agribusiness team

Bachelor of Science inAgribusiness Management

Program summary

Learn to combine core business concepts with principles of the agricultural industry as you focus on commodity markets, production, manufacturing, distribution, and the overall food system with this online degree program.

Application deadline

Apply by June 30 to start August 26

Credits and costs

120 Credits$626/$671 per credit

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Cultivate Your Career with an Online Agribusiness Degree

As the world's population continues to grow, successful production of food and other agricultural products will remain a global issue for many years to come. The Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management can prepare you for a successful business career in industries related to the food system. This degree can help you develop vital decision-making skills, understanding of the agricultural-food system dynamics, and leadership/management qualities to enhance your contributions to agribusiness enterprises or even your own entrepreneurial ventures.

Why an Agribusiness Management Degree Online at Penn State?

Penn State's online Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management provides an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates studies in agriculture and business management with courses in finance, supply chain, marketing, and consumer behavior. You can apply the skills you learn directly to the challenges that agribusinesses face today.

Within the agribusiness management degree, you will also select 12 credits in a specialty area that you will choose in consultation with your Penn State World Campus adviser. Students often use these courses to pursue their interest in other agriculture-related areas, business and leadership areas, or something completely different. Or you can choose to use these 12 credits toward earning one of the online minors available to complement your interests and strengthen your career aspirations by differentiating your course work.

Who Should Apply?

This could be an excellent program for you if you already work or aspire to work in the world food system in areas such as food agriculture, forestry, fishing, food manufacturing, grocery and farm wholesale, lawn, garden, grocery stores, or transportation and storage.

Learning Outcomes

After successfully completing the Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management program, you should be able to implement these skills in the workplace:

  • Application of Technology: Apply contemporary information technology tools, including business software applicable to the field of agribusiness.
  • Data Analysis and Problem-Solving: Recognize, analyze, and solve issues within agribusiness, using quantitative and qualitative measures.
  • Management Theory/Practice: Employ agribusiness concepts and principles to contemporary organizational practices.
  • Industry Communication: Describe key concepts in agricultural and business management and explain how business management concepts can be applied to manage interactions with other parts of the food system and achieve a competitive advantage in the agricultural business world.

Online Education at Penn State

Penn State has a history of 100+ years of distance education and more than a decade of experience in online learning. We create an online learning environment that offers you the same quality education our residential students experience in a face-to-face setting. Learn more about Penn State World Campus.

Courses

Penn State's online Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management is designed to provide you with an understanding of how to apply business principles to real-world issues and opportunities in the agricultural and life sciences industries. This interdisciplinary approach allows you to focus on business basics, such as marketing and finance, with specialties related to the multimillion-dollar food and fiber industry. The program offers a variety of course options, so you can customize the degree to meet your specific career goals.

The number of credits you will have to take will vary according to the courses you transfer into the business degree program. All students are expected to complete at least 36 credits at Penn State to earn this degree. Once you are admitted into the degree program, an academic adviser will help you determine the remaining requirements.

This course list includes only courses offered through World Campus. An official degree audit or the recommended academic plan for this program may include additional course options and detailed requirements.

Prescribed Courses (37 credits)

  • 4
    credits

    Introduction to the role of accounting numbers in the process of managing a business and in investor decision-making.

    • Prerequisite

      MATH 21 or 1.5 units of high school algebra

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to topics designed to develop an understanding of how the food production, processing, and marketing system works and evolves.

    • C or better

      A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.

  • 3
    credits

    Development of quantitative problem-solving skills applied to specific examples of agribusiness management problems, using Excel spreadsheets.

    • Prerequisite

      AGBM 101

    • C or better

      A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.

  • 3
    credits

    Analysis of economic and psychological determinants of the demand for food; marketing decisions in an increasingly consumer-driven food system.

    • Prerequisite

      AGBM 101 and AGBM 102 and AGBM 106

    • C or better

      A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.

  • 3
    credits

    Utilize case studies to investigate strategic decision-making among agribusiness firms, highlighting how information and market power shape strategies.

    • Prerequisite

      AGBM 101 and AGBM 102 and AGBM 106

    • C or better

      A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.

  • 3
    credits

    Understand how prices are determined; develop the skill to analyze and forecast how prices change as the underlying conditions change.

    • Prerequisite

      AGBM 101, AGBM 102, and AGBM 106; SCM 200 or STAT 200

    • C or better

      A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.

  • 3
    credits

    National income measurement; aggregate economic models; money and income; policy problems.

  • 3
    credits

    Writing reports and other common forms of business communication.

    • Prerequisite

      (ENGL 15 or ENGL 30) and fourth-semester standing

    • C or better

      A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.

    • GWS

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Writing/Speaking (GWS) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    Nature of finance function; risk and return concepts; working capital; dividend policies; mergers; security markets; acquisition and management of corporate capital; analysis of operations; forecasting capital requirements; raising capital; and planning profits. Available to baccalaureate students only.

    • Prerequisite

      (ENGL 15 or ENGL 30) and ACCTG 211 and (ECON 102 or ECON 104) and (SCM 200 or STAT 200)

  • 3
    credits

    Study of fundamental principles and processes available to the understanding of management.

    • Prerequisite

      (ENGL 15 or ENGL 30) and (ECON 102 or ECON 104) and (MATH 021 or higher or satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination)

  • 3
    credits

    Covers terminology and important concepts related to marketing in the business environment. Domestic and international environments that impact marketing are included, with particular emphasis on the marketing environment, segmentation, positioning, and targeting. Not available to students who have taken BA 303.

    • Prerequisite

      (ENGL 15 or ENGL 30) and (ECON 102 or ECON 104) and (MATH 021 or higher or satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination.)

  • 3
    credits

    Supply chain management concepts, principles, and methodologies.

    • Prerequisite

      ACCTG 211 and ECON 102 and (SCM 200 or STAT 200)

Additional Courses (select 30 credits)

    • 3
      credits

      This course introduces students to microeconomic principles in the context of food and agriculture.

      • C or better

        A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      Methods of economic analysis and their use; price determination; theory of the firm; distribution.

      • C or better

        A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.

  • 3
    credits

    Develop financial management and business analysis skills, integrating previous course work and finance training; principles of financial management, planning, control.

    • Prerequisite

      AGBM 308W and FIN 301

  • 3
    credits

    A problem-based course designed to enhance decision-making skills in the context of industry's approach to developing new food products.

    • Prerequisite

      6 credits in AGBM and/or ECON

  • 3
    credits

    Firm management in the food system; coordination with suppliers and customers, including supply chain management, strategic thinking, risk management.

    • Prerequisite

      AGBM 320 and AGBM 338

  • 4
    credits

    Explores the ethical, political, social, legal and regulatory, technological, and demographic diversity environment of business.

    • Note

      A student may not receive credit toward graduation for both BLAW 243 and BA 243.

    • 3
      credits

      The use, analysis, and design of information systems and technologies to organize, coordinate, and inform human enterprises.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      Provides an overview of the role of information systems in business process design; the current technologies used for obtaining, storing, securing, and communicating information in support of operations and decision-making within a business organization; as well as the concepts and principles for developing and using popular spreadsheet and database tools.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      This introductory course spans areas of security, risk, and analysis covering contexts in government agencies and business organizations.

    • 4
      credits

      Introduces and develops the mathematical skills required for analyzing change, and the underlying mathematical behaviors that model real-life economics and financial applications. Develops student knowledge of calculus techniques, and how to use a calculus framework to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

      • Prerequisite

        MATH 022 or MATH 40 or MATH 41 or satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination

      • C or better

        A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.

    • or:
      4
      credits

      Introduces and develops the mathematical skills required for analyzing change and creating mathematical models that replicate real-life phenomena. Develops student knowledge of calculus techniques and how to use the calculus environment to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

      • Prerequisite

        MATH 22 and MATH 26 or MATH 26 and satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination or MATH 40 or MATH 41 or satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination.

      • C or better

        A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.

  • 3
    credits

    The nature and characteristics of human societies and social life.

  • 4
    credits

    Descriptive Statistics, frequency distributions, probability and normal distributions, statistical inference, linear regression, and correlation.

    • Prerequisite

      Placement into MATH 21 or higher.

    • C or better

      A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.

Specialization Courses (select 12 credits)

Select 12 credits in specialty area, in consultation with an adviser. At least 6 credits must be at the 300 or 400 level.

General Education Requirements

Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.

  • Foundations: 15 credits  
    All courses require a grade of C or better. Inter-Domain courses may not be used for foundations requirements. 
    • Writing/Speaking: 9 credits 
    • Quantification: 6 credits 
      3-6 credits are selected from mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics; 3 credits may be selected from computer science or symbolic logic. 
  • Knowledge Domains: 15 credits  
    Inter-Domain courses may not be used for knowledge domain requirements.
    • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits 
    • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits 
    • Arts (GA): 3 credits 
    • Humanities (GH): 3 credits 
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits  
  • Integrative Studies: 6 credits
    • Inter-Domain course work: 6 credits  
  • Exploration: 9 credits 
    • Natural Sciences (GN) (may be Inter-Domain): 3 credits
    • GA, GH, GN, GS, and Inter-Domain courses: 6 credits  
      May include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the requirements of the student’s degree program or at the 12th credit level, whichever is higher.

These General Education Requirements are for students who started in summer 2023 or later. Students who started earlier can review the prior version of the general education requirements. 

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Costs and Financial Aid

Undergraduate Tuition

Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State.

Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2023–24 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024 semesters.

How many credits do you plan to take per semester?If you have 59 or fewer creditsIf you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer$626 per credit$671 per credit
12–19$7,602 per semester$8,206 per semester

Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19. 

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.

How many credits do you plan to take per semester?If you have 59 or fewer creditsIf you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer$632 per credit$678 per credit
12–19$7,678 per semester$8,288 per semester

Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19. 

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

How to Apply

Deadlines and Important Dates

Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.

  • Fall Deadline:  Apply by June 30 to start August 26
  • Spring Deadline:  Apply by October 31 to start January 13
  • Summer Deadline:  Apply by March 15, 2025, to start May 19, 2025

New students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by March 1. Please visit the Office of Student Aid website for more information about applying for financial aid and recommended deadlines.

Admissions Help

Thank you for your interest in applying to this program. Contact an admissions counselor to discuss your educational goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines.

Admission Requirements 

The agribusiness management bachelor's program is designed for you if you have:

  • an interest in agriculture-related fields, economics, finance, and/or marketing
  • an employment background in an agriculture- or business-focused career, such as farming, production, or facility operator, and if you want to complete a degree to advance in your current position or seek out a new career opportunity
  • an associate degree in a related field or have completed the first two years of a bachelor's degree (not required)

What You Need

Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need the following items to complete your application:

High school transcripts or GED transcript — First-year applicants are required to submit Self-Reported Academic Records (SRAR). Official high school transcripts will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.

Official college or university transcripts, if you attended another institution, and/or official military transcripts (if applicable) — All college or university transcripts are required regardless of the length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or the accreditation of the institutions attended. Acceptance of transfer credit toward your degree is subject to final approval by the academic department. For detailed information, see the Transfer Students page.

Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Please send your transcripts by mail or electronically through Parchment, eScrip-Safe, or the National Student Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where course work was attempted.

Submit official documents by mail to:

Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park, PA 16802

English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Language Proficiency section on the Undergraduate Admissions International Requirements page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

Start Your Application

Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions. 

If this is your first time applying to Penn State, you'll need to complete the following steps:

  1. Review the application instructions before beginning.
  2. Complete the online application and submit all official documents.
  3. Pay the application fee.

Checking Your Status

You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form and choosing "MyPennState — Check Application Status." Your decision letter (confirming your acceptance or denial) will be mailed four to six weeks after receipt of all application materials. An admissions counselor will contact you if additional information is required.

Technical Requirements 

Review the technical requirements for this degree program.

Ready to Learn More?

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State bachelor's degree?

Apply by June 30 to start August 26. How to Apply 

Start or Advance Your Career

Hiring manager reviewing a resume or CV with a job candidate

The online agribusiness management degree program and Penn State career resources can prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career in a number of fields, including food production, wholesaling and retailing industries, financial services, agricultural supply logistics, procurement, and input supply. You can also pursue advanced study in business administration, finance, or marketing.


Job Titles Related to This Degree

The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

  • Farm Business Management Agent
  • Farm Manager
  • Field Operations Farm Manager
  • Greenhouse Manager
  • Nursery Manager
  • Ranch Manager

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

2.7%
employment growth (10 years)
27,670
total employment

Farm and Home Management Educators

-2%
employment growth (10 years)
8,220
total employment

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

-4.6%
employment growth (10 years)
6,250
total employment

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

Student having a virtual meeting on a laptop with a career counselor

From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Contact Us

To learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management, offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, please contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]

Faculty

  • C. Daniel Azzara

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Food Science, Penn State
    • Degree
      M.S., Food Science, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.S., Science Education, Virginia Tech

    Dr. C. Daniel Azzara is the Alan R. Warehime Professor of Food and Agribusiness and director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the College of Agricultural Sciences. Prior to this role, he spent more than 25 years in industry and retired as an R&D executive. His work focuses on company strategy, with particular emphasis on new product development and corporate social responsibility.

  • Rachael Brown

    • Degree
      M.S., Agricultural Economics, University of Kentucky
    • Degree
      B.S., Agricultural Economics, University of Florida

    Rachael Brown is a part-time instructor for the B.S. in Agribusiness Management. She has worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and she currently works for the United States Coast Guard. She has specialty experience in regulatory, production, and environmental economics as they relate to agricultural economics.

  • Kyle Hoy

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Agricultural, Environmental, and Regional Economics, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.A., Economics, Lebanon Valley College

    Dr. Kyle Hoy studies the effects of shale gas development and resource taxation.

  • Jonathan Tuthill

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Agricultural Economics, Penn State
    • Degree
      M.S., Agricultural Economics and Operations Research, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.A., Economics, Dickinson College

    Dr. Jonathan Tuthill is a senior instructor as well as the lead faculty member for the B.S. in Agribusiness Management program. He is interested in agricultural risk management issues and all types of quantitative analysis as it applies to agribusiness management.

News


Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State bachelor's degree?

Apply by June 30 to start August 26. How to Apply