Department of Economics, Agriculture, and Social Sciences

This department has three independent academic programs.  The main contact person is listed below for each academic program.

Kelvin Jasek-Rysdahl, Ph.D., Department Chair

Agriculture

Oluwarotimi Odeh, Ph.D., Rolland Starn Endowed Chair, Program Director

Professors: Erickson, Odeh
Associate Professors: Wooley, Hauselt
Assistant Professors: Seidu, Shrader, Zavalloni

The Agriculture program is a multi-disciplinary and experiential learning based educational program that prepares students for productive careers in the diverse field of agriculture.

Programs

• Agriculture B.S.  with concentrations in Agricultural Biology, Agricultural Economics, Sustainable Agriculture, and General Concentration
• Agriculture Minor  

Economics

Kelvin Jasek-Rysdahl, Ph.D., Program Director and Department Chair

Professors: Erickson, Jasek-Rysdahl, Peterson, Kim, Soydemir
Assistant Professors: Seidu, Shrader

Programs

• Economics B.A.  
• Economics Concentration - Liberal Studies  
• Economics Minor  
• Economics Concentration - Social Sciences   
• Teaching Credential Supplemental Authorization in Economics  

Social Sciences

Ralph M. Becker, Ph. D., Social Sciences Director

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences program is an interdepartmental degree program consisting of courses in the following disciplines: anthropology, communication studies, criminal justice, economics, ethnic studies, gender studies, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology. Students select courses from any three of the above disciplines. The Social Sciences program also offers 2 concentrations in International Studies and Urban and Community Studies. The program offers a wide variety of courses dealing with human interaction in past and present society and acquaints students with contemporary social problems, their causes, and their potential solutions.

Additionally, a course in the methods of scientific investigation in the social sciences provides students with valuable analytical skills. Students should discuss career opportunities with their adviser in their areas of concentration in the Social Sciences major.

Programs

• Social Sciences B.A.  
• Social Sciences Concentration - Liberal Studies  
• Social Sciences - Single Subject Matter Preparation *

*For students intending to apply for admission to the Social Sciences single subject credential program at Stanislaus State

Program Learning Outcomes

Agriculture Program Learning Outcomes

Mission

The Mission of the Agriculture program is to prepare students for productive careers in the dynamic global food and agricultural industry and become responsible leaders in the community.

Our program provides students with a broad understanding of the sustainable production, distribution, marketing, and management of agricultural and environmental resources.  The program emphasizes knowledge development in the geographical, physical, chemical, biological, technological, and restorative principles and practices in agroecosystems.

In pursing this mission, the program encourages students to critically assess agricultural issues and trends; provides students with opportunities to systematically develop discipline appropriate communicative, analytical, quantitative, problem solving, and critical thinking skills; and delivers a high quality academic experience that prepares students for emerging professional opportunities.

Agriculture Program Goals

1. Skilled, competent, and productive graduates. Assist students in developing skills and competencies for productive careers as employees, employers, and candidates for graduate studies, in a dynamic, global, food, and agricultural industry.
2. Multidisciplinary learning experiences. Offer broad, integrative, cross-cutting experiences that prepare graduates for careers in agriculture and related fields.
3. Culture of professionalism and civic engagement. Promote a culture of professionalism and civic engagement among students, faculty, stakeholders, and the agricultural community.
4. Industry partnerships. Foster industry partnerships to offer experiential learning opportunities to students and a pathway for productive careers in the agribusiness industry. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Agrilculture students will demonstrate:

1. Disciplinary Literacy - Demonstrate knowledge, integrative skills and technical competencies in multiple areas of agricultural sciences, emerging technologies in the field, and their applications.
2. Criticial Thinking/Problem Solving Skills - Apply critical thinking skill in distinguishing facts and applying scientific principles in formulating, analyzing, and solving problems; and interpreting results.
3. Effective Communication - Demonstrate effective use of discipline appropriate oral and writ en communication skills in diverse and team environments.
4. Global Perspective - Demonstrate knowledge of the interconnectivity and interdependence of individuals, groups, systems, and activities; and their implications in the dynamic global food and agricultural community.
5. Civic Responsibility and Ethical/Professional Behavior - Demonstrate ethical practices in the local communities and the diverse agricultural industry in general.

Economics Program Learning Outcomes

Economics students will:

1. Explain and apply economic terms, concepts and theories
2. Collect, process, and interpret data, including statistical inference
3. Demonstrate quantitative reasoning skills
4. Explain a variety of specific topics in economics
5. Apply specialized tools and concepts to contemporary issues
6. Demonstrate an awareness of global economic forces
7. Evaluate the impact of various international policies and practices
8. Compare and contrast alternative explanations of economic events
9. Explain how economic events and decisions are impacted by values and perceptions
10. Effectively communicate the results of analysis in a variety of written formats
11. Demonstrate the ability to communicate economic concepts orally

Social Sciences Program Learning Outcomes

Social Sciences students will:

1. Effectively engage in critical thinking about methods, knowledge theories associated with specified Social Science concentration of study
2. Demonstrate technological skills for conducting studies in Social Sciences
3. Demonstrate effective oral and communication skills of Social Sciences concepts, terminology, research analysis, and conclusive association with Social Sciences concentration of study
4. Effectively use library resources and internet databases to formulate research questions and investigate topics in Social Sciences