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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Agribusiness Undergraduate Program


As an Agribusiness major, you will take a blend of courses in business and agriculture that will give you a balance between the decision making framework of business and the technical aspects of modern agriculture and food systems. The program also allows you to build expertise by taking courses in your area of interest. Agribusiness students interact with agribusiness professionals through learning opportunities, both in and out of the classroom. As an Agribusiness major, you are given opportunities and support to reach your highest potential as you prepare for a career and leadership challenge in a dynamic agribusiness industry.

Also, as an Agribusiness major, you have the benefits of taking classes on two campuses. The City Campus at UNL provides students with a wide array of course offerings, the main branch of the UNL library system, numerous student involvement activities, cultural opportunities and many other events that a large campus can offer. East Campus, which is two miles east of City Campus, is home to the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR). IANR's mission of teaching, research and extension strengthens the offerings of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. East Campus is smaller, with an enrollment of about 1600 students. The East Campus Union is the hub of student activity.

Students can use the free UNL bus system for transportation between campuses. Shuttles run every 15 minutes during peak course times.

Resources

We are proud of the quality of the Agribusiness undergraduate program and are dedicated to keeping it one of the best. We place a high priority on teaching undergraduate courses effectively and working with students on a one-to-one basis.

The Undergradute Program Office has many excellent resources available to you; providing information and address concerns in many areas, including: registration, transfer credit evaluation, scholarship applications, internships, and placement upon graduation. Timely communication from the Undergraduate Program Office keeps you up to date on upcoming activities.

Internships & Permanent Employment Opportunities

The Agribusiness Program Office in the College of Business Administration continually updates information on internships and permanent employment opportunities. During Ag Careers Day held each Fall, many companies come to campus to provide information about employment, answer questions, and accept resumes for internships or employment after graduation. The University also has a Student Employment and Internship Center (SEIC) and Career Services Center to assist you in gaining internships and permanent employment.

Be sure to visit Career Opportunities, which lists typical positions and range of associated starting salaries from past graduates of the Agribusiness Program in the College of Business Administration.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln students have access to countless activities and organizations related to specific academic, social, cultural, or political interests. As an Agribusiness major, you have some unique membership opportunities such as the Agricultural Economics/Agribusiness Club, the UNL Marketing Club, all of which provide opportunities for interaction with agribusiness professionals, faculty, and fellow students. This networking can result in internships and independent study projects that provide valuable educational experience outside the traditional classroom setting. Other organization of interest to Agribusiness students include the National Agri-Marketing Association(NAMA), Alpha Zeta, Beta Gamma Sigma, and Gamma Sigma Delta honor societies.

Involvement in these and other organizations builds leadership, communication, teamwork, and organizational skills - skills that are paramount in today's world of agribusiness. Moreover, such activities provide a means for you to interact and form lasting friendships with others who share similar interests.

Employers also look for students who have been involved on campus. Students are encouraged to be involved in organizations on campus, and take leadership positions during your junior and senior year.

Scholarships

A number of scholarships are available each year specifically for Agribusiness majors. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, need and/or area of interest.

In addition to the scholarships awarded by the University, you can apply for the Forrest C. Blood Scholarship, a freshmen honors scholarship offered by the College of Business Administration, is awarded to approximately 10 new freshmen each year. To be eligible for this $1000 renewable scholarship, you must be admitted to the College of Business Administration and the Honors Program, have a minimum 28 ACT score, and, in certain instances, have financial need as determined by FAFSA. As with University scholarships, by applying for admission and submitting complete admissions application materials, you will be automatically considered for the Forrest C. Blood Scholarship.

CBA upper-class scholarships are available for students who have completed 12 credit hours at the University as students in the College of Business Administration. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding students depending upon major, extracurricular activities, grade point average, and financial need.

Program Information

Agribusinesses sell both products and services to agricultural producers and consumer and industrial products developed from agricultural output. Agribusiness involves 1 in every 4 jobs in Nebraska, and 1 in every 5 jobs in the U.S.

The Agribusiness major provides you with a unique opportunity to pursue a rigorous program of study in both business and agricultural sciences. Together, these areas blend the technical competence of modern agricultural and food systems with the decision-making framework of business.

For more information on majors in the College of Business Administration at the University of Nebraska, go here

The Agribusiness major is tailored to your area(s) of interest. Agribusiness majors in the College of Business Administration take 31 hours of coursework at the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

You are required to take Agricultural Economics 201 and 316, Marketing 211 or Agricultural Economics 212; and the remaining 21 hours as Production - 6 hours; Non-Production - 9 hours; and CASNR Electives - 6 hours. Production coursework includes classes from departments such as Agronomy, Animal Science, Horticulture, and Natural Resources. Non-Production coursework includes the other departments in CASNR and those that are not indicated as "production". CASNR electives consist of 6 hours of coursework from any CASNR department. For a complete listing of available Production, Non-Production, and electives, please see the agribusiness worksheet (46k PDF).

Allowing you to choose your Production, Non-Production, and elective classes gives you the flexibility and opportunity to build expertise in your area(s) of interest.

With the support of your adviser, you can develop special skills in a particular area by taking additional courses or pursuing a minor. You may choose to minor in areas such as International Business, Marketing, Communication Studies, Finance, or Accounting. Your experience may also include international study or a professional internship that gives you practical experience in a career you are interested in pursuing after graduation. You will be uniquely qualified upon graduation, with course work and experiences that enable you to maximize your full potential.