Oct 03, 2024  
2024-2025 Course Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Course Catalog

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Agribusiness, AAS

Location(s): Ankeny



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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. 

Program Details


Locations: Ankeny


Pathway: Agriculture, Animals, & Natural Resources


More information on this Pathway.

Students may start any semester.


Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.


Graduation Requirements


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

Option 1 - Select 3 Credits Course


Semester 2


Semester 3


Semester 4


Option 4 - Select 3-4 Credits


Semester 5


Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS Degree - 71*


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

Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$193.00 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) 305 600 80 305 250
Field Trips  55  55  55  35  55

Approximate total for program: $15,498**

**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

AY2023

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. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

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 Executive Campus Dean’s office, the Executive 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 Academic Pathway website.(2024)

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