Griffin Campus: Academic Programs: Programs of Study

Description of Major - Agribusiness

Agribusiness major leading to a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.S.A.) degree.

The agribusiness major prepares students for professional careers in agribusiness marketing, management, and finance. Agribusinesses process and market food and fiber products, supply inputs to agricultural production, and manage agricultural production. Agribusiness majors learn economic principles and strategies for agribusiness marketing and management. Students take courses in agribusiness management, marketing, accounting, economic theory, communications, mathematics, computers, and agriculture. Students learn decision-making skills for agribusiness management, finance, marketing, sales, processing, manufacturing, transportation, and international trade. The agribusiness degree provides career flexibility for students planning to work in private industry or government.

Practical Experiences
Agribusiness students develop management and financial strategies using case study data and microcomputer programs. Students forecast market prices, develop strategies for marketing new agribusiness products, and participate in case studies. Students develop communication skills for more effective agribusiness management. The agribusiness program is enriched by student participation in internships and cooperative projects with agribusiness companies and government agencies.

Career Opportunities
According to the Georgia Department of Labor, Workforce Information and Analysis Division, the demand for educated workers in careers related to urban agriculture is expected to increase between 30-50% by 2010. Specifically, jobs for Environmental Scientists and Specialists are expected to increase 39% by 2010. The median annual income in Georgia for Environmental Scientists and Specialists was $45,200 in 2002. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, median annual earnings of environmental scientists were $47,600. These careers typically require a Bachelors degree. A bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences offers an interdisciplinary approach to natural sciences. About 47 percent of environmental scientists were employed in State and local governments, 14 percent in architectural, engineering, and related services, 13 percent in management scientific and technical consulting services, and 9 percent in the Federal Government.