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Department of Agriculture

Agribusiness

The Agribusiness Degree emphasizes the application of management, marketing, finance, and other business concepts to the food and fiber system of agriculture. Students enrolled in the agribusiness program choose the combination of agriculture, agribusiness, economics, and business courses that best fit their career objectives.

Curriculum

Students in the agribusiness major take courses in farm managment, agriculture engineering, agronomy, animal science, business, and economics. General education courses that are required include: Fundamentals of Chemistry (CHE 110 and 112 or 140), and Finite Mathematics (MAT 120).

View the online Undergraduate Catalog for more about curriculum requirements, course descriptions, general education requirements, and additional degree requirements.

Career Opportunities Available to Our Graduates

Students graduating with a degree in agribusiness have great career opportunities available to them. Nationally the job market is excellent. A recent U.S. Department of Agriculture study indicates that there will be a significant shortage of college-educated individuals in the scientific and business specialties associated with the U.S. food and agricultural system.

Learning Outside the Classroom

Agribusiness students are encouraged to enhance their classroom experiences by participating in our internship program. On average the Department of Agriculture has 36 students completing internships each summer. The University Farm provides hands-on experiences and many employment opportunities are also available. Students have the opportunity to participate in the France Exchange Program and our student organizations help develop leadership skills and provide opportunities to network with fellow students, faculty, and professionals.

We Want to Help You Succeed!

The Department of Agriculture offers several scholarships, and interested students should apply. Applications for incoming students and current majors are available online. In addition to the University sponsored career events, the department hosts a Career Fair specifically geared toward the students seeking internships and full-time employment in the agriculture industry.

Come See For Yourself

We encourage prospective students to visit campus and meet with a representative from our department. To arrange a tour of campus please contact the Office of Admissions. For more information about the Agriculture Department or to arrange to meet with us in-person, please contact our department advisor, (309) 438-8767.

Possible Job Titles in the Area of Agribusiness

Potential Employers of Agribusiness Graduates

Accountant

Farm Manager

Commodity Trader

Credit Analyst

Insurance Underwriter

Policy Analyst

Market Advisor

Tax Consultant

Grain Merchandiser

International Trader

Public Relations

Retail Manager

Chicago Board of Trade

Dow AgroSciences

John Deere, Inc.

Pioneer

Advance Trading

1st Farm Credit Services

List of additional companies

IL Department of Agriculture

ADM

Growmark

USDA

American Farm Bureau

Bunge North America