Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture Agribusiness Management Systems
The Agribusiness Management Systems major supports the college mission by striving to develop students into competent citizens through general education and promoting involvement, innovation, and individuality in the agribusiness industry.
Faculty
Mary Rittenhouse, Academic Lead, MBA, Associate Professor
Career Opportunities
Agribusiness Management graduates are pursuing careers in agricultural management, marketing and finance in relevant industries.
INTERNSHIP
Connecting the classroom to the student's career, internships are required for the Agribusiness Management Systems Program. The internship will be a four (4) credit hour course and includes an eight (8) week, 320 hours, on-site training in an area of Agribusiness management of interest to the student.
CAPSTONE
AGR 2983 CAPSTONE
This course is designed to culminate the student’s experience in their APS or AMS program and will focus on tying together functional aspects of a farm, ranch, or entrepreneurial venture. The class will culminate with a workable business plan, understand the legal and regulatory environment of their proposed enterprise, and be ready to move into formation. Included in this plan will include facility design, applicable management plans, and a complete financial package for the proposed operation that will include a cash flow, net worth, one year and three year budget, and what-if analysis.
This course allows students an opportunity to integrate tools learned in their respective program.
Agribusiness Management Systems -Associate of Applied science degree
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Associate of Applied Science Core | ||
| Complete requirements | 17 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 17 | |
| Agribusiness Management Systems Required Courses | ||
| ABM 2013 | INTERNSHIP (or APS Internship) | 3 |
| ABM 2403 | AG FINANCE | 3 |
| ABM 2603 | AG LAW | 3 |
| ABM 2854 | FARM & RANCH MANAGEMENT | 4 |
| ACT 1103 | ACCOUNTING I | 3 |
| ACT 1203 | ACCOUNTING II | 3 |
| AGR 2983 | CAPSTONE | 3 |
| ECN 1103 | INTRODUCTION TO AG ECONOMICS | 3 |
| or ECN 1203 | MICROECONOMICS | |
| ECN 1303 | MACROECONOMICS | 3 |
| ECN 1803 | STATISTICS | 3 |
| MGT 2103 | MGT CONCEPTS | 3 |
| MKT 2203 | AG MARKETING | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 37 | |
| Electives | ||
| Select 9 credit hours of the following courses. Advisor guided. | 9 | |
| PERSONAL FINANCE | ||
| ENTREPRENEURSHIP | ||
| NATURAL RES MNGT | ||
| CROP MANAGEMENT | ||
| SOFTWARE PRODUCTIVITY | ||
| NUTRITION | ||
| PEST MANAGEMENT | ||
| IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT | ||
| ANIMAL MANAGEMENT | ||
| SMALL ENGINES | ||
| ADVANCED REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY | ||
| FEEDS & FEEDING | ||
| SMALL ENGINES | ||
| RANGE MANAGEMENT | ||
| WELDING | ||
| RETAIL MARKETING | ||
| PRECISION FARM TECH | ||
| RADIATION SAFETY | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 63 | |
Agribusiness Management Systems - Associate of science degree (transfer)
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Associate of Science Core | ||
| Complete requirements | 24 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 24 | |
| AMS Required Courses | ||
| ABM 2403 | AG FINANCE | 3 |
| ACT 1103 | ACCOUNTING I | 3 |
| ACT 1203 | ACCOUNTING II | 3 |
| ABM 2903 | ENTREPRENEURSHIP | 3 |
| or AGR 2983 | CAPSTONE | |
| ECN 1203 | MICROECONOMICS | 3 |
| ECN 1303 | MACROECONOMICS | 3 |
| MGT 2103 | MGT CONCEPTS | 3 |
| MKT 2203 | AG MARKETING | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 24 | |
| Electives | ||
| Select 15 hours of the following or by advisor approval (at least six must be AMS courses): | 15 | |
| INTERNSHIP | ||
| FARM & RANCH MANAGEMENT | ||
| CROP SCIENCE | ||
| LIVESTK & CARC EVAL | ||
| PRINCIPLES OF SOILS | ||
| ANIMAL MANAGEMENT | ||
| RANGE MANAGEMENT | ||
| MEAT SCIENCE | ||
| HUMAN RESOURCES MGT | ||
| RETAIL MARKETING | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 63 | |
Agribusiness Management Systems, Minor
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required AMS Minor Courses | ||
| ABM 2103 | PERSONAL FINANCE | 3 |
| ABM 2963 | FARM, RANCH, AND SMALL BUSINESS RECORD KEEPING | 3 |
| or ACT 1103 | ACCOUNTING I | |
| ECN 1203 | MICROECONOMICS | 3 |
| MGT 2103 | MGT CONCEPTS | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 12 | |
| Agribusiness Management Courses | ||
| Select 12 hours of the following (nine must be 2000 level courses): | 12 | |
| CRITICAL THINKING | ||
| AG FINANCE | ||
| AGRICULTURAL DECISION ANALYSIS | ||
| FARM & RANCH MANAGEMENT | ||
| ENTREPRENEURSHIP | ||
or AGR 2903 | INTERNSHIP | |
| ACCOUNTING II | ||
| MACROECONOMICS | ||
| ECONOMICS OF WORLD FOOD AND AGRICULTURE | ||
| HUMAN RESOURCES MGT | ||
| RETAIL MARKETING | ||
| AG MARKETING | ||
| SALES COMM | ||
| INDEPENDENT STUDY (requires approval of division chair) | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 24 | |
Agribusiness Management Systems, Certificate
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ABM 2603 | AG LAW | 3 |
| ABM 2854 | FARM & RANCH MANAGEMENT | 4 |
| ACT 1103 | ACCOUNTING I | 3 |
| ECN 1203 | MICROECONOMICS | 3 |
| or ECN 1103 | INTRODUCTION TO AG ECONOMICS | |
| ECN 1803 | STATISTICS | 3 |
| or MTH 1403 | AGRICULTURAL MATHEMATICS | |
| MGT 2103 | MGT CONCEPTS | 3 |
| SPC 1103 | SALES COMM | 3 |
| ENG 1503 | TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION I | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 25 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 25 | |
Description: The goal of this course is to help the student make a successful transition from high school to the College by providing the opportunity to explore the various Ag Business disciplines and associated campus and career opportunities. The student will be asked to take an active involvement in academic issues and topics such as the facilities and offerings provided by AMS and NCTA, requirements for successful course and program completion, and the values and skills that lead to professional and personal success. Students will be given the opportunity to develop their "intercultural knowledge and competence" and "information literacy" skills and abilities.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Description: Living in the information age, it is imperative to be able to process, sort and analyze information, not just for usefulness but also for accuracy. This course is designed to equip students with the tools necessary to work with the amount of information available today and to make good decisions based on sound solutions in an ever-changing workplace.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Internship includes a mandatory 8-week job placement experience at an approved work location. Agreements are entered into between the student, the employer and the college. (Pre req: Approval by Academic Lead, students are required to have a minimum CGPA of 2.0 before being allowed to go out on internship and must have completed two semesters)
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Pass No Pass |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Following the Dave Ramsey "Foundations in Personal Finances", College Edition, students will develop practical and relevant personal financial skills.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: An in-depth study of financial analysis and the financial institutions which serve agricultural businesses. For each particular type of financial institution, this course will study its sources of capital, its general loan criteria used to evaluate loan requests, and its financial performance. For ag borrowers, this course will also examine their financial condition, their projected cash flow and the importance of risk management. (Pre req: ACT 1103 and MTH 1203 or MTH 1503)
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Introduction to quantitative decision-making methods for effective agribusiness management, emphasis on problem identification, model formulation and solution, interpretation and presentation of results. (Pre req: AIT 1003)
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: The study of law that governs agriculture. To include estate planning, contracts, leasing, water rights, fencing rights, tortes, personal and liability for the producer and agribusiness. This course will include guest lectures from regional attorneys.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: (Pre req: ECN 1203 or ECN 1103 and ACT 1103 or ABM 2963) Business management concepts which are involved in the decision-making process when organizing and operating a farming/ranching operation. Includes production economics, record keeping systems, finanical budgets and analysis, crop and livestock enterprise analysis, depreciation, cash flow planning equity, and production efficiency indicators.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Description: This course includes the skills and attitudes necessary for starting and maintaining a successful business: personal (self) assessment, government regulations, financing and marketing options, and writing a business plan. (Pre req: ACT 1103, MGT 2103, ACT 1203 or enrolled in ACT 1203)
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Business record systems for farming and ranching. Manual and computerized record keeping techniques to aid farm and ranch managers and small business owners in making management and production decisions and preparing tax returns.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: This course consists of elective individual or group projects. Projects may include research, continuing education programs, and group tours. The project is developed under the supervision and evaluation of a department faculty member who is willing and available to contract with the student. This class requires a written paper, and may require a presentation (up to the discretion of the supervising faculty member). Students may enroll in this course a maximum of 3 times, for a total of 3 credit hours. (Pre req: Approval of project by Instructor, Advisor, and Academic Lead)
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
Description: This course is a study in the fundamentals of accounting concepts and procedures. Concepts include financial reporting and analysis.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Continuation of Accounting I with emphasis given to financial statement analysis, costing systems, and the budgeting process. The managerial uses of accounting information for decision making are introduced. (Pre req: ACT 1103)
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
- AMS students will be able to demonstrate computer skills.
- AMS students will be able to apply economic information to real world situations.
- AMS students will be able to think critically and demonstrate problem-solving skills.
- AMS students will be able to read, comprehend, and analyze basic financial statements and demonstrate basic accounting skills.
- AMS students will be able to effectively communicate in both an oral and written format.
- AMS students will be able to demonstrate skills enabling them to work effectively as individuals and in groups.
Agribusiness Management Systems with Management Option, AAS
Suggested Sequence of Study
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| ACT 1103 | ACCOUNTING I | 3 |
| AIT 1003 | SOFTWARE PRODUCTIVITY | 3 |
| ECN 1803 | STATISTICS | 3 |
| ABM 1201 | AG BUSINESS FOUNDATIONS | 1 |
| ECN 1103 or ECN 1203 |
INTRODUCTION TO AG ECONOMICS or MICROECONOMICS |
3 |
| SPC 1103 | SALES COMM | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| MKT 2203 | AG MARKETING | 3 |
| ABM 2603 | AG LAW | 3 |
| ABM 2403 | AG FINANCE | 3 |
| Adviser Guided Electives | 6 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Summer | ||
| ABM 2013 | INTERNSHIP | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ENG 1503 | TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION I | 3 |
| ABM 2854 | FARM & RANCH MANAGEMENT | 4 |
| MGT 2103 | MGT CONCEPTS | 3 |
| ABM 2911 | 1 | |
| Chose from the following Science Course Science Course | 4 | |
| FUND OF ANIMAL BIO | ||
| GENERAL BIOLOGY & LAB | ||
| PLANT SCIENCE (lab require) | ||
| CHEMISTRY IN CONTEXT I | ||
| CHEMISTRY IN CONTEXT II | ||
| GENERAL CHEM I | ||
| GENERAL CHEM II | ||
| TECHNICAL SCIENCE | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO LABORATORY SCIENCE | ||
| Advisor Guided Elecitves | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| ACT 1203 | ACCOUNTING II | 3 |
| ECN 1303 | MACROECONOMICS | 3 |
| AGR 2983 | CAPSTONE | 3 |
| AED 1023 | INTERPERSONAL SKILLS FOR LEADERSHIP | 3 |
| Adviser Guided Electives | 6 | |
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 70 | |
Suggested Sequence of Study
Agribusiness Management Systems with Transfer Option, AS
Suggested Sequence of Study
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| ABM 1201 | AG BUSINESS FOUNDATIONS | 1 |
| ACT 1103 | ACCOUNTING I | 3 |
| ECN 1803 | STATISTICS | 3 |
| ECN 1203 | MICROECONOMICS | 3 |
| SPC 1113 | PUBLIC SPEAKING | 3 |
| AED 1023 | INTERPERSONAL SKILLS FOR LEADERSHIP | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| MKT 2203 | AG MARKETING | 3 |
| ACT 1203 | ACCOUNTING II | 3 |
| ABM 2403 | AG FINANCE | 3 |
| MTH 1503 | COLLEGE ALGEBRA | 3 |
| ECN 1303 | MACROECONOMICS | 3 |
| Adviser Guided Elective | 2 | |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| English Course | 3 | |
| TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION I | ||
| WRITING & INQUIRY | ||
| WRITING & ARGUMENT | ||
| Science Course | 4 | |
| FUND OF ANIMAL BIO | ||
| GENERAL BIOLOGY & LAB | ||
| PLANT SCIENCE | ||
| AGRONOMIC PLANT SCIENCE LABORATORY | ||
| CHEMISTRY IN CONTEXT I | ||
| GENERAL CHEM I | ||
| CHEMISTRY IN CONTEXT II | ||
| GENERAL CHEM II | ||
| MGT 2103 | MGT CONCEPTS | 3 |
| Advisor Guided Electives | 6 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| HTY 1303 | AMERICAN HISTORY AFTER 1877 | 3 |
| ABM 2903 or AGR 2903 |
ENTREPRENEURSHIP or INTERNSHIP |
3 |
| Science Course | 4 | |
| Advisor Guided Electives | 6 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 65 | |