Kent State University

What you'll study

This programme blends business fundamentals with agriculture-specific topics. You will take courses in accounting, finance, marketing and management alongside agricultural economics, farm management and commodity marketing. Practical and analytical skills are emphasised through coursework in agricultural production systems, supply chain management, agricultural law and policy, and sustainable production practices.

• Core business modules – financial accounting, managerial accounting, principles of management, marketing and business law.
• Agricultural-specific modules – agricultural economics, farm and agribusiness management, commodity marketing, agribusiness finance, and risk management.
• Production and sustainability – basics of crop and livestock production, soil and water stewardship, and sustainable agriculture practices.
• Analytical and technical skills – statistics and data analysis for business decisions, farm recordkeeping, and use of precision agriculture technologies where available.
• Practical experience – supervised internships or practicum placements with farms, agribusiness firms, cooperatives or extension services, and a senior capstone or applied project integrating business planning and market analysis.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Admissions typically look for a strong academic record and evidence of quantitative and communication ability.

• Recommended preparatory subjects: mathematics (algebra or higher), English and at least one laboratory science (biology, environmental science or chemistry).
• Typical documentation: official secondary school transcripts; some applicants may also submit standardised test scores if required or desired by the admissions office.
• Experience and interests: relevant extracurricular activities, work experience on farms or in agribusiness, and a personal statement outlining career goals can strengthen an application.
• Mature and transfer applicants: credits from regionally accredited colleges are considered; applicants should provide transcripts and any course descriptions for transfer evaluation.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles across production agriculture, agribusiness, food processing, input supply and agricultural services. The degree builds business acumen alongside sector-specific knowledge, making graduates attractive to employers throughout the agricultural value chain.

• Farm or ranch manager, and operations supervisor for commercial producers.
• Agribusiness sales and account management for seed, chemical, equipment and inputs suppliers.
• Commodity marketing and trading, supply chain and logistics roles within food and agricultural companies.
• Financial and risk management roles focused on agricultural lending, insurance and farm financial planning.
• Positions in extension, agricultural policy, sustainability consulting, and business development with cooperatives or start-ups.
• Opportunities for postgraduate study in agricultural economics, business (MBA) or specialised technical fields.

Why study at Kent State University

Kent State offers a student-centred learning environment with access to business-oriented coursework and experiential learning opportunities that connect theory to real-world agriculture. Students benefit from the university’s networks with regional agribusinesses and farms for internships, practicum placements and career networking.

• Interdisciplinary approach combining business training with agricultural and natural resource topics.
• Opportunities for hands-on learning through internships, applied projects and industry partnerships in Ohio’s diverse agricultural region.
• Support services including career counselling, internship placement assistance and student organisations related to agriculture and business.
• Pathways to further study or professional certification in areas such as farm management, finance and agribusiness marketing.