Agribusiness- Agricultural Communication, Certificate

Program Details

Semester 1

• AGA 114 - Principles of Agronomy Credits: 3
• AGA 154 - Fundamentals of Soil Science Credits: 3
• AGS 113 - Survey of the Animal Industry Credits: 3
• ENG 105 - Composition I Credits: 3
• MKT 121 - Digital Marketing Credits: 3

Semester 2

• AGB 802 - Agribusiness Internship I Credits: 2
• JOU 110 - Intro to Mass Media Credits: 3
• SPC 101 - Fund of Oral Communication Credits: 3
• Select 3 Credits from Option 1 Credits: 3
• Select 3 Credits from Option 2 Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete this Award - 29

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$193.00 per credit

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

Varied Costs

Approximate total cost for the program: $6,217

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

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

• Effectively communicate the story of agriculture through education, extension, and outreach.
• Take part in marketing, advertising, public relations, digital media, and web-based content as applied within the agricultural industry.
• Create content driven publications and media.
• Recruiting and brand management strategies through event planning and management.
• Develop strong public and community relations.
• Assist in creating agriculture policy through technical writing and communication.
• Attend conferences and meetings and read various trade publications to keep current on developments in the industry.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

• Conduct research.
• 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.
• Understand technical information about the industry and communicate to others.

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

• The industry is so broad that students will have the opportunity to participate in the area of most interest.
• The primary purpose of this certificate is for preparation to work in the agricultural communication field.
• You will often have a lot of responsibility and work with little supervision.
• The work can be dirty, unpleasant at times and sometimes dangerous.
• You  may work long hours that vary depending on your role and specific employer.
• Average starting salary for those not directly involved in their own entrepreneurial enterprise is approximately $35,000 to $45,000.

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

AY2025

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₎