Economics for the real world
Deep historical roots.
The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison was the first such specialized department in the world. Growing from its original focus on issues of land, forests and farm management, the department is continually evolving to address the needs of students, the state of Wisconsin, the nation, and the world.
Ready for the future.
With research, teaching, and outreach focused on environmental and resource economics, agricultural economics, international development, and community economic development, our faculty’s work addresses some of the world’s most pressing current problems. As one of the top departments in the country, the future of AAE is brighter than ever.
Measures of livability: defining and comparing county-level rankings
Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Yang Cheng analyzed local and regional quality of life in 3,100 U.S. counties that range from remote rural to dense metropolitan places.
Structure matters: the example of U.S. financial institutions
Prof. Jordan van Rijn has researched differences between U.S. credit unions and banks, along with their consumer impact, for several years.
Recent graduate Mckenzie Boyce wins 2025 George Goldman Award for Broadband Research in Wisconsin
Mckenzie Boyce PhD ’25 has received the 2025 George Goldman Award for Excellence in Regional Economic Development. Boyce earned this recognition for her research on Wisconsin households’ willingness to pay for broadband services.
From classroom to career, MSPO alumni are turning economic insight into real‑world impact.
Built for students who want real‑world impact, the MSPO program equips graduates with analytical and professional skills. 2025 alumni Lincoln Miller and Hunter Downey share how MSPO shaped their careers.
AAE Hosts Fall Scholars and Sponsors Dinner
Support from generous donors is helping AAE students pursue their academic and professional goals this year.
Human health benefits of promoting conservation agriculture in Mexico
Prof. Joel Ferguson has linked the widespread adoption of sustainable farming practices in Mexico with three distinct payoffs.
