North Carolina State University

What you'll study

The programme blends coursework in business and agriculture so students develop both commercial decision-making skills and an understanding of production systems. Core business topics typically include accounting, finance, managerial economics, marketing, supply-chain management and business law. Agricultural and natural-resource components cover crop and livestock production principles, soil science, commodity markets, farm management and agricultural policy.

Students also study quantitative and analytical subjects such as statistics, applied econometrics and data analysis, and have opportunities to learn GIS, precision agriculture technologies and risk-management tools. The curriculum usually features experiential elements — laboratory classes, on-farm practicum, case studies, group projects and an internship or co‑op — culminating in a capstone or senior project that integrates business planning with agricultural realities.

• Agricultural and Resource Economics / Managerial Economics
• Principles of Crop and Livestock Production
• Agribusiness Marketing and Commodity Trading
• Accounting, Finance and Farm/Ranch Management
• Soil Science and Natural Resource Management
• Statistics, Data Analysis and Risk Management
• Business Law, Policy and Ethics
• Internship or experiential practicum; senior capstone project

Entry requirements

Admission is into North Carolina State University and into the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; applicants usually need to meet the university's standard undergraduate admission criteria. Successful candidates typically present a strong secondary-school record with coursework in algebra (including algebra II or equivalent), precalculus or calculus, and recommended science classes such as biology or chemistry. Backgrounds in economics, business or computer applications are helpful but not always required.

Transfer students are considered from community colleges and other universities; transferred credits for introductory business, economics and science courses may apply. International applicants should meet the university's English proficiency requirements and provide documentation equivalent to US secondary qualifications. Applicants are encouraged to highlight any agricultural work experience, involvement with FFA/4‑H, internships or relevant extracurricular activities.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of careers across the food, fibre and bioeconomy. Common roles include farm or ranch manager, agribusiness manager, commodity merchandiser, sales or marketing specialist for agri-input companies, supply-chain analyst and risk-management advisor. Opportunities also exist in cooperatives, food processors, agricultural finance and lending, consulting, commodity trading, and public-sector roles in policy, extension or resource management.

The degree also provides solid preparation for graduate study in agricultural economics, business, public policy or related fields, and for professional certification paths in accounting, finance and risk management.

Why study at North Carolina State University

North Carolina State's programme is housed within a college known for strong ties to production agriculture and applied research. Students benefit from hands-on learning on university farms and access to research centres and extension services that connect campus research with industry practice. The university's location offers proximity to diverse agricultural enterprises, food companies and a growing agri‑tech network, supporting internship and employment opportunities.

Students can draw on multidisciplinary resources across business, engineering and life sciences, and on career services that help place graduates with regional and national employers. Faculty commonly have applied research and industry experience, and the curriculum emphasises practical problem solving, making graduates ready to manage businesses and organisations in a changing agricultural economy.