Department of Agricultural Economics
The department of agricultural economics teaches a comprehensive curriculum in Agricultural economics and conducts relevant research that contributes to the development and wellbeing of the Saudi Agricultural economy. The department aims to prepare qualified graduates at the B.sc. and Msc. levels, who can plan, design, and implement efficient plans to develop the economy in general and the agricultural sector in particular.
Department’s History
The department was established in 1965, and ever since it witnessed rapid growth through four stages in the first stage (1965 – 1975), the department provided general requirement courses in agricultural economics and rural community development. In the second stage (1976 – 1980), the option of Agricultural Economics and Rural Community was offered as a concentration area within the option in the college and about 29 students graduated as the department’s first batch. In stage III, Agricultural Economics and Rural Community was evolved as a major area of specialization and 18 students graduated in this stage. Stage IV (1990 – Now) witnessed the onset of a separate independent department of agricultural economics offering a B.Sc. degree program in agricultural economics. Later on in 1425, a food marketing specialization was added and the B.Sc. program was renamed as “Agricultural Economics and Food Marketing Systems”.
Department’s Objectives
Prepare scientifically and intellectually qualified graduates equipped with economic and marketing knowledge who can:
· Serve as analysts and food marketing specialists.
· Contribute to the administration, organization, and implementation of agricultural development plans and to food marketing systems.
· Conduct quality research, consultancies, and workshops to tackle the problems of Saudi agricultural and food marketing economy, and participate in local and global symposia and conferences.
Enrollment Requirements
1) Successful completion of three semesters.
2) A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
3) A minimum grade “B” in Ag.Econ. 202 “Principles of Agricultural Economics and Food Marketing”.