Program Overview

Introduction to Agribusiness

The Agribusiness program at the University of Saskatchewan is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the agricultural industry, from primary production to the packaging of food products. With an industry worth over $95 billion annually in Canada alone, agribusiness is a significant sector that encompasses a wide range of activities contributing to the supply of food and natural fibers.

About the Program

The program offers a four-year degree or a two-year diploma, with options for full- or part-time study. Students can enter the program directly from high school and can begin their studies at the Saskatoon or Prince Albert campuses, at an off-campus location, or online.

What You Will Learn

Through the program, students will gain knowledge of business management, economics, marketing, finance, and sales, as well as the legal and institutional environment that characterizes agribusiness. They will study the structure and organization of the agri-food sector and develop business skills relevant to farm input, on-farm businesses, processing, transportation, credit, and marketing.

Sample First Year

A sample first-year schedule might include courses such as:

• AGRC 111: Discovery in Plant and Soil Sciences
• ECON 111: Introductory Microeconomics
• COMM 101: Introduction to Business
• ENG 113: Literature and Composition Reading Narrative
• GEOG 120: Introduction to Global Environmental Systems
• AGRC 112: Animal Agriculture and Food Science
• AGRC 113: Agri Food Issues and Institutions
• ECON 114: Introductory Macroeconomics
• MATH 104: Elementary Calculus
• HIST 155: History Matters Science and Environment

Featured Classes

Some of the featured classes in the program include:

• AREC 343: Grain and Livestock Marketing
• AREC 347: Agribusiness Marketing Management
• AREC 495: Agribusiness Venture Management

Why Study Here?

The University of Saskatchewan offers excellent industry-endorsed scientific training and a foundation of marketable career skills. The program has strong ties with industry, and many businesses look to the university for well-rounded, quality graduates. The small class sizes and supportive atmosphere allow students to get to know their instructors and fellow students, building a network of personal and business contacts.

Research

The university is committed to finding solutions to sustainably feed a hungry and growing world. The five departments in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources provide a foundation for a broad array of research activities, both basic and applied.

Opportunities to Get Involved

The college has one of the campus's most active and spirited student bodies, with several student clubs to join and enhance the university experience.

Collaborative Environment

The faculty and researchers actively collaborate across the university, as well as nationally and internationally, creating strong, productive partnerships with numerous governments, private enterprises, producer groups, research centers, and industry associations.

Careers

Graduates of the degree programs in the College of AgBio are eligible for Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) membership in the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists, allowing them to engage in the practice of Agrology. Graduates of the two-year diploma programs in agribusiness and agronomy are eligible for professional designation as Agricultural Technologists with the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists.

Four-Year Degree

The four-year degree prepares students to become:

• Agricultural entrepreneurs
• Sales professionals, marketing in agricultural chemical, grain handling, seed production, and distribution
• Business managers
• Management consultants
• Agricultural lenders
• Production managers
• Communications and public relations

Two-Year Diploma

The two-year diploma provides students with skills to start their own business, join the family business, or be part of an industry team. Major employment prospects for agribusiness professionals include:

• Bank loans officers and financial managers
• Processing managers, sales managers, production managers
• Farmers, ranchers, feedlot managers, hog barn managers, or manufacturers
• Business consultants, commodity marketers, real estate brokers, and communications advisors

Tuition Estimates

The estimated tuition fees for Canadian and international students are: | Canadian students | International students | | --- | --- | | Tuition | $8,419 | $40,747 | | Student fees | $1,308.24 | $1,308.24 | | Books | $1,500 | $1,500 | | Total | $11,227.24 | $43,555.24 |

Program Options

The program offers a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness (B.Sc.(Agbus.)) and a Diploma in Agribusiness (Dip.(Agbus.)). To decide which option is the right fit, students should consult with an academic advisor in the college before beginning their studies.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements depend on the student's situation, including their education level and where they attended high school. Students can view the specific requirements based on their situation.

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines for the program are:

• Winter term: December 1 (documents due: December 15) for Canadian students, and September 1 (documents due: October 1) for international students
• Spring term: April 1 (documents due: May 1) for Canadian students, and February 1 (documents due: March 1) for international students
• Summer term: May 1 (documents due: June 1) for Canadian students, and March 1 (documents due: April 1) for international students
• Fall term: May 1 (documents due: June 1) for Canadian students, and May 1 (documents due: June 1) for international students

Related Programs

Related programs include:

• Agricultural Economics
• Agronomy
• Finance
• Food Industry Management
• Marketing
• Resource Science