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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