Agribusiness is the study of farming’s business aspects, with an emphasis on economics and business administration. Agribusiness degrees are available at the associates, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, with each focusing on a different aspect of agriculture. A degree in agribusiness technology is available at the associate level, and bachelor’s degrees in agribusiness management, agricultural economics, food marketing, and other fields may be available at the bachelor’s level. Graduate degrees in agribusiness and managerial economics include the Master of Agribusiness (MAB) and the PhD in agribusiness and managerial economics.
A student may want to pursue an associate’s degree in agribusiness or agribusiness technology at the associate’s level. Associates degrees in agribusiness are designed to teach students how to assist in the operation of a family farm or a commercial farming venture. The emphasis is on farm business aspects such as accounting, agribusiness economics, animal production, and business management. Agribusiness technology degrees concentrate on the technical aspects of agriculture, such as the sales and marketing of off-farm businesses such as fertilizer sales or feed mills. For those seeking higher-level agribusiness degrees, associate’s degree studies may be sufficient.
Agribusiness bachelor’s degree programs are available in a variety of formats. Some programs concentrate on food production system management, while others concentrate on soil science and plant cultivation. Agricultural business management, which teaches production, finance, and marketing, and agricultural economics, which looks at the analytical and statistical aspects of agricultural products, are two specializations within the program.
Individuals seeking specialized training in the field should pursue the Master of Agribusiness (MAB). This degree may be focused on business and financial analysis and strategic management, or it may offer more options for specialization, such as studies in food marketing, business management, or international trade, depending on the school offering it. A Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in agricultural business management is also available at some schools.
Some universities allow students to pursue a PhD in agribusiness. The economics of agriculture and public administration are frequently the focus of these advanced agribusiness degrees. The importance of economic theory and quantitative analysis is frequently emphasized.
In general, the career opportunities available to students are determined by the level of agribusiness degrees earned and the program’s specialization. Associate’s degrees can help students get jobs in the fertilizer industry or at grain elevators. Someone with a bachelor’s degree could work in agricultural marketing or farm management. An MAB degree could be beneficial for a job in product development or international trade with a large agriculture company. A PhD in economics and policymaking might be of interest to someone.