Agricultural Systems - Agricultural Business Concentration, BAS

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Agricultural Systems - Agricultural Business concentration prepares students for careers in farming management, consulting, loan advising, entrepreneurship, and/or pursuing graduate-level degrees. The program develops expertise in business planning, marketing strategies, financial assessments, and effective communication across multiple platforms. Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience assessing economic trends and practicing management theories. Emphasizing a holistic approach to managing agricultural systems, the curriculum prepares graduates to overcome real-world challenges. With a foundation in agriculture and business, graduates are equipped to enter production management with the knowledge and skills to enhance business sustainability and improve agricultural productivity. 

Degree Outcomes:

1. Apply key concepts in human ecology and natural resources management to sustainable agricultural systems regionally, nationally and globally, and communicate those concepts to a range of audiences in effective written and oral form. 
2. Critically examine complex agricultural systems using a range of frameworks and tools to be utilized at the managerial level.
3. Identify and frame constraints and opportunities for future sustainable agricultural systems with actionable plans. 
4. Establish an entrepreneurial outlook through multiple areas of business development readying for ownership or management.
5. Analyze complex agricultural systems, integrating societal, environmental and economic outlooks to develop perspectives in understanding how values shape commerce, research, policy and action in sustainable agriculture. 
6. Curate a personal philosophy for management through collaborative teams, presenting information for varied contexts and audiences, negotiate approaches and viewpoints, and take leadership roles on important issues.
7. Cultivate resources, mentorships, and insights to analyze the complexities of the agricultural industry to establish a sustainable outlook.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Agricultural Systems - Ag Business Concentration must have:

• Achieved at least an associate-level degree or 90 college credits
• Completed the following courses prior to acceptance in the program:
  • ENGL& 101 - English Composition I  
  • AGSC 201 - Basic Soil Science  
• At least one of the following plant science courses:
  • AGSC 113 - Cultivated Plants  
  • AGSC 114 - Plant Physiology  
  • BIOL& 213 - Majors Plant  
• At least one of the following economics courses:
  • AGBS 201 - Microeconomics in Agriculture /ECON& 201 - Micro Economics  
  • AGBS 221 - Introduction to Food and Agricultural Markets  
  • AGBS 222 - Agricultural and Water Policy  

Note: Substitutions may apply for applicants with degrees from other colleges. Contact the BAS Program Coordinator for assistance or questions regarding the entrance requirements.