Agriculture has gone beyond farming, harvesting, and processing of food crops. It’s now an art that must be learned especially the business aspect of it. This is what is known as agribusiness. Getting a masters in agribusiness programs will definitely be your competitive edge in this modern age of agriculture.
The development from agriculture to the agricultural industry has brought numerous advantages. This includes reduced drudgery for workers; the release of workers for non-agricultural purposes; better quality food and fibre; a wider variety of products; improved nutrition; and increased mobility of people.
There are academic degrees specializing in agribusiness, agribusiness departments, agribusiness trade associations, and agribusiness publications.
In the context of academic agribusiness management, every single element of agricultural production and distribution can be described as agribusiness.
However, the term “agricultural industry” most often emphasizes the “interdependency” of these different sectors within the production chain.
In this piece, we shall expose you fully to the masters program in agribusiness, prospective career around it and the institutions that offer the program.
About Agribusiness
Agribusiness is a sub-area of economic, management and organizational studies that aim to generate profits from agriculture and corporate agriculture.
Agribusiness includes the production, processing, and inventory of agricultural goods. It encompasses the management of agronomic equipment and technologies, raw materials, suppliers, workers, and other agricultural resources.
Similar disciplines include animal management, forest and nature management, living environment management, agricultural economics, and rural businesses.
In agriculture, “agribusiness” refers to the range of activities and disciplines that modern food production encompasses.
Masters in Agribusiness
A master’s degree in agribusiness or agricultural economics is usually an interdisciplinary degree that includes studies in agriculture, economics, business, management, and marketing.
This type of program focuses exclusively on the food and agricultural sectors and is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to manage and influence various agricultural industries.
Today, some of the country’s best-known institutions offer graduate programs in the agricultural industry and related fields.
The students gain an insight into the production and supply chain processes from raw material production to the consumer as well as into all phases in between trading, management, and advice, activities of companies that are active in the horticultural sector and food chains.
What are the specialties in Agribusiness?
Masters in Agribusiness usually cover topics such as agricultural economics, marketing for agricultural products, quality management, the sustainability of agricultural chains, international marketplaces for agribusiness, and others.
Specializations include international agribusiness and trade, food and agribusiness, international horticulture and marketing, agricultural entrepreneurship, agribusiness management, sustainable agribusiness and innovation, food marketing, and retail.
What Careers are Available for Masters Degree in Agribusiness Graduates?
Agricultural graduates can work in a variety of industries and positions, from accounting, insurance, and banking to seed production management, operations management, international marketing, or retail sales.
Professionals can work in product development companies, retail marketing companies, food processing companies, consultancy agencies, and public, government, or financial institutions.
Depending on your university, you will hold your Master of Science after a year or two. After that, numerous career paths have to be considered:
- Management and advice
- Postgraduate studies
- Commodity trading with agricultural companies
- Purchase for one of the major food companies
- marketing
- Research and technologies
The average salary for a holder of a masters degree in Agribusiness is from $72,000 to $84,000
What Schools offer Masters Degree in Agribusiness
Here is the list of the schools that offer Masters Degree in Agribusiness and they are available for local and foreign students to apply.
- Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas
- Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
- University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas
- University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska
- Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
- Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
- University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
- University of Tennessee at Martin, Martin, Tennessee
- Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
- Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
- North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
- Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
- University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
- Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky
- Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
- Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
- Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
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Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas
Master of Agriculture – Sustainable Agriculture and Food Environment
The top Master in Agricultural Economics or a related degree on our list is at Sam Houston State University. The program is aimed at people interested in a master’s degree in agriculture, sustainable agriculture or a related degree.
This distance learning program is only offered with courses that cover topics in advanced agricultural studies and sustainable food systems.
The courses include advanced agriculture and food entrepreneurship, applied horticultural science, consumer and food technology, diversified animal production, agriculture sales and communications, and sustainable energy and resources.
Sam Houston State offers our cheapest Master’s degrees in Agriculture or related studies.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,213
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Master’s in Agribusiness
One of the best master’s degrees in agricultural economics or agribusiness on our list is at Oklahoma State University. Students can complete a Masters in Agribusiness online.
The program is aimed at those who are interested in becoming decision-makers in agricultural roles and leadership positions.
This non-research degree is perfect for those who don’t want to study research but want to join the workforce immediately after graduation.
The courses in Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics include advanced agricultural finance, advanced farm and ranch management, agribusiness management, management, and organizational theory, and managerial economics.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,230
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Master of Laws in Agricultural and Food Law
The Master of Agricultural and Food Law from the University of Arkansas can appeal to those interested in a master’s degree in agricultural economics. The program consists of 100% of special courses that focus on the perspectives of consumers, farmers, and processors.
Full-time and part-time enrolment options are available, and the program can be completed in just two semesters or up to four years.
The courses include agricultural policy and the federal budget, agriculture and the environment, food law and policy, regulated markets in agriculture, and selected topics in agricultural and food law.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,096
University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska
Master’s in Agricultural Economics
Are you interested in a master’s degree in agriculture with a focus on economics? The University of Nebraska offers MS in Agricultural Economics that focuses on international trade and development, natural resources and environmental economics, and production economics.
All courses are carried out and cover topics such as analytical methods in economics and business, the economics of agricultural production, environmental law, law and economics, production economics, and economics of natural resources.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,556
Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Master’s in Agricultural Systems Management and Agricultural Development
Texas A&M University offers several masters in agribusiness-related courses, including agricultural development and management of agricultural systems.
The management program for agricultural systems also offers a focus on food processing technology and is aimed at people without a bachelor’s degree in engineering. The program does not require a thesis, but a senior project (or a thesis).
The Master in Agricultural Development is aimed specifically at those interested in careers in the agricultural industry. While the program is also a degree without a thesis, a 12-semester hour residence requirement must be met.
The courses include the development of funded research projects, volunteer leadership, and the philosophy of agricultural education.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,656
Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
Master’s in Seed Technology and Business
For those interested in a master’s degree in agriculture, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University offers a unique study program.
Students can register for the Seed Technology and Business Master’s course, which is offered entirely online. Business courses deal with seed-related issues, while practical applications are the focus of science and technology lessons.
All courses are offered and include plant improvements, introduction to the seed industry, marketing and logistics, seed production, and guidelines and regulations for the seed trade.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,172
University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
Master’s in Agricultural Leadership
The University of Missouri offers an alternative study program for those interested in a master’s degree in agriculture. Students can acquire an MS in Agricultural Leadership, Communication and Education entirely from Mizzou.
The program is aimed at people who want to pursue a career as agricultural educators, PR administrators, or youth specialists. Thesis and non-thesis options are available.
Some of the courses cover the basics of agricultural communication, international agriculture, risk and crisis communication, technological change, and the use of media in connection with agriculture.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,506
University of Tennessee at Martin, Martin, Tennessee
Master’s in Agriculture and Natural Resources – Agribusiness and Risk Management
Are you interested in a master’s degree in agricultural economics? The University of Tennessee in Martin offers a master’s degree in agriculture with a focus on agribusiness and risk management.
The degree comprises 36 hours of the final thesis with 18 hours of concentrated work. The courses include advanced agricultural marketing, agricultural production economics, analysis of agricultural risk and decision making, applied management science in agricultural systems, project management issues in agriculture, and strategic management issues in agriculture.
An oral and written final exam is also required.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,648
Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
Master’s in Agribusiness
Kansas State University offers an affordable master’s degree in an agribusiness course aimed at entry-level and mid-sized agribusiness managers who want to gain a thorough understanding of current agribusiness problems to advance their careers.
Forty-two credits are required, with most classes being offered entirely online. Four one-week sessions on campus are required during the two to two-and-a-half-year program.
The courses include financial management for agribusiness, risk management for agribusiness, applied agribusiness economics, international analysis of agribusiness policy, marketing concepts and research, and optimization techniques for agribusiness.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,972
Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
MS-MBA in Food and Agribusiness
Purdue University offers a study program for those who want to earn a master’s degree in agricultural economics or agribusiness. Upon completion of the program, Purdue’s Kelley School of Business will receive an MS-MBA in Food and Agribusiness Management.
The completion time for the program is approximately 27 months. This unique two-degree degree offers courses in economics for food and agribusiness managers, financial management, business law and ethics, strategic food and agribusiness management, and strategic marketing management.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,002
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
Master’s in Biological and Agricultural Engineering
One of the best master’s degrees in agriculture is located at the high-ranking and affordable North Carolina State University.
The school offers a master’s degree in bio and agricultural engineering for professionals who want to pursue a degree in agriculture for which no extensive research is required.
The program is aimed specifically at those who want to focus on environmental and bioprocess engineering. The courses include the disposal of agricultural waste, the introduction to agricultural and water technology and precision agriculture technology.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,224
Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
Master’s in Agriculture
One of the best agricultural master’s programs on our list is at Auburn University. This 30- to 36-hour program offers specializations in the areas of agronomy and soil, lawn management, and soil and water environmental sciences.
Required courses can include bioenergy and the environment, experimental methods, nutrient management, and soil chemistry. No thesis is required for graduation, although a special problem course and project must be completed.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,418
University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
Master’s in Food Technology
For those interested in food safety, the University of Georgia offers an accredited master in food technology. The program may be aimed at master’s students in agriculture who want to learn more about food safety and current regulatory practices.
All courses are offered and cover current advances and topics in food packaging technology, innovations in food processing, the integration of multidisciplinary topics in food, the marketing of foods with added value and microbial dangers in foods.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,750
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
Master’s in Integrated Resource Management
Colorado State University offers an integrated degree in resource management that can appeal to those interested in Masters in Agribusiness programs.
In fact, the students acquire a master’s degree in agriculture with a focus on integrated resource management. The courses are fully offered and the degree can be completed in two years.
Required courses include analyzing and managing the business, building the business, integrated decision making, products to benefit from, understanding and managing animal resources, and understanding policies and emerging issues.
While no thesis is required, students must complete a thesis to complete the degree.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,357
Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky
Master’s in Agriculture – Agribusiness Economics
Murray State University’s master’s degree in agriculture focuses on agriculture. The degree can be fully completed and includes courses such as agribusiness management, agricultural policy, experimental design and statistical analysis, research in agriculture, research methodology, and training and presentation development strategies for the agricultural audience.
The program can be completed in a year or two, and the department offers recommended course sequences depending on the completion time selected.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,568
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Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
Master’s in Plant Health Management
Ohio State University offers a degree that is designed for those interested in Masters in Agribusiness programs. Students can earn a master’s degree in phytosanitary management with minimal campus requirements.
A course, the diagnosis of plant diseases, must be completed in either Columbus or Wooster, depending on the year.
Other required courses include an introduction to experimental design, pesticide science, plant disease management, and the principles of weed ecology and management.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,425
Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
Master’s in Agriculture
A master’s degree in agriculture from Washington State University can be an alternative for those interested in a master’s degree in agribusiness.
The program is 100% online and offers various specializations, including economics. Students can choose either a thesis or a non-thesis and adapt their study achievements to their professional goals.
All courses are held by the same professors who teach on campus. The courses include economics for agricultural decisions, research methods, and global agricultural systems.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,745
Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
Master’s in Natural Resources
Oregon State University offers an alternative to a master’s degree in Agriculture. Students interested in agricultural sciences can complete a master’s degree in natural resources online.
The 45 credit program includes courses in ecology and production, human systems, methodology, and sustainable natural resources. Students can also choose a focus to focus on their studies.
The focus is on fisheries management, sustainable natural resources, or wildlife management. There is also a bespoke option for those who want to create their own focus based on interest and career goals.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,722
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
Master’s in Agricultural and Life Sciences
For those interested in a master’s degree in agriculture or a related degree, Virginia Tech offers a master’s degree in agricultural and life sciences with five concentration options.
The program is aimed at professionals who want to obtain a degree without having to commute to class.
All classes are offered and include marketing policies and business strategies for the agricultural industry, pollution from non-point agricultural sources, international agricultural development and trade, research methods, and land for professionals.
Students can concentrate their studies on one focus. These concentration options include education, environmental sciences, food safety, and biosecurity, leadership studies, plant science, and pest control.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,116
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
Master’s in Professional Studies – Agricultural Biosecurity and Food Défense
Variations of the master’s degree in agricultural business include agricultural biosecurity and food defense. This unique Masters course is offered at Pennsylvania State University and is aimed at busy professionals who want to learn more about securing the food supply chain in America.
Courses include biosecurity in agriculture – key infrastructure protection, disaster communications, image and elevation analysis in GIS applications, home security – policies and programs, social and ethical issues, and violence and threats – insurrection.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,270
Masters in Agribusiness – FAQs
The evolution from agriculture to agribusiness has brought with it numerous benefits. These include reduced drudgery for laborers; the release of workers for nonagricultural endeavors; a better quality of food and fibers; a greater variety of products; improved nutrition; and increased mobility of people.
Agribusiness refers to agriculture-related activities that put farmers, processors, distributors, and consumers within a system that produces, processes, transports, markets, and distributes agricultural products.
Financing agribusiness can increase the added value of raw materials, strengthening local rural economies, food security and nutrition, and improving the quality of life in many homes at risk of exclusion and vulnerability.
A career in agribusiness may not be high on your list of things to do, but if you have grown up in a farming community, it’s a natural route. While it helps to have a good understanding of the agricultural business, an in-depth knowledge is not necessary.
Conclusion
The modern age has brought about various changes in the way the economy is run. The world of agriculture had to change its perspective into a business approach. The combination has resulted in what is known as “AgriBusiness”.
Graduates with a masters degree in agriculture have the opportunity to contribute directly to improvements from farms to multinationals.
This maintains the high standards of the agricultural industry in the modern world. Graduates can now become relevant to society through the skills and techniques for problem-solving acquired in this course.
