Specialization Areas and Careers

In this dynamic environment, there is an increasing need for specially-trained experts who can navigate the competitive landscape of food and agribusiness, as well as contribute to agricultural education. Our department is committed to developing professionals equipped with the essential knowledge and skills required to support both the agri-food sectors and rural economies.

Through our programs, students receive comprehensive training in economics and business management principles related to the production, distribution, marketing, and consumption of food and agricultural goods and services, while also emphasizing the importance of agricultural education. This dual focus ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address the challenges of the modern agribusiness industry and effectively educate future generations.

Our experienced faculty members offer challenging academic instruction and the program has a strong applied-research component, as all faculty members are engaged in both basic and applied research in their specialized areas of study.

Cutting-edge, multidisciplinary and timely research is being performed in the broad areas of Agribusiness/ Agricultural Economics including agri-food systems, economics and policy, agricultural marketing, consumer behavior, finance, agribusiness strategy, renewable energy, and statistical analysis of agricultural data.

Our department offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students.

Undergraduate Programs: Our undergraduate program features concentrations in Agribusiness and Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication (ALEC). Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing them for various careers in the agricultural industry.

Graduate Programs: Our graduate degree in Agricultural Business and Leadership includes specialized concentrations in Agribusiness Management and Analysis, as well as ALEC. These programs focus on advanced topics that empower students to become leaders and innovators in their fields.

Online Learning Options: We recognize the importance of flexibility in education, which is why we offer online degree programs. These options are designed to accommodate diverse learning needs and schedules, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education, regardless of their circumstances.

Career Options

Marketing Director • Collateral Analyst • Professor • Agribusiness Underwriter • Financial and Data Analyst • Agribusiness Risk Analyst • Loan officer • Applied Economist • Data analyst • Farm Manager Operations Supervisor • Extension Educator • Agribusiness Credit Analyst • Inspector • Marketing Specialist • Commodity Analyst • Precision Ag Coordinator • Farm Appraiser • Food and Health Economist • Quality Controller • Agricultural Policy Analyst • Commodity Marketer • Agribusiness Risk Analyst • Commercial Portfolio Manager • Agricultural Educator • Agricultural Leader • Agricultural Communicator

What Classes are needed for Agribusiness and ALEC Concentrations?

View complete degree map >>

The College of Agriculture offers several financial awards designed to assist students with funding their education. Students can apply for the Dean’s Scholars, High Achievers or Leadership Development programs. For more information on scholarships and options for undergraduates, contact the Department Chair, Department’s Academic Advisors and the Graduate Program Coordinator (for graduate programs) on the Contact us tab.

Focus areas, examples of sub disciplines in the field:

Agribusiness

Farm Production
Agriculture Finance
Agricultural Entrepreneurship
Consumer Economics
Agriculture Marketing
International Trade
Community Economic Development

ALEC

Agricultural Education
Leadership
Communication