About the Major

The Agribusiness and Food Industry Management (ABM) major teaches the application of business concepts to our future leaders in the agricultural industry. The major includes a wide selection of course offerings that result in a broad range of occupational choices available to the graduate. These include the banking and finance area, food and fiber processing, sales and marketing positions, federal, state and county government units, agricultural communications, farm and ranch management, and commodity and produce brokerage to name just a few.

The curriculum consists of core courses, career track, general education, and support courses. The core courses are the bulk of the degree and are designed to provide students with an understanding of the basic functions of agribusiness and the application of theory and practice to the industry. These courses include leadership, marketing, advertising, policy, accounting, finance, organization management, human resources, economics, and data management. 

As a supplement to classroom and laboratory meetings, field trips are taken to distribution centers, industry businesses, production areas, and other related industries within agriculture. Frequent visits by guest speakers from leading agricultural firms further ensure that students gain practical, current knowledge. In addition to business management, sales, and sales promotional training, students may elect studies in specified production fields to gain valuable production techniques and experience necessary for job competency. As a senior, the student is encouraged to take part-time employment in a related agricultural industry of interest.