In the Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics (AAE), flexibility has been a cornerstone of our teaching, research and outreach. We strive to serve the needs of our students, community, and the world of agriculture. Since our founding, students from near and far have gravitated towards AAE where they find its practical education and training prepares them well for the working world.
According to Ellie Capra, that practicality is exactly what attracted her. When she entered college, Ellie knew she wanted to make a difference but wasn’t really sure how; her interests were pulling her attention every which way, from economics to political science. Her situation was further complicated by a freshman year under the COVID-19 quarantine and transferring to Madison from Minnesota her junior year-so finding an academic home that provided support and guidance were a must.
Ultimately, she decided to major in Agricultural & Applied Economics and to earn a certificate in public policy. She found that the intimate environment of AAE classes, combined with guidance from her fellow Women in Economics club members and from AAE assistant professor Jordan Van Rijn created an environment in which she flourished.
“The AAE department has been so great and with such an untraditional college experience, the flexibility and support I’ve gotten from this department has gone a long way.”
As graduation approached, Ellie was faced with the question of “what’s next?”. She recalled a conversation with Michaela Thaw, AAE undergraduate advisor when Ellie had first transferred to UW. Thaw had spoken about the 4+1 Accelerated MSPO Pathway (4+1). The 4+1 program permits UW undergraduate students who graduate with an AAE bachelor’s degree in the spring semester to complete the AAE Master’s of Science in Agricultural Economics—Professional Option (MSPO) within just 12 months following graduation. According to Capra it seemed like the perfect fit.
“I didn’t expect to love AAE as much as I do and when the opportunity presented itself, I wanted to learn more…I really loved AAE and wanted to follow that passion a bit more in depth. I knew quite a few of the professors and was excited to learn more from them.”
She joined the Masters of Science Professional Option (MSPO) program this spring, with hopes of moving into the international agricultural trade sector. AAE continues to support its students as best it can and, for Ellie, it’s in developing a global perspective and providing the hard skills necessary to make an impact through a fast track that maintains the high-quality teaching and learning that are cornerstones of the department.