This fall the SAES has a new online graduate program in agricultural economics. A new master’s program allows students to earn a degree without ever attending a class on campus. The program offers concentrations in agribusiness and international trade or rural development policy. These offerings are excellent concentrations for adults interested in rural development or international trade, says Dr. Anthony Yeboah, chair of the department of agribusiness, agricultural economics and agricultural education. “Working professionals say they are interested in furthering their education, but need programs that are flexible and convenient,” says Yeboah. “That’s the kind of program we have created. This online master’s program allows a student the opportunity to get a degree that could lead to career advancement and/or higher salaries.”
Graduates with master’s degrees in agricultural economics get jobs involving producing and processing food, developing agricultural policy, helping rural communities preserve and develop their economic strengths, and protecting natural resources. An estimated 24,000 jobs will be opening in food, agriculture and natural resources in the next five years, according to the USDA, but there are only 20,000 graduates to fill those positions. “The opportunities and positions exist,” Yeboah says. “We just want to make sure that we are preparing the caliber of graduates needed to fill these positions.” For information on the master’s degree program in agricultural economics, call Yeboah at (336) 334-7943 or e-mail him.
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