PENN STATE ONLINE www.worldcampus.psu.edu Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management
TABLE OF CONTENTS Online Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management...3 Curriculum...4 Career Opportunities for Graduates...4 Why Penn State?...5 Frequently Asked Questions...6 Begin Your Application Today...7 The agribusiness industry accounts for nearly one-fifth of the U.S. gross national product. It employs close to one-fourth of the U.S. labor force. An increasingly global market driven economy imposes greater competitive pressures on agribusiness firms decision makers as they meet customers and consumers needs. Sustaining competitiveness over the long run involves attention to growth prospects associated with the innovations needed to keep pushing the competitive envelope, and the efficiency gains needed to ensure that implemented technologies can succeed. A degree in agribusiness management can prepare you to take on these challenges as you develop expertise in managing the vital market interconnections among food producers, processors, distributors, retailers, consumers, and regulators, with a goal to create a wholesome, safe, affordable, and accessible food supply for all. Spiro E. Stefanou Professor of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management Undergraduate Coordinator 2 800-252-3592
Online Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management The online Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management is a 120-credit program grounded in business management principles, designed to examine the critical challenges facing the agribusiness industry in the twentyfirst century. With this degree, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to make decisions around the financial, supply chain, and marketing functions that are central to the management of an agricultural business. Employment opportunities in the field of agribusiness management are broad and include a wide range of positions related to business management, finance, production, marketing, sales, and supply chain. Agribusiness management graduates possess knowledge, skills, and perspectives valued in many types of fields, including financial services, food production, agricultural supply and logistics, as well as retail and wholesale organizations. As a graduate of this program, you may also choose to pursue advanced degrees in finance, marketing, or business administration. www.worldcampus.psu.edu/agribusiness www.worldcampus.psu.edu 3
Curriculum Penn State s online Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management is designed to teach you to apply business fundamentals to real-world issues and opportunities in the agricultural and life sciences industries. Through this interdisciplinary approach, you can learn basic business principles, such as marketing and finance, with special emphasis on the multimillion-dollar food and fiber industry. In order to help you meet your individual career goals, many different course options are available to help you customize your degree to fit your needs. The following 3-credit courses are examples of those offered as part of the agribusiness management program: AG BM 102 Economics of the Food System AG BM 106 Agribusiness Problem Solving AG BM 302 Food Product Marketing AG BM 320 Markets and Prices: Analysis and Forecasting AG BM 408 Financial Decision Making for Agribusiness and food supply logistics, procurement, and input suppliers. As a graduate, you may also choose to pursue an advanced degree where you can combine your professional experience and education, leading to careers in fields such as business management, finance, or marketing. Agribusiness management graduates can also prepare for careers in many other occupations, including work as an account or sales manager for a corporation or large organization, as a loan officer for nonprofits or corporations, in pricing analytics, as a marketing coordinator, or as a production supervisor. AG BM 440 Food Product Innovation Management AG BM 460 Managing the Food System Career Opportunities for Graduates Through the online agribusiness management program, you can prepare for a challenging and rewarding career in a variety of fields, including food production, wholesaling and retailing industries, financial services, agricultural 4 800-252-3592
Why Penn State? Career-Enhancing Programs In a Wall Street Journal survey, recruiters ranked Penn State as the No. 1 institution in the nation, based on its well-rounded graduates who are most able to succeed in the workplace. Whether you are looking to broaden your education or whether you are just getting started, Penn State s online agribusiness management degree can be your stepping-stone for successful professional development. The World Campus s agribusiness management program offers: a career-focused curriculum built on the latest industry trends courses taught by highly respected faculty members who are experts in their fields an engaged and diverse network of peers Online Delivery Experience Penn State s World Campus In 1892, Penn State founded one of the nation s first correspondence courses. Over the years, our distance education options have evolved to include technology-enhanced learning experiences, culminating in the creation of Penn State s World Campus in 1998. As a pioneer in distance learning, we have significant experience in understanding the needs of offcampus students. Penn State s faculty members in the College of Agricultural Sciences are committed to creating a first-class learning environment for their students, no matter where in the world they are. You can experience courses that are: designed around best practices in online delivery taught by faculty with experience teaching in an online environment created using technology to support successful learning outcomes, not just convenience Academically Rigorous, Accredited Programs Our online courses are the same courses that we offer on campus; your diploma will look no different from the one earned by resident students. Our programs are also accredited through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (www.msche.org). Many of our individual programs have additional accreditations through governing bodies in those particular fields of study. www.worldcampus.psu.edu 5
Frequently Asked Questions How much is tuition? Tuition is based on cost-per-credit as is associated with your program of study. Tuition rates are assessed every semester of enrollment. As a student, you may incur additional charges, such as credit-by-examination, exam proctor, and transcript fees, during your course of study. Please visit our website for the most up-to-date tuition rate. Does Penn State World Campus offer financial aid? World Campus makes many options available to help you pay for your education. Full- and part-time degree-seeking students are eligible for federal student aid. We also have different options to help you, such as deferred payment plans, third-party payments for employed professionals, and military payment options. What does the online classroom look like? Our philosophy for designing online courses: Use the latest technology to best deliver the content in the most flexible way while keeping the technology transparent to you. We use one centralized platform where you can log into your classroom. There you can get assignments, interact with faculty and peers, reply to message boards, and do more. 6 800-252-3592 How long will it take me to finish my program? This answer varies for each student. There are many factors (e.g., transfer credits, course load per semester) that influence how long it will take. Depending on the program, some students are able to complete 12 credits every year others more than 20 credits. You will work closely with an agribusiness management faculty member to determine the best course of action for you to complete the program.
Begin Your Application Today To start the application process, visit www.worldcampus.psu.edu/agribusiness, and click on the Apply Now button to access your application. Remember that admissions counselors are available to talk with you about your educational goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines. To apply for the Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management, you need to be a high school graduate or have obtained a GED. Application Materials Complete online application form and fee Official high school transcripts or GED transcript Official military transcripts (if applicable) Official college or university transcripts (if you attended another institution) TOEFL score (if applicable) Please visit our website for a more detailed description of the requirements and procedure: www.worldcampus.psu.edu/admissions Did you know? Penn State credits and degrees earned online are identical to those earned on campus, but provide the flexibility to complete course work at times and places convenient for you. Penn State World Campus has enrolled students from all 50 states and all 7 continents. Our online agribusiness management program prepares students to compete for careers in some of the fastest-growing job markets in the country and around the world. www.worldcampus.psu.edu 7
For More Information Contact Us pennstateonline@psu.edu www.worldcampus.psu.edu 800-252-3592 (toll free within the United States) 814-865-5403 (local and international) 814-865-3290 Fax Student Services Hours (inquiries and registration) 8:00 a.m. 9:30 p.m. ET Monday Thursday 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. ET Friday Closed Saturday and Sunday Admissions Counseling Hours 8:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. ET Monday Thursday 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. ET Friday Closed Saturday and Sunday Penn State World Campus The Pennsylvania State University 128 Outreach Building University Park PA 16802 This publication is available in alternative media on request. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce. Produced by Outreach and Online Education Marketing U.Ed.OUT 14-0352/14-WC-0542ajw/smb Copyright 2014 The Pennsylvania State University