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Agricultural Business and Management, General

Program Description

Just the Facts

Agricultural Business and Management, General. A general program that focuses on modern business and economic principles involved in the organization, operation, and management of agricultural enterprises.

This program is available in these options:

  • Certificate / Diploma
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Master's degree
  • Doctoral degree

High School Courses

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this career cluster:

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this pathway:


Related Careers

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Additional Information

Don't assume that agribusiness programs are only of use to people who want to raise livestock or grow wheat. Agriculture is a diverse field, even covering such areas as food processing and retail.

People who already work in agriculture but want to develop business skills can take certificates and diploma programs through community colleges. Those who want to pursue management careers can opt for bachelor's and master's degrees.

Agriculture departments at universities typically offer these degrees. They may also be available jointly through business schools.

A degree in agricultural economics may also lead to a career in agribusiness.

Brian Crouse is assistant dean of student services at an agricultural college. His college offers a number of different agribusiness programs. One is a two-year diploma program in agricultural business. Many graduates of the program find jobs as farm managers or with farm machinery dealerships.

Students in agribusiness may study new agricultural methods, agricultural policy, biotechnology, transportation and environmental issues.

Michael Whalen works with an agricultural college. He says that entrance requirements at his college include Grade 12 physics, chemistry and biology, as well as math and English.

"We seek well-rounded students with an interest in a variety of academic and other pursuits," he says.

Membership in 4-H, Junior Achievement, business groups or environmental groups will help you develop that well-rounded background.

In agribusiness post-secondary programs, students also get a chance to develop professional contacts.

Agribusiness students at Purdue University, for instance, complete paid internships, says LeeAnn Williams. She is an advisor in the department of agricultural economics.

"These internships range from agricultural input sales to retail management to elevator management to grain merchandising to food manufacturing marketing to ... lending. There are even international internships available," she says.

Besides tuition, textbooks are the major cost in an agricultural business program.


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Agricultural Workers

Agricultural & Applied Economics Association
A wide variety of information, articles and educational resources

Agriculture Online
Get all the latest news here

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.