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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
