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Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources: School for Community and Economic Development

Agribusiness Management and Applied Economics, BS

This major opens the door to a range of career paths, from entrepreneurship and joining family-owned businesses, to being hired by far-reaching food or agribusiness firms.

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 advisor to select an area of emphasis — Agribusiness Management or Natural Resource Economics — and electives that match your goals.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Frequently Asked Questions Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Interns working in field

This major equips you with a comprehensive skill set, preparing you for a successful career in agriculture or environmental and natural resource economics.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Agribusiness Management

    Provides a background in accounting, marketing, sales, strategic management and new venture creation to prepare you for careers in agricultural and food-related businesses.

  • 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.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • 3+3 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 six years instead of seven years.

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • 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.
  • Opportunities to join livestock, poultry and soil judging teams.
  • Small-school environment with all the resources of a large university. You’ll benefit from one-on-one faculty interactions and develop a close relationship with your faculty and peers.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

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 for students to study abroad and still graduate on time.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $157,740

Possible job titles include: Environmental Program Manager, Natural Science Manager, Senior Investigator, Water Team Leader.

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Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical & Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of post-secondary education.

Median Salary: $99,710

Possible job titles include: Account Manager, Inside Sales Representative, Sales Manager, Sales Representative.

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Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

Median Salary: $83,770

Possible job titles include: Greenhouse Manager, Grower, Nursery Manager, Production Manager, Aquaculture Director.

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Property, Real Estate and Community Association Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $62,850

Possible job titles include: Apartment Manager, Commercial Property Services Coordinator, Property Manager, Resident Manager.

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Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Median Salary: $133,560

Possible job titles include: Clinical Trials Systems Administrator, Global Regulatory Affairs Manager, Regulatory Affairs Director, Regulatory Affairs Manager.

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Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $75,670

Possible job titles include: Enforcement Officer, Environmental Compliance Officer, Environmental Specialist, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Enforcement Officer (RCRA Enforcement Officer).

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Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $99,410

Possible job titles include: Business Analyst, Management Analyst, Management Consultant, Principal Consultant.

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Business Continuity Planners

Develop, maintain, or implement business continuity and disaster recovery strategies and solutions, including risk assessments, business impact analyses, strategy selection, and documentation of business continuity and disaster recovery procedures. Plan, conduct, and debrief regular mock-disaster exercises to test the adequacy of existing plans and strategies, updating procedures and plans regularly. Act as a coordinator for continuity efforts after a disruption event.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $79,590

Possible job titles include: Business Continuity Analyst, Business Continuity and Crisis Management Director, Business Continuity Coordinator, Business Continuity Manager.

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Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

Has a Bright Outlook , Is a Green Occupation , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $115,730

Possible job titles include: Environmental Economist, Natural Resource Economist, Principal Associate, Principal Research Economist.

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Farm and Home Management Advisors

Advise, instruct, and assist individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home economics activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to solve problems; and instruct and train in product development, sales, and the use of machinery and equipment to promote general welfare. Includes county agricultural agents, feed and farm management advisors, home economists, and extension service advisors.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $59,770

Possible job titles include: 4-H Youth Development Specialist, Agricultural Extension Educator, Extension Agent, Extension Educator.

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First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

Median Salary: $57,320

Possible job titles include: Farm Manager, Fish Hatchery Manager, Fish Hatchery Specialist, Hatchery Manager, Wildlife Manager, Pest Management Supervisor, Logging Supervisor.

Explore Career

FAQs

Common questions and answers about Agribusiness Management and Applied Economics.

  1. Agribusiness involves business aspects of agriculture, food production and related industries, while business administration covers general management principles applicable across all industries.

  2. This major empowers you to tailor your studies to your specific interests while encouraging you to explore a diverse range of fields that capture your curiosity.

  3. 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 WVU's 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.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Agribusiness Management and Applied Economics major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the 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.

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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.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

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