Mar 29, 2024  
2015-2016 Course Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Agribusiness, AAS


The Agribusiness program is designed to prepare students for the rapidly expanding food, fiber and natural resources industry. Students are given an option of emphasizing agronomy, animal science, farm management or agricultural supply and service.

This program provides the student with training in the latest developments in technical agriculture in both the classroom and industry settings. The program also includes on-the-job employment experience in the industry. Classroom and laboratory instruction will occur at the Dallas County Farm location, where the program maintains a crop and livestock operation.

Students who receive the Agribusiness degree are capable of filling entry-level jobs as an agronomist, livestock specialist, grain or petroleum marketing specialist. Other job opportunities may be found within the seed, chemical, banking and commodity brokerage industry.

Students with a production agricultural interest will benefit from the broad-based approach the degree provides for an ever-changing industry. The Agribusiness degree has been designed for those who may enter production agriculture or find employment as a farm management specialist.

The Agribusiness degree offers students transfer opportunities to several four-year institutions. Students should visit with program instructors and counselors for information regarding transfer to four-year institutions and their specific program requirements. For more information about the Agribusiness program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/ag.

Location: Ankeny

Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.

Students start any semester.

Program Entry Requirements

  1. Complete an application for admission.
  2. Satisfy the assessment requirement.
  3. Attend any required information/registration session.

Graduation Requirements

To earn an Agribusiness AAS degree, students must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Required Courses


Semester 1


Semester 2


Semester 3


Semester 4


Option 4 - Select 1 Course


Semester 5


Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS Degree - 72


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


  Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 Semester 5
Books (approximate) 305 205 80 305 205
Field Trips  55  55  55  35  55

Approximate total for program: $11,651*

*Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


• Transfer knowledge on products and their uses to customers.
• Advise agricultural producers on the special problems they have and the most economical ways of solving them.
• Perform calculations for cost estimates, tests and formulas.
• Operate and maintain a variety of equipment.
• Solicit additional business.
• Arrange product displays and develop promotional campaigns.
• Perform “housekeeping” chores to keep the work environment neat and orderly.
• Attend conferences and meetings and read various trade publications to keep current on developments in the field.
• Transfer knowledge on products and their uses to customers.
• Advise agricultural producers on the special problems they have and the most economical ways of solving them.
• Perform calculations for cost estimates, tests and formulas.
• Operate and maintain a variety of equipment.
• Solicit additional business.
• Arrange product displays and develop promotional campaigns.
• Perform “housekeeping” chores to keep the work environment neat and orderly.
• Attend conferences and meetings and read various trade publications to keep current on developments in the field.
 

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


• Operate agricultural equipment.
• Exhibit good attitude toward the job.
• Work well with customers and other employees.
• Manage, lead and train others.
• Follow verbal and written directions.
• Plan and organize well.
• Use math in figuring prices and profits and filling orders.
• Understand technical product information and communicate it to others.
• Perform a variety of physically demanding activities such as heavy lifting (50 pounds or more).
 

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?



• The field is so broad that students may have difficulty determining their area of interest.
• Visit your local ag supply outlet for more information.
• The primary purpose of the program is for the sale, distribution, supply and service of agricultural supplies, or those entering
   production agriculture.
 • You often have a lot of responsibility and work with little supervision.
• The work can be dirty, unpleasant at times and sometimes dangerous.
• The field changes rapidly and the job you will have 10 years from now may not exist today.
• You work long hours when necessary including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Average starting salary $24,280 (2010-2011 Placement Report)
 

Nondiscrimination Policy


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.