Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
South Dakota State University. College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. Economics Department
South Dakota State University. College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Economics Department
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
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Description area
Dates of existence
History
Instruction in general economics at South Dakota State College began under the name of political economy. It was later integrated with history and philosophy before becoming an independent discipline in 1921 with the establishment of the Department of Farm Economics. The department focused on teaching, research, and extension, and over time, became a leader in the scientific study of South Dakota's economic issues.
As noted in the 1996–1998 Undergraduate Bulletin, the Economics Department prepares students to apply economic principles and analytical techniques to decision-making in areas such as agricultural business, agricultural economics, and general economics. The curriculum emphasizes core economic concepts, equipping students to understand the complexities of the economic and business environment and to pursue graduate study in fields such as economics, agricultural economics, business administration, management, finance, and law.
The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in agricultural business and agricultural economics through the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, and a Bachelor of Science in economics through the College of Arts and Sciences, with an optional emphasis in business economics. Minors are available in accounting, agricultural business, agricultural marketing, and economics. These programs prepare students for careers in farm and ranch management, agricultural finance, agribusiness, banking, business management, sales, marketing, government service, and related fields.