Doane University

What you'll study

This degree blends business fundamentals with agricultural systems to give you the skills needed to manage farms, agribusiness firms and supply chains. You will complete a liberal-arts core alongside focused coursework in economics, finance and farm decision-making. Typical modules include:

• Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics – market behaviour, pricing and policy influences on agriculture.
• Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting – interpreting financial statements and budgeting for agricultural enterprises.
• Agricultural Finance and Risk Management – capital budgeting, credit analysis and strategies for managing price and production risk.
• Farm and Agribusiness Management – production economics, enterprise planning and labour management for farm operations.
• Agribusiness Marketing and Sales – commodity and input marketing, distribution channels and customer relationship management.
• Agricultural Policy and Law – regulation, subsidies, land use and food system governance.
• Supply Chain and Operations Management – logistics, inventory and quality control in food and commodity supply chains.
• Precision Agriculture and Sustainable Production – introduction to technologies and practices that improve efficiency and environmental performance.
• Quantitative Methods for Business – statistics, data analysis and decision tools used in business planning.
• Capstone Project or Internship – applied project or placement with an agribusiness firm, producer organisation or related agency.

Courses are typically delivered through a mix of classroom learning, case studies, field visits, labs and supervised internships. Students are encouraged to undertake applied research projects and to take electives that broaden skills in areas such as entrepreneurship, sustainability or information systems.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school qualification or equivalent. Doane University evaluates applicants on the basis of academic records, recommendations and a personal statement. The programme commonly expects:

• A completed high-school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• A strong background in mathematics (algebra) and recommended preparation in economics and the natural sciences where possible.
• Transcripts and at least one academic reference; some applicants may be invited to an interview or to submit a resume outlining relevant experience.
• For transfer applicants, academic records from previous post-secondary study are reviewed and course credits may be awarded where appropriate.
• International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or prior education taught in English, and submit certified transcripts and immigration documentation as required.

Standardised tests may be optional depending on admissions policies; prospective students should consult Doane's admissions office for guidance on current requirements and any preparatory pathways.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of careers across production agriculture, input and commodity firms, food processing, finance and public policy. Typical roles include:

• Farm or ranch manager and operator
• Agribusiness sales and marketing representative
• Agricultural lender or credit analyst
• Supply chain coordinator or logistics manager in food firms
• Commodity trading and risk management analyst
• Consultant in farm business planning, sustainability or precision agriculture
• Extension educator, cooperative or government agency staff
• Graduate study pathways such as agricultural economics, business (MBA) or specialised technical masters programmes

Doane emphasises experiential learning and employer engagement, which helps students secure internships and entry-level positions across regional and national agribusiness networks.

Why study at Doane University

• Personalised teaching: small class sizes and close faculty mentoring mean students receive tailored guidance on academic and career goals.
• Applied learning focus: the curriculum emphasises hands-on projects, field experience and internships that connect classroom theory to real-world agricultural challenges.
• Regional agricultural connections: Doane’s location in an agricultural region provides access to farms, agribusinesses and extension networks for placements and partnerships.
• Liberal-arts breadth: a rounded education that develops communication, critical thinking and leadership skills valued by employers.
• Career support: proactive career services and alumni links help students explore career options and secure internships, placements and graduate study opportunities.

Overall, the programme is suited to students seeking a business-focused degree with practical training tailored to the agricultural and food sectors, delivered in a supportive, student-centred environment.