Students pursuing the B.S. in Agricultural Economics can pursue the Rural Entrepreneurship Option as part of their degree. This option integrates the technical skills required of involvement in the rural business industry with application-based experience provided by the program’s capstone courses. Students design their plan of study reflecting their particular future goals and will develop a strong background in economics, accounting, management, finance and policy. During the final year of this option, each student will incorporate the interdisciplinary background gained in the previous years of study into the development of a business plan for a business of their choice. While the emphasis of this option caters to small or rural business, students will be equipped to develop a business enterprise in any area or setting.
They will explore potential entrepreneurial enterprises, which may include family farms, boutiques or recreational businesses, restaurants or food services, medical practices and even sporting goods companies. Students graduate with a developed business plan after interacting with industry professionals who assess and provide valuable feedback.
Program Details
- Degree: B.S. Agricultural Economics
- Credit Hours: 120 total credit hours
Make Your Entrepreneurial Dreams a Reality
Our Dianne and Edward Rister ‘74 Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program uniquely equips and positions both rural and urban entrepreneurs at Texas A&M University to dare to soar. Students pursuing the rural entrepreneurship option have the opportunity to participate in this program, network with industry professionals and pitch their business ventures to experienced entrepreneurs. This academic program will challenge students to move their ideas forward through the development of successful business plans and models.
Career Options
Students pursuing the Rural Entrepreneurship Option have a variety of opportunities available to them upon graduation. This option provides students with interest in owning, managing, or lending to innovative business enterprises the tools for understanding the issues unique to the start-ups.
| Small Business Owner | Defines the product or service, planning the promotion, production, sales and budgeting for the business with the aim of making profit. Manages and runs the small business after launching. | $49,000 |
| Rural Bank Teller or Lender | Responsible for direct customer banking interactions. Lending officers makes funds available to a person or business with the expectation that the funds will be repaid through a bank or local lending office. | $43,000 |
| Loan Specialist | Loan specialists work with clients to prepare their application for a loan. They are responsible for compiling, reviewing and arranging loan documents. | $46,000 |