Agribusiness Management

About the Program

Graduates of SMSU’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Agribusiness Management are successfully pursuing full-time professional careers in agribusinesses, cooperatives, agricultural sales, agricultural lending, commodity trading, and farm management. This is an exciting time for our agricultural economy. Farm and food industries are changing rapidly as new biotechnologies, geographic information systems, and worldwide growth in food-and-fuel demand increase the need for college-educated agricultural professionals. SMSU’s Agribusiness degree is designed to prepare students to enter this dynamic field.

SMSU’s BS in Agribusiness Management provides students with core business skills, applied science, and a choice of academic concentrations in either Agricultural Finance or Farm Management & Marketing. Double concentrations within the Agribusiness major are also an option. Paid summertime internships are an important element in SMSU’s Agribusiness Program. 

Preparation

Prospective Agribusiness students should complete the standard college preparation curriculum. High school students planning an Agribusiness career in a science-related profession should complete biology, chemistry, and mathematics courses as part of the pre-college curriculum. Extracurricular activities such as athletics, community volunteering, band, FFA, or 4-H help create a well-rounded education.

Agriculture@SMSU.edu

The Ag industry surrounds the campus for miles and is the heart of the regional economy, offering students an ideal setting to pursue an agriculture career. Vibrant relationships with industry provide critical support for SMSU Ag programs in many ways, including scholarships and sharing expertise through volunteerism. Across campus, SMSU students, faculty, staff, and administration create a warm atmosphere: “Where You Belong!”

Majors & Minors

• Major: Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management
  
  
• Online: Online Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management
  
  
• Minor: Agribusiness Management

Clubs & Organizations

SMSU students who are active in clubs and organizations build social connections, learn essential life skills, and enrich the value of their college experience. SMSU offers over 100 clubs and organizations! Below are opportunities worth consideration for any student who wants to build their network and expand their agricultural knowledge.

• SMSU Ag Club: Learn from industry professionals at most meetings, take advantage of regional travel opportunities, and participate in social outings, all of which help students expand their agricultural horizons.
  
  
• Ag House: Students interested in agriculture can live on campus with others who share their passion and engage in experiential learning opportunities.
  
  
• Post-Secondary Agricultural Student Organization: Opportunity to improve and expand agricultural skills through state and national competitions.

Contact Information

Agribusiness Management Program - Office

ST 201, Southwest Minnesota State University
1501 State St.
Marshall, MN 56258

• Telephone: (507) 537-6223
• Fax: (507) 537-6227
• Email: Agriculture@SMSU.edu

Career Opportunities

SMSU’s BS in Agribusiness Management prepares students for rewarding careers in the agriculture and food industries. 100% of our agribusiness graduates are hired annually into full-time positions directly related to their major! These permanent positions include ag loan officers, commodity brokers, elevator managers, ag chemical sales, implement dealers, farm managers, and conservation officers, to name a few. Across the Ag industry, demand currently far outpaces the supply of career-ready graduates.