Agribusiness Management Major

Are you interested in managing an agricultural or food-related business? The Agribusiness Management major provides instruction in principles and procedures that contribute to efficient operation of agricultural and food-related firms and agencies. This major is offered jointly with the the Smeal College of Business and includes courses in agribusiness management, accounting, economics, marketing, finance, management, business law, and management information systems, as well as a specialization area designed by the student in collaboration with his/her academic adviser.

Why Major in Agribusiness Management?
Agribusiness Management might be your choice of study if you

• want to prepare for a career in management, marketing, or finance in an agricultural or food-related business;
• are interested in working for a firm or agency that supplies any of the inputs that are the "building blocks" of business--money, credit, labor, machinery, buildings, land, etc.;
• are interested in the way business decisions are made and how they are affected by people's attitudes, characteristics, and desires;
• want to pursue a business law or agricultural law degree;
• are interested in starting and operating your own business.

Career Opportunities for Agribusiness Management Graduates
Agricultural processors, wholesalers, food retailers, and business owners including farm operators must decide how business resources will be allocated to meet market demands and operate profitably. These individuals must make decisions quickly and accurately as they strive to improve efficiency, lower costs, and increase profit. The following are among the types of questions requiring answers from managers in the agribusiness field:

• Should more workers be hired, or should that money be used to purchase labor-saving equipment?
• Should facilities be expanded to enable increasing production and market expansion? If so, how should those facilities be financed?
• Should a diversified mix of products be produced, or should the business specialize in a few selected items?
• How and to whom will the output be sold?

Graduates find employment with a variety of agribusinesses including food processors, wholesalers, and retailers; marketing and purchasing cooperatives; and government agencies, as well as banks, insurance companies, and many other types of firms. Firms that supply inputs and virtually all of those in the agribusiness system are potential employers. They seek graduates to fill positions as management trainees, accountants, buyers, and in sales as field representatives.

Graduates also pursue law school or graduate school, or work toward owning and operating their own businesses.

For more information on Agribusiness Management, contact:

Dr. Jim Dunn
203 Armsby Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-8625

Megan Sinasky
Undergraduate Recruitment and Internship Coordinator
107C Armsby Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-6220

Donna Hawbaker
Undergraduate Programs Staff Assistant.
107 Armsby Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-0647  

Visit the Agribusiness Management Web site.