Agribusiness Major

Students choosing the agribusiness major take many agricultural economics, economics, and business courses to obtain the skills needed to work as an employee of an agribusiness firm. Students also take several production agriculture courses. The agribusiness major prepares students to take jobs in all areas of the food and fiber sector. Employment opportunities include jobs with farms, agricultural advising companies, processing firms, wholesalers and retailers of food and fiber, and educational institutions.

 

Flexibility in choosing an option enables the student to broaden his or her education to gain depth in specialized areas of interest. Careful planning with other departments in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources or College of Business Administration could allow the student to obtain a minor or double major by taking some additional courses.

 

Agricultural Communications Double Major

The Departments of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership have designed the agribusiness-agricultural communications double major to incorporate agribusiness and communication principles to give students the skills they need to be competitive in the public or private sector.

 

• Crop and Soil Sciences Option

  The crop and soil sciences option emphasizes the economic and business aspects of farming in a rapidly changing and complex production environment. Students selecting this option receive training in subject areas involved in the planning, implementation, and control functions of farm management. This option requires the student to choose at least one minor area. With careful course planning, multiple minors may be obtained by taking no or a few extra courses.

• Farm and Ranch Management Option

  The farm and ranch management option emphasizes the economic and business aspects of farming and ranching in a rapidly changing and complex production environment. Students selecting this option receive training in subject areas involved in the planning, implementation, and control functions of farm and ranch management.

   

  Students interested in the farm operations of the cash crop industry may select advanced courses in crops, soils, and agricultural engineering. Students interested in the farm operations of the dairy and livestock industry are encouraged to select advanced courses in the Department of Animal Science.

• Finance Option

  The finance option emphasizes the economic and financial aspects of activities and decisions made by firms. Students selecting the Finance option are prepared for many employment opportunities with agricultural and nonagricultural firms in the areas of financial management or financial services.

• International Option

  The international option was designed to broaden the international perspective of students. Students selecting this option obtain an understanding of international agricultural trade that serves as a solid foundation for career development in an internationally oriented business. This option combines training in agriculture, economics, marketing, and language to provide students with a unique combination of skills and an appreciation of global interdependence. Many students obtain a minor in the language they study.

• Management Option

  The management option emphasizes leadership in business and government positions. The courses are designed to make students effective managers or management trainers.

• Marketing Option

  The marketing option focuses on the interaction of economic and marketing decisions in a business.

• Pre-law Option

  The pre-law option prepares students to practice law in rural areas or specialize in agricultural law.

• Pre-veterinary Business Management Option

  The pre-veterinary business management option meets veterinary school requirements, while giving students the skills to manage a veterinary practice.