Michigan State University

What you'll study

The programme blends business fundamentals with agricultural economics and applied courses addressing food systems, commodity markets and farm management. Core topics typically include microeconomics and macroeconomics, accounting, agricultural finance, marketing for agribusiness, production economics, commodity and futures markets, supply chain management, and risk analysis.

Students also study quantitative methods such as statistics, econometrics and managerial decision tools used for business planning and policy analysis. Applied components often include a senior capstone or practicum, case studies, farm or processing enterprise visits, and opportunities for internships with agribusiness firms, cooperatives or extension services.

• Core business and economics: financial accounting, managerial accounting, microeconomics, managerial economics.
• Agricultural and food systems: farm and agribusiness management, commodity marketing, food supply chains, production economics.
• Quantitative and policy tools: statistics for decision making, econometrics, agricultural policy and law, risk management.
• Experiential learning: internships, capstone projects, industry-led case competitions, field labs and extension collaborations.
• Electives: options may include food safety and regulation, international agribusiness, horticulture fundamentals, sustainability in agriculture, and entrepreneurship.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a secondary school credential equivalent to a high school diploma. Strong preparation in mathematics (algebra and preferably precalculus), writing and the sciences will support success in the degree. Background in economics, business or agricultural subjects is helpful but not essential.

Selection is based on overall academic record, curriculum strength and any relevant experience such as work or voluntary activity in agriculture or business. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests unless they meet institutional exemptions. Prospective students with vocational agricultural qualifications or relevant workplace experience should review transfer-credit options.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles across the agrifood value chain. Typical entry-level and mid-career positions include farm or ranch manager, agribusiness sales and marketing representative, commodity trader or analyst, supply chain and logistics coordinator, financial analyst for agricultural lenders, and product manager for food processors.

Other career directions include work with agricultural input suppliers, cooperatives, extension and outreach services, commodity associations, policy and regulatory bodies, or consulting firms. Many graduates also pursue further study in business (MBA), agricultural economics, law or specialised master’s programmes to broaden career options.

Why study at Michigan State University

Michigan State is a land‑grant institution with a long tradition of applied agricultural research and outreach. The programme is housed within departments that collaborate closely with MSU AgBioResearch and the Extension network, giving students access to applied research projects, demonstration farms and industry partnerships.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary links to MSU’s business and natural resources units, organised internship pipelines into regional and national agribusiness firms, and campus resources such as entrepreneurship support and career services. The university’s location in a major agricultural state provides practical opportunities for fieldwork, employer engagement and real-world learning in diverse production and processing systems.