About the Department
Welcome to the college’s home for applied social sciences.
We are a small, welcoming community of scholars and friends united by our passion for preparing the next generation of teachers and improving our ability to reach out to communities. The scholarship in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education is related to people, society, and economic systems grounded in theory and methods from the social, behavioral, and economic sciences. Faculty and students develop and employ rigorous approaches to discover fundamental and applied principles that advance science in their core disciplines. The department strives to improve the health, prosperity, and welfare of people in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and beyond. Our core disciplines for teaching and research are:
- Agricultural and Food Systems — focuses on the interconnections between producers, distributors, regulators, and consumers in a variety of issues related to food choices, markets, pollution, and health
- Community Development and Engagement — focuses on community resilience through civic engagement, leadership, and entrepreneurship to support sustainable communities and regional economies
- Environment and Natural Resources — addresses the human impact on fundamental natural assets, such as land, water, and air, and tackling the challenges that growing populations create for economic efficiency, social equity, and environmental sustainability
- Population Processes in Global Perspective —enhancing scholarship on migration and immigration, health, and material well-being of individuals and households across the world
The department offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees, with three thematic areas to guide our scholarship. These three themes utilize the respective strengths of each of the three core disciplines while providing an overall collaborative framework for research, scholarship, teaching, and outreach.
The Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology programs and the departmental main office are located in Armsby Building. The faculty of the Agricultural Extension Education program is in Ferguson Building. Come meet our faculty, staff, and students and discover for yourself why we are happy to call the department our home.
Latest News
March 28, 2024
Innovation linked to international exports for both rural and urban firms
U.S. companies actively engaged in creating innovative products or processes are more likely to expand into international markets, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers. The findings, which apply to both rural and urban companies, could inform efforts aimed at boosting U.S. exports.
Read MoreMarch 21, 2024
Course in College of Ag Sciences expands to add focus on human and animal health
Community Environment and Development 497: Community-Engaged Learning with Pennsylvania Farmworkers is an out-of-the-classroom, community-engaged course offered by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. This year, the course will include a new farmworker and animal health component.
Read MoreMarch 11, 2024
Project reveals pandemic perceptions in Alaskan fishing community
Penn State researchers examined community member's COVID-19 perceptions in Bristol Bay, Alaska, home to the world’s largest commercial salmon fishery, and found perceptions of risk varied across race/ethnicity groups by residency and income.
Read MoreMarch 7, 2024
Teaching excellence recognized in College of Agricultural Sciences
Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has recognized seven faculty members for outstanding teaching in 2023.
Read MoreUpcoming Events
Plants and Green Industry Interest Area Visit for Prospective Students
March 29, 2024
University Park, PA
Business, Education, and Community Interest Area Visit for Prospective Students
April 1, 2024
University Park, PA
Animals Interest Area Visit for Prospective Students
April 5, 2024
University Park, PA
2024 McDowell Lecture
April 9, 2024
261 Ag Engineering Building
Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education
- Office 814-865-5461
- Fax 814-865-3746