Agricultural and Rural Policy Studies, B.S.

Iowa State University

Agriculture is more than just farming it is about food, energy, and conservation. Rural is more than just small towns it is the linkages between cities, urban consumers, and the global economy. Our major prepares students to guide policy decisions impacting agriculture, the environment, and the well-being or rural communities. In short, our major is the people and policy side of agriculture. Students will learn about the social and policy dimensions of agriculture and about strategies to promote rural resiliency and community vitality. The major will train students to engage with diverse audiences to discuss controversial issues, to promote public-private partnerships, and to lead and manage policy programs. Our goal is to give students the tools to help rural people and places thrive in the 21st century. Our curriculum is flexible to meet the interests and needs of each student. A specialization area outside the major is required. Internships, experiential learning, and study abroad are important parts of the major. Graduates work as policy and legislative advisors, agriculture and farmer relations specialists, government affairs specialists, public information and communications officers, extension educators, community and economic developers, and in agriculture.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences