Agribusiness, AAS

Program Details

Semester 1

• AGA 114 - Principles of Agronomy Credits: 3
• AGA 154 - Fundamentals of Soil Science Credits: 3
• AGC 314 - Leadership in Agriculture Credits: 2
• AGS 101 - Working with Animals Credits: 2
• AGS 114 - Survey of the Animal Industry Credits: 2
• Select 3 credits from Option 1 Credits: 3

Semester 2

• AGA 284 - Pesticide Application Certific Credits: 3
• AGB 235 - Intro to Agricultural Markets Credits: 3
• AGB 802 - Agribusiness Internship I Credits: 2
• AGS 319 - Animal Nutrition Credits: 3
• Select 3 credits from Option 2  Credits: 3

Semester 3

• AGA 381 - Crop Scouting Credits: 3
• AGP 333 - Precision Agriculture Appl. Credits: 3
• Select 6 credits from Option 3  Credits: 6

Semester 4

• AGA 222 - Grain Management Credits: 2
• AGB 101 - Agricultural Economics Credits: 3
• AGS 242 - Animal Health Credits: 3
• AGT 120 - Agricultural Appl in Biotech Credits: 3
• Select 3-4 credits from Option 4  Credits: 3-4

Semester 5

• AGB 812 - Agribusiness Internship II Credits: 2
• Select 12-13 credits from Option 5  Credits: 12-13
• Select 3 credits from Option 6  Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS Degree - 72*

*Total credits are calculated using the least number of credits needed to satisfy the option requirements.

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$178.00 per credit

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

Varied Costs

Approximate total for program: $14,255**

**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 $40,000 (2014-2015 Placement Report)

Program Competencies

1. Apply knowledge of the food and fiber production system.

2. Demonstrate workplace basic skills of communicating, computing, problem-solving, accountability, and display a strong work ethic.

3. Evaluate technical information to make agribusiness decisions.  

4. Demonstrate analytical, critical, and creative thinking to pursue new ideas, acquire new knowledge, and make decisions.

5. Engage in industry-recognized organizations and events such as trade shows, conferences, etc. to stay current on issues and technology important to the field.  

6. Create collaborative relationships and networks and learn to empower, mentor, and influence others. 

7. Assess short-term plan relevant to career or continued education goals. 

2019

Nondiscrimination Statement

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. 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. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at https://www.dmacc.edu/admissions/Pages/checklist.aspx.₍₂₀₂₁₎