Murray State, Kentucky Department of Agriculture form economic partnership

Murray State University and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture have announced a formal partnership in advancing economic development in the agricultural industry. 

Murray State has one of only three Master of Science in Economic Development programs in the country. 

Since its inception in 2016, the program has graduated students from around the world from Kuwait to Colorado, and has been a tremendous success in educating, placing and supporting economic development professionals to create and retain jobs, build wealth and improve the quality of life for communities, regions and states. 

Building upon the success of this program, Murray State and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture have collaborated in creating an agriculture-focused economic development master's degree program. 

Both the Hutson School of Agriculture and the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business have worked collaboratively in creating a career pathway to support this initiative.

Murray State's Hutson School of Agriculture is home to more than 1,400 students pursuing degrees in numerous agricultural disciplines. 

The school consists of three departments and offers a variety of in-person and online programs. 

The laboratory facilities include five working farms, a veterinary diagnostic lab and vast opportunities for students to receive hands-on practical instruction in agriculture.

In addition to the academic aspect of the partnership, outreach programs will be developed for the enhancement of internships, mentorships and placement of students throughout the Commonwealth. 

Agribusiness training and consulting programs for farmers as well as agriculture-based businesses and industries will be developed and delivered from the depth of education and experience at Murray State. 

The development and delivery of outreach programs will be led by the Bauernfeind College of Business Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development.