田纳西大学

Students majoring in food and agricultural business are prepared for a wide variety of career opportunities. The focus of their studies is on the functioning of the agri-food sector in the global economic system and the economic principles for decision making by business managers, consumers, policymakers, and others within that sector. Students complete a curriculum designed to provide them with a broad-based education and the specialized skills necessary for a successful career in the agri-food industry or with a related organization or public agency. The curriculum builds upon the university-wide general education requirements by adding a set of directed electives from within the Herbert College of Agriculture, a set of core courses from within the Haslam College of Business, and a set of required courses within the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics.

Students graduating with a major in food and agricultural business have many career options. Many graduates take positions in management or marketing with businesses involved in the farm input supply sector. This would include large multinational corporations that manufacture inputs such as machinery, chemicals, and feed, as well as local retailers of such items. Other graduates manage operations involved in the production of agricultural commodities or the processing of food products. Graduates also find career opportunities with food distribution and retailing companies serving as managers, marketing representatives, or in areas of customer service and public relations. Graduates are employed in financial institutions, insurance agencies, or real estate companies. Many industry organizations and government agencies also have employment opportunities for our graduates. It is not uncommon for our graduates to take positions with businesses that are outside the agri-food industry. Graduates also find themselves well prepared for graduate study in agricultural and resource economics or agribusiness management, as well as for professional programs such as law.

FOOD AND AG BUSINESS CONCENTRATIONS:

• AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT: This concentration focuses on futures/options markets and ag commodity policy, as well as animal science, plant science, and other courses related to production agriculture. Possible careers include management of a farm or agricultural production or work in the farm input supply sector.

• FINANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT: Students in this concentration are interested in working in some capacity within the finance, insurance, or real estate industries, or for the US Department of Agriculture agencies that administer the commodity and crop insurance program. Classes include rural real estate appraisal, agricultural law, and commodity policy, and students earn a minor in Business Administration.

• FOOD INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT: This concentration is appropriate for students interested in employment with companies engaged in the processing of agricultural commodities or the manufacturing, wholesaling, or retailing of food products. This program includes classes on food industry management, marketing and food policy. Students also earn a minor in Business Administration.

• LAW AND POLICY: Law and Policy is a great concentration for students interested in law school or a graduate program in public administration or public policy, as well as students interested in working for a government agency or industry organization. Students take courses in areas of law and policy in addition to the other Food and Agricultural Business classes.