Graduates of the Agricultural Systems Management program manage people, money and machines in the food and agricultural industries. They are typically employed as production or processing operations managers, equipment managers, or in technical sales and services. Employers include farm and industrial equipment companies, food processing plants, cotton gins, grain and seed companies, livestock feeding operations, irrigation companies, construction companies, manufacturers, and a variety of other employers who need technical managers.

The technological courses are applications-oriented and focus on practical experience in food processing systems, water management, machinery and power systems, electrical systems and electronics. Business courses include accounting, economics, marketing, management, law and finance. Students can obtain a minor in either Agricultural Economics or Business by taking the 15 hours of noted coursework, plus one additional 3-hour class per minor. Management and systems science techniques such as linear programming, simulation, optimization, queuing theory, inventory models, PERT/CPM and expert systems are taught along with applications for solving realistic problems faced by agribusiness managers. Supporting courses provide a foundation of mathematics, chemistry, computer and communications skills. Technical electives are available to develop a degree program that meets personal career objectives.

The curriculum is administered by the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering and leads to the Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Systems Management. AGSM 360 prepares students for the opportunity to pursue an occupational license. Students who participate in the class regularly and pass the course will be eligible for a "30 hour Course for General Industry" diploma from NASP. Please refer to the Notification for Students Pursuing an Occupational License in our catalog for additional information.

¹

To be selected from the University Core Curriculum.

²

The 3 hours of international and cultural diversity and 3 hours of cultural discourse courses, as required for graduation, may be met in the curriculum. Students may select Language, Philosophy, and Culture, Creative Arts, Technical Electives, or American History Electives that also meet the ICD/CD requirement.

³

A minor in Business may be obtained by completing the noted courses, plus ISTM 209. Each of these courses must be completed with a C or better.

⁴

A minor in Agricultural Economics may be obtained by completed the noted courses, plus AGEC 105. Each of these courses must be completed with a C or better. 

⁵

Select six hours from the following: AGSM 335, AGSM 337, AGSM 435, AGSM 437, AGSM 477.

⁶

All undergraduate students must take at least two (2) specific courses in their major designated as writing intensive (W). This course is an approved W course.

⁷

Technical electives must be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor and from the current list of approved electives published by the department.

A grade of C or better is required for all Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) courses; ACCT 209, AGSM 301, CHEM 119, ECON 202, MATH 140, MATH 142 and PHYS 201, or equivalents and senior capstone courses AGSM 439 and AGSM 440.