Business Administration - Agribusiness Concentration

About this Composite Major

Agribusiness management students study accounting, management, finance, and marketing, and learn how to apply this knowledge to production and decision-making processes across a wide variety of organizations in the agribusiness industry.

A VCSU business student presents work during class

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities continue to be strong in this sector with many areas experiencing shortages of qualified employees. Career opportunities vary widely. Students find paths that can include:

Ag Lending
Ag Finance
Accounting
Crop and/or Livestock Producer
Farm Management
Grain and/or Livestock Buyer
Manufacturing Manager
Market Analyst
Program Specialist
Sales Manager

Get Involved in your Major

Business Club is just one way to get involved in your major. The goal of the club is to provide opportunities for students to develop the skills, abilities, and leadership qualities necessary to enter and be successful in the workplace. This organization allows business students to network and focus their time and energy on activities that will enhance their educational experiences and better prepare them for the job market. Students are also encouraged to participate in business-related competitions and attend guest lectures.

Meet a Student

VCSU student Braylen Bruns works on a spreadsheet during a business class

"Agriculture is one of the quickest growing industries and isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The Ag Business program at VCSU has given me the tools I need to make important business decisions both on and off the farm." - Braylen Bruns, Valley City, N.D.

“Attending VCSU was one of the best decisions of my life. It truly helped me grow as a person and led me to where I am today. I met so many great people there and made so many memories. It is amazing how much it feels like home and how you get to know everyone. VCSU is blessed with amazing professors who truly care about you as a person and want you to succeed. They are able to teach you valuable skills that are truly useful and applicable in the “real world.” VCSU will always be in my heart and I can’t wait to visit often. Go Vikes!” - Bradyn Sand, '20

Practical Experience

Students are encouraged to earn credits by extending their learning beyond the classroom. Job shadowing opportunities exist that allow students to observe the performance of employees in careers related to their area of study. Students will have the opportunity to participate in tours, workshops, fairs, and conferences.

An internship or business practicum is a valuable learning experience that can enhance the student's educational experience. These hands-on learning opportunities allow students to apply knowledge to real-world situations, gain opportunities to network, and may lead to job offers. The business practicum includes a student led business incubator and a volunteer tax preparation site. Area businesses and organizations that have offered internships to VCSU students include Arthur Companies Inc., The ARC Group, Bank Forward, Centrol Ag Consulting, Columbia Grain, Dakotah Bank, Doosan Bobcat, John Deere Seeding Group, Larson Grain, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Riverton Research Inc., USDA Farm Service Agency, Valley Plains Equipment, and Wold Engineering.

Accreditation

The Department of Business at Valley City State University has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please view our IACBE Member status page.

Contact Information

Department Chair

Wesley Wright, wesley.wright.1@vcsu.edu, (701) 845-7519

Faculty Contact

Sandy Dally, sandra.dally@vcsu.edu, (701) 845-7513

Department Location

Vangstad 116

Schedule your visit today!

http://visit.vcsu.edu/

(701) 845-7101 or (800) 532-8641

General Education Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
English Composition
Select one of the following:		6
ENGL 110	College Composition I
ENGL 120	College Composition II
or ENGL 125	Introduction to Professional Writing
or
ENGL 120	College Composition II
or ENGL 125	Introduction to Professional Writing
ENGL 210	College Composition III: Persuasive Writing
Speech Communication
Select one of the following:		3
COMM 110	Fundamentals of Public Speaking
COMM 212	Interpersonal Communication
COMM 216	Intercultural Communication
Mathematics
Select one of the following:		3
MATH 103	College Algebra
MATH 104	Finite Mathematics
MATH 107	Precalculus
MATH 110	Mathematics in Society
MATH 165	Calculus I
MATH 210	Elementary Statistics
Lab Science
Select two of the following, one must come from the Natural and Physical Sciences category		8
Natural and Physical Sciences (ND:LABSC)
BIOL 111	Concepts of Biology
BIOL 150	General Biology I
BIOL 151	General Biology II
BIOL 170	General Zoology
CHEM 115	Introductory Chemistry
CHEM 116	Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry
CHEM 121	General Chemistry I
CHEM 122	General Chemistry II
GEOL 100	Introduction to Earth Science
GEOL 106	The Earth Through Time
PHYS 100	Concepts of Physics
PHYS 110	Introductory Astronomy
PHYS 211	College Physics I
PHYS 212	College Physics II
PHYS 251	University Physics I
PHYS 252	University Physics II
Additional Sciences (ND:SCI)
PSYC 240	Cognition and Brain Science
TECH 161	Technology, Engineering, and Design
TECH 165	Technology Solutions for Society
Wellness
Select one of the following:		2
HPER 100	Concepts of Fitness and Wellness
HPER 212	Introduction to Stress Management
Computer Science and Literacy
Select one of the following:		3
CIS 147	Principles of Information Security
CIS 170	Introduction to Computer Information Systems ^2,3
CSCI 120	Introduction to Programming
CSCI 127	Introduction to Programming in Java
CSCI 160	Introduction to Structured Programming I
CSCI 289	Social Implications of Computer Technology ³
SE 110	Discovering Computing
Digital Literacy
Select one of the following:
CIS 170	Introduction to Computer Information Systems ³
CSCI 289	Social Implications of Computer Technology ³
Humanities
Literacies
Select one of the following:		3
ASL 101	American Sign Language I
ASL 102	American Sign Language II
COMM 211	Oral Interpretation
ENGL 220	Introduction to Literature
ENGL 225	Introduction to Film
ENGL 231	Bible as Literature
ENGL 232	Mythology
ENGL 236	Women and Literature
ENGL 241	World Literature I
ENGL 242	World Literature II
ENGL 261	American Literature I
ENGL 262	American Literature II
HUM 201	Civilization, Thought, and Literary Heritage
PSYC 200	Ethics and Philosophy of Science
SPAN 101	1st Year Spanish I
SPAN 102	1st Year Spanish II
SPAN 201	2nd Year Spanish I
SPAN 202	2nd Year Spanish II
THEA 110	Introduction to Theatre Arts
Art and Music
Select one of the following:		3
ART 110	Introduction to the Visual Arts
ART 115	Introduction to Digital Media
ART 210	Art History I
ART 211	Art History II
ART 233	History of Craft
HUM 202	Fine Arts and Aesthetics
MUS 100	Music Appreciation
MUS 101	Music Fundamentals
MUS 201	World Music
MUS 207	History of Popular/Rock Music
Social Science
Select 6 credits from the following:		6
ANTH 111	Introduction to Anthropology
COMM 112	Understanding Media and Social Change
COMM 114	Human Communication
ECON 201	Principles of Microeconomics ¹
ECON 202	Principles of Macroeconomics ¹
GEOG 151	Human Geography
HIST 103	United States to 1877
HIST 104	United States to Present
HIST 211	World Civilizations to 1500
HIST 212	World Civilizations since 1500
HIST 267	Environmental History
HIST 270	Native American Studies
POLS 115	American National Government
POLS 116	State and Local Government
PSYC 111	Introduction to Psychology
SOC 110	Introduction to Sociology
SOC 111	Introduction to Anthropology
Additional Humanities or Social Science
Select one additional course from Humanities or Social Science or select from the following:		2
ART 122	Two-Dimensional Design
ART 130	Drawing I
ART 150	Ceramics I
ART 180	Photography I
ART 182	Art With a Smartphone
GEOG 111	Survey of Geography
MUS 104	Group Piano for Non-Majors
MUS 105	Group Piano for Non-Majors
MUS 130	Valkyries
MUS 131	Concert Choir
MUS 140	Athletic Band
MUS 141	Concert Band
PHYS 275	Planetarium Science
THEA 201	Theatre Practicum
Total Credits		39

¹: ECON 201 & ECON 202 are required for the Business Administration Major.
²: Required
³: CIS 170 and CSCI 289 may be used to satisfy both the Computer Science and Literacy and the Digital Literacy requirement for Gen Ed.

Major Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Required Courses
Electives/Internship
ACCT 200	Elements of Accounting I	3
ACCT 201	Elements of Accounting II	3
ACCT 315	Business in the Legal Environment	3
BUSI 214	Business Communications	3
BUSI 336	Business Data Solutions	3
BUSI 350	Operations Management	3
BUSI 480	Strategic Planning	3
BUSI 485	Entrepreneurship	3
BUSI 491	Senior Seminar	1
CIS 105	Microcomputer Spreadsheets	2
CIS 329	Information Systems Management	3
FIN 375	Managerial Finance	3
MATH 210	Elementary Statistics	3
MGMT 269	Business Ethics	3
MGMT 302	Principles of Management	3
MGMT 460	International Business	3
MRKT 301	Principles of Marketing	3
Total Credits		48

AgriBusiness Concentration

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
AgriBusiness Management
AGEC 342	Introduction to Agriculture Management	3
AGEC 344	Agriculture Commodity Marketing	3
AGEC 442	Advanced Farm Management	3
FIN 376	Managerial Finance II	3
Electives Choose 4 (12 Credits)		12
ACCT 410	Taxation of Individuals
ACCT 411	Taxation of Business Entities
AGEC 474	Cooperatives (North Dakota State University)
BIOL 336	Range Management and Range Plants
BIOL 360	Environmental Law and Regulations
BIOL 455	Introduction to GIS
BUSI 497	Internship
FIN 350	Foundations of Banking
GEOL 315	Soil Science and Survey
MGMT 372	Foundations of Leadership
MRKT 340	Professional Sales
Total Credits		24

Total General Education 39 Hrs
Total Major Requirement 48 Hrs
Total Concentration Requirements 24 Hrs
Total Credits Needed to Graduate 120 Hrs

For degree and graduation requirements, visit degree requirements and graduation requirements.

Plan of Study

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
CIS 170 (Gen Ed)	3	CIS 105	2
ENGL 110 (Gen Ed)	3	ENGL 125 or 120 (Gen Ed)	3
MGMT 269	3	Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4
Speech and Communication (Gen Ed)	3	MATH 104 or 107 (Gen Ed)	3
HPER 100 or 212 (Gen Ed	2	MRKT 301	3
UNIV 150	1
	15		15
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
ACCT 200	3	ACCT 201	3
BUSI 336	3	Art and Music (Gen Ed)	3
ECON 201 (Gen Ed)	3	BUSI 214	3
Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4	ECON 202 (Gen Ed)	3
MGMT 302	3	MATH 210	3
	16		15
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
AGEC 342	3	AGEC 344	3
Elective	3	AGEC 442	3
FIN 375	3	BUSI 350	3
Literacies (Gen Ed)	3	CIS 329	3
MGMT 460	3	FIN 376	3
	15		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
Additional Humanities or Social Science (Gen Ed)	3	BUSI 485	3
BUSI 480	3	BUSI 491	1
BUSI 497 or BUSI 387	3-6	BUSI 497 or BUSI 387	3
Elective	3	Elective	3
Elective	3	Elective	3
	15-18		13
Total Credits 119-122

Please note: This plan is intended for general information only. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor each semester before registration.

Online Course Rotation

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Fall Even Years
ACCT 200	Elements of Accounting I	3
ACCT 307	Managerial Accounting	3
ACCT 315	Business in the Legal Environment	3
ACCT 369	Enterprise Systems	3
BUSI 214	Business Communications	3
BUSI 350	Operations Management	3
BUSI 485	Entrepreneurship	3
BUSI 491	Senior Seminar	1
BUSI 497	Internship	3-12
ECON 202	Principles of Macroeconomics	3
FIN 350	Foundations of Banking	3
FIN 375	Managerial Finance	3
MATH 210	Elementary Statistics	3
MGMT 302	Principles of Management	3
MRKT 301	Principles of Marketing	3

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Fall Odd Years
ACCT 200	Elements of Accounting I	3
ACCT 315	Business in the Legal Environment	3
BUSI 214	Business Communications	3
BUSI 350	Operations Management	3
BUSI 485	Entrepreneurship	3
BUSI 491	Senior Seminar	1
BUSI 497	Internship	3-12
ECON 202	Principles of Macroeconomics	3
MATH 210	Elementary Statistics	3
MGMT 269	Business Ethics	3
MGMT 302	Principles of Management	3
MRKT 301	Principles of Marketing	3

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Spring Even Years
ACCT 201	Elements of Accounting II	3
AGEC 474 Cooperatives (NDSU)		3
BUSI 336	Business Data Solutions	3
BUSI 480	Strategic Planning	3
BUSI 491	Senior Seminar	1
BUSI 497	Internship	3-12
ECON 201	Principles of Microeconomics	3
FIN 380	Principles of Investments	3
MATH 210	Elementary Statistics	3
MGMT 302	Principles of Management	3
MGMT 460	International Business	3
MRKT 301	Principles of Marketing	3
MRKT 340	Professional Sales	3

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Spring Odd Years
ACCT 201	Elements of Accounting II	3
ACCT 411	Taxation of Business Entities	3
AGEC 474 Cooperatives (NDSU)		3
BUSI 336	Business Data Solutions	3
BUSI 480	Strategic Planning	3
BUSI 491	Senior Seminar	1
BUSI 497	Internship	3-12
CIS 329	Information Systems Management	3
ECON 201	Principles of Microeconomics	3
FIN 376	Managerial Finance II	3
MATH 210	Elementary Statistics	3
MGMT 269	Business Ethics	3
MGMT 302	Principles of Management	3
MGMT 460	International Business	3
MRKT 301	Principles of Marketing	3

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Summer Even Years
ACCT 200	Elements of Accounting I	3
ACCT 201	Elements of Accounting II	3
BUSI 214	Business Communications	3
BUSI 350	Operations Management	3
BUSI 480	Strategic Planning	3
BUSI 497	Internship	3-12
MATH 210	Elementary Statistics	3
MGMT 269	Business Ethics	3
MGMT 302	Principles of Management	3
MRKT 301	Principles of Marketing	3

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Summer Odd Years
ACCT 200	Elements of Accounting I	3
ACCT 201	Elements of Accounting II	3
BUSI 214	Business Communications	3
BUSI 485	Entrepreneurship	3
BUSI 497	Internship	3-12
FIN 375	Managerial Finance	3
MATH 210	Elementary Statistics	3
MGMT 269	Business Ethics	3
MGMT 302	Principles of Management	3
MGMT 460	International Business	3
MRKT 301	Principles of Marketing	3
MRKT 340	Professional Sales	3

Face-to-Face Course Rotation

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Fall Even Years
ACCT 200	Elements of Accounting I	3
BUSI 259	Business Club	0
BUSI 336	Business Data Solutions	3
BUSI 387	Business Practicum	1-12
BUSI 480	Strategic Planning	3
ECON 202	Principles of Macroeconomics	3
GEOL 315	Soil Science and Survey	4
MATH 210	Elementary Statistics	3
MGMT 269	Business Ethics	3
MGMT 302	Principles of Management	3
MGMT 340	Human Resource Management	3
MGMT 460	International Business	3

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Fall Odd Years
ACCT 200	Elements of Accounting I	3
AGEC 342	Introduction to Agriculture Management	3
BUSI 259	Business Club	0
BUSI 336	Business Data Solutions	3
BUSI 387	Business Practicum	1-12
BUSI 480	Strategic Planning	3
ECON 201	Principles of Microeconomics	3
FIN 350	Foundations of Banking	3
FIN 375	Managerial Finance	3
GEOL 315	Soil Science and Survey	4
MATH 210	Elementary Statistics	3
MGMT 302	Principles of Management	3
MGMT 460	International Business	3

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Spring Even Years
ACCT 201	Elements of Accounting II	3
ACCT 315	Business in the Legal Environment	3
ACCT 411	Taxation of Business Entities	3
AGEC 344	Agriculture Commodity Marketing	3
AGEC 442	Advanced Farm Management	3
BIOL 360	Environmental Law and Regulations	3
BIOL 455	Introduction to GIS	4
BUSI 214	Business Communications	3
BUSI 259	Business Club	0
BUSI 350	Operations Management	3
BUSI 387	Business Practicum	1-12
BUSI 485	Entrepreneurship	3
BUSI 491	Senior Seminar	1
CIS 329	Information Systems Management	3
ECON 202	Principles of Macroeconomics	3
FIN 376	Managerial Finance II	3
MATH 210	Elementary Statistics	3
MGMT 269	Business Ethics	3
MRKT 301	Principles of Marketing	3

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Spring Odd Years
ACCT 201	Elements of Accounting II	3
ACCT 315	Business in the Legal Environment	3
BIOL 360	Environmental Law and Regulations	3
BIOL 455	Introduction to GIS	4
BUSI 214	Business Communications	3
BUSI 259	Business Club	0
BUSI 350	Operations Management	3
BUSI 387	Business Practicum	1-12
BUSI 485	Entrepreneurship	3
BUSI 491	Senior Seminar	1
ECON 202	Principles of Macroeconomics	3
FIN 380	Principles of Investments	3
MATH 210	Elementary Statistics	3
MRKT 301	Principles of Marketing	3
MRKT 340	Professional Sales	3

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

Demonstrate knowledge of core business functional areas.
Integrate the core areas of business to inform decision making.
Demonstrate professional business communications.
Demonstrate the ability to collaborate with diverse colleagues.
Apply legal and ethical principles in business to organizational decision making.
Demonstrate leadership skills.