equips students to address topics in agricultural lending, the agricultural economy, legal and regulatory issues, commodity outlook and other issues of interest to rural bankers and lenders.
Learn about Excellence in Agriculture Finance CertificateAgricultural Policy Advocacy Certificate
This certificate is 12-credit hours and prepares students for future careers in agricultural policy and law.
Learn about Agricultural Policy Advocacy CertificateExcellence in Banking Certificate
A certificate in Excellence in Banking through the Rawls College of Business prepares students for careers in commercial banking and lending.
Learn about Excellence in Banking CertificateReady to Take the Next Step?
Reach out to our team to learn more about the incredible opportunities at Texas Tech.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does advising look like in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics?
You are assigned an academic advisor and career advisor after you attend Red Raider Orientation to discuss coursework and career opportunities each semester.
Why is the college called Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources?
The Davis College is named after Dr. Gordon W. Davis and wife Joyce, whose $44 million gift is Texas Tech's largest donation.
How easy is it to change my major, minor, or concentration?
Very easy! We know interests and career decisions may change throughout your time as a student. Our faculty and advisors are here to support your next steps and guide you to success.
What is the mission of Davis College?
Davis College develops ethical global leaders solving grand challenges through teaching, research, and engagement, partnering to strengthen agriculture, natural resources, and quality of life in West Texas and beyond.
Where is the Davis College Learning Community located?
The learning community is in Murdough Hall, made up of only Davis College majors and has male and female wings. Take a virtual tour of Murdough Hall.
How can I enhance my experience at Texas Tech and get involved?
Students can join 40+ clubs, organizations, and competitive teams within Davis College, and explore opportunities through events like Ag Fest and Winter Welcome or by talking to their academic advisor.
Programs
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Address
Texas Tech University, 2500 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.2011 -
Email
webmaster@ttu.edu