AREC Undergraduate Program
Our Mission
The Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics uses economics to understand the forces shaping everyday life, from the price of food and global markets to energy, climate, business, and public policy.
Students learn to work with data, weigh tradeoffs, and ask the right questions, building a strong analytical foundation they can apply across industries, adapt to new challenges, and use to make informed decisions throughout their careers.
Interested in Joining AREC?
Thinking about becoming an AREC or EREC major, switching your major, or just want to learn more? Get in touch and we’ll send you more information or help you schedule a meeting to talk through your options.
Request More InformationTwo Majors. Endless Possibilities.
The Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics now offers two undergraduate majors: Agricultural & Resource Economics (AREC) and Environmental & Resource Economics (EREC).
| Agricultural & Resource Economics (AREC) | Environmental & Resource Economics (EREC) |
| Both majors build a foundation in economics, data, policy, and quantitative analysis to understand how people, businesses, and governments make decisions, evaluate tradeoffs, and solve real-world problems. | |
| AREC students apply these tools to agriculture, food systems, business, markets, economic development, natural resources, and public policy. | EREC students apply these tools to environmental and natural resource challenges, including climate, energy, conservation, sustainability, and environmental policy. |
| Students explore questions like: Why are food and grocery prices changing, and who is affected most? | Students explore questions like: What policies can actually reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and at what cost? |
| How do tariffs, trade, and global events affect farmers, businesses, and consumers? | How should communities balance growing energy demand with climate and environmental goals? |
| How are technology, labor, and changing consumer behavior reshaping agriculture and the food industry? | Who should pay for the costs of pollution, extreme weather, and environmental damage? |
Explore both majors below to learn more about courses, opportunities, and where each degree can take you.
Explore Our Majors
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Agricultural & Resource Economics (AREC)
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Agricultural & Resource Economics (AREC)
Agricultural & Resource Economics (AREC)
Understand how economics shapes agriculture, markets, business, policy, and development.
AREC examines how people, businesses, and governments make decisions about resources. Students use economics and data to understand markets, evaluate policies, and explore issues affecting food systems, agriculture, communities, and economies.
Areas you can explore:
- Agribusiness
- Food Systems
- Markets & Finance
- Agricultural Policy
- Economic Development
- International Development
- Natural Resources
- Data & Economic Analysis
Where it can take you:
- Agricultural Economist
- Economic Analyst
- Commodity Analyst
- Agribusiness Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Policy Analyst
- Research Analyst
- International Development Analyst
- Food & Agriculture Consultant
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Environmental & Resource Economics (EREC)
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Environmental & Resource Economics (EREC)
Environmental & Resource Economics (EREC)
Use economics to understand environmental and natural resource challenges.
EREC brings together economics, environmental science, data, and policy to examine how people and institutions make decisions about the environment. Students explore the economic forces behind issues such as climate, energy, conservation, sustainability, and natural resource management.
Areas you can explore:
- Climate & Environmental Policy
- Energy
- Conservation
- Sustainability
- Land & Water Resources
- Environmental Markets
- Natural Resources
- Data & Policy Analysis
Where it can take you:
- Environmental Economist
- Climate Policy Analyst
- Energy Analyst
- Sustainability Analyst
- Environmental Consultant
- Natural Resource Economist
- Conservation Analyst
- Environmental Data Analyst
- Regulatory Analyst
- Energy & Utilities Consultant
Undergraduate Resources
Explore All Undergraduate Courses Frequently Asked Questions
Impacting Lives, Creating Change
Explore the Global Poverty Minor
The Global Poverty Minor at UMD fosters a deep understanding of the dimensions, causes, and consequences of global poverty. This program delves into how incentives, resources, and social and political institutions impact poverty both globally and within countries. Students will explore the connections between poverty and critical factors such as hunger, health, education, and environmental quality. Open to all majors, this minor encourages a multidisciplinary approach to poverty alleviation.
The AREC Community in Action
At AREC, our community is constantly engaged in making a difference. From groundbreaking research and innovative projects to inspiring student and faculty achievements, discover how our collective efforts are shaping the future of agricultural and resource economics. Explore the stories of those who are driving change, creating sustainable solutions, and making a lasting impact both locally and globally. Join us in celebrating the dynamic and vibrant activities that define the AREC experience.
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