Applied Economics

We use economic tools to understand and help solve society’s problems, from maximizing local business vitality to limiting environmental degradation and climate change.

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Undergraduate Degrees

We offer undergraduate degrees in Agricultural and Food Business Management and in Environmental Economics and Policy. Both programs offer training in economics and quantitative analysis applied to agricultural, environmental, business, and policy issues.

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Graduate Programs

We award PhD, MS, and MA degrees in Applied Economics. The program includes core courses in economic theory, econometrics, and other quantitative methods. Concentration areas include the economics of natural resources and environment, trade and development, marine resources, and rural development.

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The College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University named Dr. Jeff Reimer as the interim department head for Applied Economics, effective September 1, 2022.

Jeff is replacing Dr. Jen Alix-Garcia who recently annou...

Dave Lewis Named the Emery Castle Chair in Resource and Rural Economics

Professor Dave Lewis was just named as the second holder of the Emery Castle Chair in Resource and Rural Economics! Congratulations to Dave!!

This Chair was founded by Emeritus Professor Emery N. Castle (1923-2017) to address...

New Research on Urban Sprawl

What’s driving the remarkable decline of urban sprawl in the US? A new study from OSU Applied Economics professor Dave Lewis and OSU Applied Economics PhD graduates Dan Bigelow and Chris Mihiar finds that a primary culprit has been ris...

Steve Dundas Interviewed on Public Radio

Professor Steve Dundas was interviewed on Jefferson Public Radio regarding the economic benefits associate with tidal wetland restoration in Tillamook Bay.

Alumni Bill and Karla Chambers (Stahlbush Island Farms) Win Awards

Bill and Karla Chambers, alumni from our department and owners of Stahlbush Island Farms in Corvallis, recently were honored with the College of Agriculture Distinguished Alumni Legacy Award (see ...