Agricultural Business Management

专业介绍

Agricultural business management (ABM) majors learn to apply the fundamentals of business to agriculture and related industries. Students study business operations, finance and economic decision analysis, analytical and managerial tools, organization of the food system, and commodity markets.

Offered through the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, ABM coursework includes agribusiness, economics, statistics, accounting, finance, and management. Majors can take some courses through the School of Business, including business law, fundamentals of accounting and finance, and fundamentals of management. ABM majors learn managerial economics, how businesses make decisions and minimize risk, and how to use applied mathematics and statistics to analyze prices and markets.

The agribusiness industry — which encompasses enterprises related to farming and the bio-economy — needs staff who are educated in both business and agriculture. The ABM major prepares students for great careers in management, business analysis, marketing, commodities trading, sales, consulting, banking, and finance. In addition to agribusiness firms, ABM graduates find employment with food companies, tech companies, co-operatives, government agencies, and financial institutions.

Learn through hands-on, real-world experiences

Students are encouraged to apply their course learning to real life through research projects, independent studies, and internships with guidance from faculty and staff members. During their final year, majors complete a senior capstone course where they work closely with fellow students on a semester-long project and also hear from program alumni.

Build community and networks

Students get to know faculty and instructors through the courses they take, and they can build their networks by participating in student organizations and the department’s commodity trading challenge team.

Individuals selected for the Renk Scholarship Program, operated by the Renk Agribusiness Institute, receive mentorship and financial support, as well as internship and networking opportunities.

Customize a path of study

Core courses focus on macroeconomics, microeconomics, finance, accounting, commodity markets, and economic analysis, planning, and management. ABM students customize their academic experience to fit their career goals by completing additional coursework in finance, accounting, management, marketing, business law, and human resources.

Make a strong start

A number of first-year seminar courses are available to help new students understand academic programs, access student services, and develop time management and study skills. 

Gain global perspective

There are several internationally focused courses that ABM majors can take within the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. Some students choose to study abroad, working with their advisor and the CALS study abroad office to identify appropriate programs. Students can explore studying abroad as an ABM major utilizing the Agricultural Business Management Major Advising Page. Students work with their advisor and the CALS study abroad office to identify appropriate programs.