Monday, 14 May 2012

Agribusiness Online Degree: Overview of Programs

The field of Agribusiness is varied, covering everything from the sales of farm equipment to the management of international trade logistics. Online programs provide students with a variety of opportunities to earn their degree at the associate and master's levels. Few, if any, bachelor's programs are available online that provide an emphasis on agribusiness.

Online Associate's Degree in Agribusiness Overview

This degree program offers students an entry-level opportunity to combine the fields of agriculture and business. These online programs often provide those with a passion for agricultural with the opportunity to earn a valid credential in the business.

Program Information and Requirements

Encompassing approximately 64 credits, online agribusiness associate's degrees encompass two years of study. There are generally few entry requirements, but students who perform poorly on entrance exams may have to enroll in additional college preparatory courses. An associate's degree is frequently offered entirely online.

List of Common Argribusiness Courses

The course load for an online agribusiness associate's degree combines general education and agricultural training. Student will learn the fundamentals of agricultural science, while also developing important accounting and marketing skills.

Agricultural Science Course

This course looks at the basic sciences involved in the agricultural industry. Topics covered in an agricultural science course vary, from farming techniques to soil analysis.

Agribusiness Management

This course covers the different types of organizational structures and other business decision affecting agricultural institutions. Topics will cover the efficient use of human and natural resources, business principles as they apply to the farm and ranch and more.

Agribusiness Marketing

Students look at various methods for influencing agricultural product purchases in different markets. This course will discuss consumer demand, marketing research methods, agricultural supply markets and more.

Career Information for Graduates

There are a variety of jobs available for associate's level graduates of agribusiness programs, including farm equipment sales and ranch management. Salaries vary depending on job description and locations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers supporting agriculture and forestry accounted for over 140,000 jobs as of 2008.

Online Master's Degree in Agribusiness

Unlike the associate's degree, a master's in agribusiness represents an evolution into agricultural industry management. Students at this level typically come from a business background, and use an online master's to affect their promotion or transition into the agricultural industry.

Program Information and Requirements

The master's degree program in agribusiness requires industry experience, as well as an accredited bachelor's degree for entry. Students entering this program generally have a background in business, and may need to have various statistical and economics courses in their transcript for consideration. Computer proficiency is expected for students at this level. Student will interface with their professor and contemporaries through email, online discussion forums and streaming video.

List of Common Agribusiness Courses

At the master's level, it's often assumed that student already have begun to work in the agribusiness sector. As a result, master's curricula typically delve into complex topics specific to global agricultural trade.

Agribusiness Economics Course

This course covers economic planning as it applied to farms and other natural resources. Topics will include federal and state regulations, global food markets and more.

Quantitative Agricultural Analysis Course

This course develops a student's ability to solve agricultural problems through computer analysis. Students will learn how to develop research and analyze data using various computer programs.

International Agricultural Trade Course

This class looks at the impact that international markets have on the price of agricultural products. Topics in this class include U.S. agricultural trade policies, the history of global agricultural trade, macroeconomic theory and more.

Career Information for Graduates

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that managers of ranches, farms or other agricultural businesses is expected to remain stable, even while farmers and ranch-hands slowly decrease (www.bls.gov). The BLS 2008 salary data for agricultural professionals varied greatly, from $301 to $1,009 weekly.

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