The Agricultural
Business . . .
degree prepares you for an exciting career in a dynamic and growing sector of the economy. Our program combines a set of practical business tools, a sound foundation in economics, and an understanding of technical agriculture into a meaningful course of study. The major is designed to prepare students for their first job but also for success throughout their careers.
Agricultural Economics Department
103 Agricultural Science
(715) 425-3298
A program in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
Undergraduate Catalog
What can I do with a major in Agriculture?
Goals and Objectives
Students in the agricultural business management program are expected to
- Apply economic theory
- Improve oral, written and graphical communication skills
- Understand agricultural resource management in a broader socio-economic context
- Apply analytical skills/tools to data and information appropriately to draw economic and business decisions
- Develop the ability to make ethical business decisions.
Faculty
The six faculty members in the department of agricultural economics, which houses the agricultural business program, have doctoral degrees from major universities and significant professional experience outside the classroom. The university and the Board of Regents have recognized the department for its high quality teaching and academic advising.
- Two faculty members have been named “Distinguished Teacher of the Year” for the campus (in 1989 and 2006)
- Two have been selected as “University Adviser of the Year” (in 2002 and 2005)
- One has been named “Regents Teaching Professor” (in 2008)
- The university nominated the department for the “Regents Departmental Teaching Award” (in 2009)
Why Major in Agricultural Business?
Graduates of the agricultural business management program are in high demand. The major prepares students for a variety of entry level positions in the agricultural sector. By selecting a given minor/emphasis area, a student gives direction to the probable areas of employment. A few job titles that our graduates have include: loan officer, feed consultant, crop consultant, plant supervisor, farmer, farm manager, commodity futures trader, commodity merchandiser, machinery salesperson, office supervisor, territory administrator, agricultural statistician, livestock buyer, public relations officer, market manager, and professor (with additional graduate study).
Our graduates obtain jobs that pay well. Surveys by our career services indicate nearly 100 percent employment rates and starting salaries averaging above the median for college graduates. The U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates that there is a growing shortage of college graduates to fill the job needs of agricultural business.
Beyond preparation for your first job, this major prepares you for a successful career. Each year UW-River Falls recognizes one or two distinguished graduates of the university. Since 2003, 4 of the 7 people who have been honored with this award have been graduates of our program.
Strengths of the Program
In addition to high quality teaching and great career opportunities, the agricultural business program offers outstanding academic and networking opportunities to our students. We have a strong record of engaging our students in applied research projects, many sponsored by regional agricultural businesses. We sponsor two student clubs – the Agricultural Business and Marketing Society and the National Agricultural Marketing Association – which offer opportunities to build networks with fellow students and with professionals in these fields. |
