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Agricultural and Rural Policy Studies

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Agricultural and rural policy students will develop the skills necessary to become effective leaders in agriculture-related companies, non-profit associations and organizations, and state and local government agencies working on agriculture and rural issues. Specific learning outcomes include:

  • Connecting agriculture, the environment, and rural communities
  • Linking local, national, and global agricultural systems
  • Investigating how social, economic, and cultural systems affect decisions
  • Analyzing information and recommending solutions to guide decisions
  • Evaluating program and policy outcomes
  • Communicating information and ideas to others to guide decisions
  • Leading and managing policy programs
  • Promoting civic engagement among diverse groups

Why study Agricultural and Rural Policy Studies at Iowa State?

ISU has the only undergraduate degree in agricultural and rural policy studies in the nation.

Our major prepares students to guide policy decisions impacting agriculture, the environment, and the well-being of rural communities. 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, how to visualize and present data, and to lead and manage policy programs. In short, our major is the people and policy side of agriculture.

The agricultural and rural policy studies curriculum offers the flexibility to accommodate the special interests and needs of each student. A specialization area outside the major is required that allows students to double major or minor in agricultural business, political science, international studies, animal science or agronomy, sustainability, or even urban studies.

The agricultural and rural policy studies major allows academic credit for internships and international travel experiences. Further, many of our courses are project based, where you work with rural communities and agricultural groups.

The agricultural and rural policy studies major has a long history at ISU stretching back 110 years. In addition, around 100% of our graduates had jobs or were continuing their education within 6 months of graduation.

Iowa State University has the second largest agricultural college in the U.S., according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Iowa State University is ranked as the 8th best college of agriculture in the nation, according to Farms.com

ISU has the largest Ag Career Day in the nation, allowing you to interact with representatives from a range of agricultural firms.

Dani Montgomery

The Ag and Rural Policy major allows you to pick and choose the classes that interest you the most. It also provides a balanced combination of the importance of ag and the policies surrounding the ag world.

Danielle Montgomery, ’23 Agricultural and Rural Policy Studies

Agricultural and Rural Policy Studies Club

The Agricultural and Rural Policy Studies Club is open to any Iowa State student who is interested in agricultural and rural policy, rural communities, rural sociology, and international development. We seek to foster a spirit of cooperation and unity among Ag Policy Club students. We also seek to provide club members with opportunities to interact with professionals and leaders who work in the agriculture and rural policy arena. This includes not only government, but also in industry, association, and academic settings.

For more information, visit the Ag Policy Club’s website at https://www.stuorg.iastate.edu/a-s-club

If you are interested in joining the Ag Policy Club, please contact an advisor for details at AgPolicyAdvising@iastate.edu

Career opportunities

Students who study agricultural and rural policy studies will learn about the social and policy dimensions of agriculture as well as the strategies to promote rural resiliency and community vitality. You will 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 you the tools to help rural people and places thrive in the 21st century. Here are just some examples of the careers you can pursue with an agricultural and rural policy studies degree:

  • Policy advisor
  • Legislative advisor
  • Lobbyist
  • Agricultural specialist
  • Government affairs specialist
  • Public information officer
  • Extension educator
  • Economic developer
  • Communications officer
  • Farmer relations specialist

Take the next step

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SOC 4700 Internship

Below are links to the application form for students and the forms for internship sponsors to report monthly and final evaluations.

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