Academic Programs Catalog

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Undergraduate Programs

The department offers three undergraduate majors:  agribusiness management, environmental economics and management, and food industry management. These majors emphasize the application of business and social sciences to the management of public and private sector organizations. Each major is built on a liberal education base with a core of professional courses and sufficient electives for students and their advisors to tailor individualized programs.

 


Agribusiness Management

The agribusiness management major is designed for students who are interested in careers with agricultural input supply, agricultural production, commodity assembly and processing, and agricultural marketing organizations.  The program, which focuses on the managerial functions performed by organizations throughout the agribusiness sector, provides a system–wide perspective of managerial problems confronting such organizations.  Faculty who are associated with the program maintain close relationships with agribusiness companies. Those relationships benefit students who seek information about careers, scholarships, and employment in the field.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Agribusiness Management

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness Management.

    The University's Tier II Writing Requirement for the Agribusiness Management major is met by completing one of the following courses: Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 445 or 465. Those courses are referenced in item 3. below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the Bachelor of Science degree.

    Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.

    Students must achieve a grade of at least 2.0 or higher in each AFRE course referenced in items 3. a. and in all courses taken to fulfill requirements 3. b., 3. c. and 3.d.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. All of the following courses (38 credits):
    AFRE 100 Decision-making in the Agri-Food System 3
    AFRE 130 Farm Management I 3
    AFRE 203 Data Analysis for the Agri-Food System 3
    AFRE 206 World Food, Population and Poverty 3
    AFRE 210 Professional Seminar in Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics 1
    AFRE 222 Agribusiness and Food Industry Sales (W) 3
    AFRE 232 Commodity Marketing I 3
    AFRE 240 Food Product Marketing 3
    AFRE 265 Ecological Economics 3
    AFRE 410 Advanced Professional Seminar in Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 1
    AFRE 435 Financial Management in the Agri-Food System 3
    EC 201 Introduction to Microeconomics 3
    EC 202 Introduction to Macroeconomics 3
    SCM 304 Survey of Supply Chain Management 3
    b. Three of the following courses (9 credits):
    AFRE 224 Information and Market Intelligence in the Agri-Food Industry 3
    AFRE 300 Public Policy Issues in the Agri-Food System 3
    AFRE 315 Labor and Personnel Management in the Agri-Food System 3
    AFRE 322 Organization of the Agri-Food Systems 3
    AFRE 327 Global Agri-Food Industries and Markets 3
    AFRE 330 Farm Management II 3
    AFRE 432 Commodity Marketing II 3
    AFRE 445 Strategic Management for Food and Agribusiness Firms (W) 3
    AFRE 465 Corporate Environmental Management (W) 3
    AFRE 490 Independent Study in Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 3
    AFRE 493 Professional Internship in Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 3
    A study abroad or independent study experience may also fulfill part of this requirement through enrollment in AFRE 490 with approval by the department.
    Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 300, 330 or 432 may be used to fulfill requirement 3.b. if not used to fulfill requirement 3.d.
    c. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    AFRE 445 Strategic Management for Food and Agribusiness Firms (W) 3
    AFRE 465 Corporate Environmental Management (W) 3
    d. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    AFRE 300 Public Policy Issues in Agri-Food System 3
    AFRE 330 Farm Management II 3
    AFRE 432 Commodity Marketing II 3
    e. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    AFRE 303 Managerial Economics 3
    EC 301 Intermediate Microeconomics 3
    f. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    STT 200 Statistical Methods 3
    STT 201 Statistical Methods 4
    STT 315 Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Business 3
    g. Complete 6 credits in sciences related to agricultural production and processing, as approved by the department. It is recommended that these credits be from the same discipline.


Environmental Economics and Management

Environmental Economics and Management prepares students for careers that require consideration of environmental sustainability and economic performance goals for the public sector and businesses. The business component has a particular focus on resource, agricultural, and food industries, as these have strong environmental linkages. The major develops skills in environmental economics and policy analysis as well as core business disciplines such as accounting, marketing, and supply chain management. Business skills and knowledge are developed to help manage or create environmentally and socially responsive business organizations that also deliver shareholder value. The major prepares students for sustainability related employment opportunities with state and federal government agencies, non-profit organizations, the agricultural and food industry, and consulting firms. The major also offers students the opportunity to prepare for graduate study in environmental economics and policy or business programs.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Economics and Management

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Economics and Management.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Environmental Economics and Management major is met by completing Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 465. That course is referenced in item 3. a. below.
     
  2. The requirements of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the Bachelor of Science degree.

    Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.

    Students must achieve a grade of at least 2.0 or higher in each AFRE course referenced in items 3. a. and in courses taken to fulfill requirements 3. b. and 3. c.

    The following requirements for the major:
    a. All of the following courses (38 credits):
    AFRE 100 Decision-making in the Agri-Food System 3
    AFRE 203 Data Analysis for the Agri-Food System 3
    AFRE 206 World Food, Population and Poverty 3
    AFRE 210 Professional Seminar in Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics 1
    AFRE 222 Agribusiness and Food Industry Sales (W) 3
    AFRE 240 Food Product Marketing 3
    AFRE 265 Ecological Economics 3
    AFRE 360 Environmental Economics 3
    AFRE 410 Advanced Professional Seminar in Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 1
    AFRE 460 Natural Resource Economics 3
    AFRE 465 Corporate Environmental Management (W) 3
    EC 201 Introduction to Microeconomics 3
    EC 202 Introduction to Macroeconomics 3
    SCM 304 Survey of Supply Chain Management 3
    b. Three of the following courses (9 or 10 credits):
    AFRE 224 Information and Market Intelligence in the Agri-Food Industry 3
    AFRE 300 Public Policy Issues in the Agri-Food System 3
    AFRE 315 Labor and Personnel Management in the Agri-Food System 3
    AFRE 322 Organization of the Agri-Food Systems 3
    AFRE 327 Global Agri-Food Industries and Markets 3
    AFRE 435 Financial Management in the Agri-Food System 3
    AFRE 445 Strategic Management for Food and Agribusiness Firms (W) 3
    AFRE 490 Independent Study in Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 3
    AFRE 493 Professional Internship in Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 3
    CSUS 354 Water Resources Management 3
    CSUS 465 Environmental and Natural Resource Law 3
    EC 450 Economics of Environmental Policy (W) 3
    FOR 419 Applications of Geographic Information Systems to Natural Resource Management 4
    A study abroad or independent study experience may also fulfill part of this requirement through enrollment in AFRE 490 with approval by the department.
    Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 435 or 445 may be used to fulfill requirement 3.b. if not used to fulfill requirement 3.c.
    c. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    AFRE 435 Financial Management in the Agri-Food System 3
    AFRE 445 Strategic Management for Food and Agribusiness Firms (W) 3
    d. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    ACC 201 Principles of Financial Accounting 3
    ACC 230 Survey of Accounting Concepts 3
    AFRE 130 Farm Management I 3
    FI 320 Introduction to Finance 3
    e. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    STT 200 Statistical Methods 3
    STT 201 Statistical Methods 4
    STT 315 Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Business 3
    f. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    AFRE 303 Managerial Economics 3
    EC 301 Intermediate Microeconomics 3
    g. Complete 6 credits in sciences related to sustainability and the environment, as approved by the department. It is recommended that these credits be from the same discipline.

Food Industry Management

The food industry management major is designed for students who are interested in careers in the food industry. Graduates of this major enter managerial positions with food wholesalers-distributors and retailers as well as sales, account management, and production supervision positions with food manufacturers. The program provides a system-wide perspective of managerial problems confronting firms in the food industry, recognizes the increasing interdependence among such firms and focuses on creating consumer value. Faculty who are associated with the program maintain close relationships with food companies and trade associations, bring practical applications and examples to the classroom and provide current information about career and scholarship opportunities.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Industry Management

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Food Industry Management.

    The University's Tier II Writing Requirement for the Food Industry Management major is met by completing Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics 445.  This course is referenced in item 3. below.
     
  2. The requirements of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the Bachelor of Science degree.

    Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.

    Students must achieve a grade of at least 2.0 or higher in each AFRE course referenced in items 3. a. and in courses taken to fulfill requirements 3. b. and 3. c.
     
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. All of the following courses (38 credits):
    AFRE 100 Decision-making in the Agri-Food System 3
    AFRE 203 Data Analysis for the Agri-Food System 3
    AFRE 206 World Food, Population and Poverty 3
    AFRE 210 Professional Seminar in Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics 1
    AFRE 222 Agribusiness and Food Industry Sales 3
    AFRE 240 Food Product Marketing 3
    AFRE 265 Ecological Economics 3
    AFRE 340 Food Marketing Research and Analytics 3
    AFRE 410 Advanced Professional Seminar in Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 1
    AFRE 440 Food Marketing Management 3
    AFRE 445 Strategic Management for Food and Agribusiness Firms (W) 3
    EC 201 Introduction to Microeconomics 3
    EC 202 Introduction to Macroeconomics 3
    SCM 304 Survey of Supply Chain Management 3
    b. Three of the following courses (9 credits):
    AFRE 224 Information and Market Intelligence in the Agri-Food Industry 3
    AFRE 232 Commodity Marketing I 3
    AFRE 300 Public Policy Issues in the Agri-Food System 3
    AFRE 315 Labor and Personnel Management in the Agri-Food System 3
    AFRE 322 Organization of the Agri-Food Systems 3
    AFRE 327 Global Agri-Food Industries and Markets 3
    AFRE 435 Financial Management in the Agri-Food System 3
    AFRE 465 Corporate Environmental Management (W) 3
    AFRE 490 Independent Study in Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 3
    AFRE 493 Professional Internship in Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 3
    A study abroad or independent study experience may also fulfill part of this requirement through enrollment in AFRE 490 with approval by the department.
    Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 435 or 465 may be used to fulfill requirement 3.b. if not used to fulfill requirement 3.c.
    c. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    AFRE 435 Financial Management in the Agri-Food System 3
    AFRE 465 Corporate Environmental Management (W) 3
    d. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    ACC 201 Principles of Financial Accounting 3
    ACC 230 Survey of Accounting Concepts 3
    AFRE 130 Farm Management I 3
    FI 320 Introduction to Finance 3
    e. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    STT 200 Statistical Methods 3
    STT 201 Statistical Methods 4
    STT 315 Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Business 3
    f. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    AFRE 303 Managerial Economics 3
    EC 301 Intermediate Microeconomics 3
    g. Complete 6 credits in sciences related to food production and processing, as approved by the department. It is recommended that these credits be from the same discipline.


Minor in Agribusiness Management

The Minor in Agribusiness Management is designed to serve students with majors in other fields who are interested in careers in agribusiness.  The primary educational objective of the minor is to provide students with a fundamental knowledge of business management in relation to agribusiness firms.

The minor is available as an elective to all students who are enrolled in bachelor's degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Science degree program with a major in agribusiness management.  The minor is administered by the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.

At least 9 credits counted towards the requirements for this minor must be unique. Unique credits must not be used to fulfill another university, college, or major requirement in the student's program.

Requirements for the Minor in Agribusiness Management

The student must complete 15 credits from the following:

1. Both of the following courses (6 credits):
AFRE 100 Decision-making in the Agri-Food System 3
AFRE 203 Data Analysis for the Agri-Food System 3
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
AFRE 130 Farm Management I 3
AFRE 232 Commodity Marketing 3
3. Two of the following courses including at least one course at the 300-level or above (6 credits):
AFRE 130 Farm Management I 3
AFRE 222 Agribusiness and Food Industry Sales 3
AFRE 232 Commodity Marketing 3
AFRE 300 Public Policy Issues in the Agri-Food System 3
AFRE 303 Managerial Economics 3
AFRE 322 Organization of the Agri-Food Systems 3
AFRE 327 Global Agri-Food Industries and Markets 3
AFRE 330 Farm Management II 3
AFRE 432 Commodity Marketing II 3
AFRE 435 Financial Management in the Agri-Food System 3
AFRE 490 Independent Study in Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 3
Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 130 or 232 may be used to fulfill requirement 3. if not used to fulfill requirement 2.


Minor in Environmental Economics

The Minor in Environmental Economics is designed to serve students who are interested in the application of economics to environmental issues.  The educational objectives of the minor are to:

  1. Introduce students to the concepts and principles of environmental economics.
  2. Help students to develop the skills necessary to analyze environmental and natural resource issues.
  3. Help students to understand the economic dimensions of the many environmental issues facing society.

The minor is available as an elective to all students who are enrolled in bachelor's degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Economics and Management.  The minor is administered by the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.

At least 9 credits counted towards the requirements for this minor must be unique. Unique credits must not be used to fulfill another university, college, or major requirement in the student's program.

Requirements for the Minor in Environmental Economics

The student must complete a minimum of 15 credits:

1. All of the following courses (9 credits):
AFRE 203 Data Analysis for the Agri-Food System 3
AFRE 265 Ecological Economics 3
AFRE 360 Environmental Economics 3
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
AFRE 460 Natural Resource Economics 3
AFRE 465 Corporate Environmental Management (W) 3
3. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
AFRE 303 Managerial Economics 3
AFRE 460 Natural Resource Economics 3
AFRE 465 Corporate Environmental Management (W) 3
CSUS 354 Water Resources Management 3
CSUS 465 Environmental and Natural Resource Law 3
EC 450 Economics of Environmental Policy (W) 3
FOR 419 Applications of Geographic Information Systems 4
Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 460 or 465 may be used to fulfill requirement 3. if not used to satisfy requirement 2.

Minor in Food Industry Management

The Minor in Food Industry management is designed to serve students with majors in other fields who are interested in careers in the food industry.  The primary educational objective of the minor is to provide students with a fundamental knowledge of business management in relation to the food industry.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor's degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Science degree program with a major in food industry management.  The minor is administered by the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.

At least 9 credits counted towards the requirements for this minor must be unique. Unique credits must not be used to fulfill another university, college, or major requirement in the student's program.

Requirements for the Minor in Food Industry Management

The student must complete 15 credits from the following:

1. All of the following courses (9 credits):
AFRE 100 Decision-making in the Agri-Food System 3
AFRE 203 Data Analysis for the Agri-Food System 3
AFRE 240 Food Product Marketing 3
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
AFRE 340 Food Marketing Research and Analytics 3
AFRE 440 Food Marketing Management 3
3. One of the following courses (3 credits):
AFRE 222 Agribusiness and Food Industry Sales 3
AFRE 300 Public Policy Issues in the Agri-Food System 3
AFRE 303 Managerial Economics 3
AFRE 322 Organization of the Agri-Food Systems 3
AFRE 327 Global Agri-Food Industries and Markets 3
AFRE 340 Food Marketing Research and Analytics 3
AFRE 440 Food Marketing Management 3
AFRE 445 Strategic Management for Food and Agribusiness Firms (W) 3
AFRE 490 Independent study in Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 3
Agricultural Food and Resource Economics 340 and 440 may be used to fulfill requirement 3. if not used to fulfill requirement 2.