University of Vermont

What you'll study

This programme blends business fundamentals with agricultural science and food‑system studies. Core business topics typically include accounting, microeconomics and managerial finance, marketing, and strategic management tailored to agricultural enterprises. Agricultural and systems courses cover farm management, crop and livestock production basics, soil science, food supply chains, agricultural law and policy, and sustainability practices.

Students also engage in practical learning through laboratory classes, field work and farm practicums. Typical modules and learning activities you can expect are:

• Farm and Agribusiness Management: budgeting, enterprise analysis and capital planning for farms and rural businesses.
• Commodity Marketing and Risk Management: price discovery, futures/options basics and strategies for agricultural risk.
• Sustainable Production Systems: principles of soil health, integrated pest management and pasture/range management.
• Food Supply Chains and Value Chains: post‑harvest handling, distribution, traceability and local food systems.
• Business Analytics and Decision Making: quantitative methods, data interpretation and tools used in agribusiness.
• Agricultural Policy and Rural Development: how policy, regulation and community development affect farm viability.
• Capstone project or practicum and a supervised internship with farms, cooperatives, agribusinesses or extension services.

The programme typically allows elective choices or concentrations so students can emphasise areas such as entrepreneurship, sustainable food systems, or international agribusiness, and often incorporates opportunities for independent research, study‑away and collaborations with UVM Extension and campus farm facilities.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a secondary school completion qualification comparable to a US high school diploma. Typical academic preparation includes coursework in mathematics (algebra or higher), and science (biology, environmental science or related subjects) and strong overall grades. Universities often consider demonstrated interest in agriculture, food systems or business through work experience, volunteering or extracurricular activities when assessing applications.

Additional requirements and supporting materials commonly requested are a personal statement outlining your interest in agricultural business, at least one academic or professional reference, and a resume or list of relevant experience. Admissions may consider standardised test scores where submitted, but policies on testing vary; consult the university’s admissions pages for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles across the food and agriculture sector. Common career paths include:

• Farm or ranch manager and operator, overseeing production, finance and operations for family or commercial farms.
• Agribusiness analyst or supply‑chain coordinator for food processors, distributors and cooperatives.
• Sales and marketing roles for inputs, equipment or branded food products, including product development and value‑added ventures.
• Extension educator, outreach specialist or community development professional working with rural communities and producers.
• Consultant in farm management, sustainability planning, certification (organic, GAP) or agritech implementation.
• Positions in government agencies, non‑profits or policy organisations focused on agriculture, food security and rural economies.

Many graduates also pursue further study in business (MBA), agricultural economics, law, or specialised graduate programmes in food systems and sustainability.

Why study at University of Vermont

The University of Vermont sits in a region with active, diverse agricultural systems — from dairy and maple to vegetable and specialty crops — providing plentiful opportunities for field‑based learning. UVM’s links with UVM Extension, campus farms and regional producers support internships, applied research and community projects that connect classroom learning with real farm businesses.

The university emphasises interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to combine business training with sustainability, environmental science and food‑system perspectives. Small class sizes, faculty with applied and research expertise in agriculture and food systems, and access to hands‑on facilities make it a strong environment for students seeking practical, career‑oriented training in agricultural business and management.