Founded in 1923, the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology joins two distinct, yet closely related social science disciplines in common purpose.

Strengthened by the individual and collaborative contributions of economists and sociologists, the department excels in research, teaching and outreach focusing in four interrelated areas: agriculture and food; environment and natural resources; community, regional and international development; and population processes and change.

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We investigate factors affecting the viability and sustainability of farms and agricultural and food businesses in Pennsylvania, the US and around the world.

These factors include the decisions, practices and interests of stakeholders from input suppliers and farmers to consumers, policymakers and activists.

Recent emphases include entrepreneurship, dairy profitability and milk markets, alternative and local food initiatives, animal welfare, women in farming, trade agreements, biotechnology and biofuels.

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We explore the ways humans affect and are affected by the natural environment and the natural resources (air, water, land, fish and wildlife, energy resources, climate) that sustain human life. We also design and analyze programs and policies that affect these relationships.

Recent emphases include water quality, human activities affecting wildlife populations, fire management, global climate change, and forest and land use change in the US and internationally.

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We examine the interconnected processes of social and economic development in US and international settings. We also translate what we learn to enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities, particularly in small towns and rural regions in diverse geographic contexts.

Recent emphases include the consequences of economic restructuring, rural revitalization, policy design and analysis, and the linkages between sustainable development strategies and land use.

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We develop and extend knowledge of population processes such as family formation, fertility, population health and (im)migration that contribute to change in both rural and urban areas of the US and the world.

Recent emphases include rural youth outmigration, new patterns of immigration to rural areas of the US, consequences of HIV/AIDS on labor availability in Africa, and agricultural household labor decision-making processes.

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Recent News

Dig this: Gardeners, farmers get new guides 1/12

Dave Abler, says the warming trend will not cause major changes in agricultural practices in the short term, in this Pittsburgh Post Gazette article on the release of new USDA planting maps.

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Pennsylvanians Are Mixed About Gas Drilling 12/11

Tim Kelsey, says uncertainty pervades everything having to do with gas drilling in his state, including scientific and economic analysis by experts, as there is not much reliable data.

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Ted Alter and Leif Jensen awarded 2011 Community of Teaching Excellence Award 12/11

Ted Alter and Leif Jensen were formally recognized by their peers for their belief and support of excellence in teaching and the college's educational efforts and awarded the 2011 Community of Teaching Excellence Award. The award reflects Ted and Leif's commitment to the students and teaching programs within the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology as well as throughout the College of Agricultural Sciences.

New International Agriculture and Development graduate degree unveiled 11/11

Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences is marking the nationwide observance of International Education Week (Nov. 13-19) by rolling out a new dual-title graduate degree in International Agriculture and Development. Participating graduate programs are Agricultural and Extension Education; Agricultural, Environmental, and Regional Economics; Entomology; and Rural Sociology.

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Trustees approve College of Ag Sciences academic restructuring 11/11

Penn State's Board of Trustees today (Nov. 11) approved a plan submitted by the College of Agricultural Sciences to restructure the college's academic departments, reducing their number from 12 to nine. The new structure formally will take effect July 1, 2012.

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Agriculturial Economics ranked number seven in the 10 college majors with the lowest unemployment rates 11/11

An interactive tool created by The Wall Street Journal where users can search for the average employment rate and median income of people who studied each major ranks Agricultural Economics number seven with a 1.3 percent unemployment rate.

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Penn State No. 1 producer of Fulbright Scholars 11/11

AERS welcomes Penn State distinguished visiting Fulbright scholar to campus during the 2011-12 academic year. Mahmuda Khatun, associate professor, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh is being hosted by Leif Jensen, professor of rural sociology and demography in the College of Agricultural Sciences for her project entitled "Home But No Home for Environmental Refugees: The Journey Towards Identity Crisis."

Sarah Cornelisse, senior extension associate in agricultural economics and rural sociology involved in $2.3 million organic-agriculture research grant 11/11

Researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences have been awarded a $2.3 million grant by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate how certain cover crops and rotations can improve production of organic commodities.

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Did you know?

Of the 243 rural school districts in Pennsylvania, 45 can be regarded as “food deserts,” based on the absence of any large full-service grocery or supermarket.

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