Agribusiness

The NCTA Agribusiness major focuses on the fundamentals of agribusiness operations including accounting, finance, marketing and management. Throughout their studies, students are required to utilize computer applications and are exposed to a wide variety of business software. Diversity has been built into the Agribusiness major which allows students the opportunity to tailor their program of study. A number of options are available to meet student needs and there is room in the program for elective courses from other majors on campus.

An Agribusiness major complements all other majors offered at NCTA and many students choose to minor or double major in this area.

One in four jobs in the state of Nebraska is connected to agriculture. Of those jobs, three out of four are in agribusiness and not production agriculture.  "Agribusiness is everyone's business," said Krystle Friesen, NCTA Agribusiness Division Chair. "We are excited to integrate entrepreneurship across the curriculum. We want to prepare our students to enter the workforce with management skills and hopefully, the desire the start their own business."

Classroom and laboratory experiences enhance agribusiness students’ abilities to solve real world problems. NCTA agribusiness majors are in high demand with each student averaging 3-5 job offers upon graduation.

Marketing and Merchandising: Provides students with a broad base of knowledge in marketing and merchandising principles and practices which allows them to enter positions in retail or commodity marketing jobs. Topics covered include marketing, public relations, risk management and advertising.

Management: Prepares a student for entry-level management positions in businesses that serve ag producers.. Students become proficient in business practices including accounting, management and economics.

Office Systems: Graduates have the capabilities to run an efficient office with a knowledge base that includes organizational skills and database creation and utilization.

Veterinary Office Management: Combination of office systems with a background in veterinary technology terminology and practices.

Associate of Science Transfer Option: Students wishing to continue their education at a 4-year college or university may earn an Associate of Science transfer degree in Agribusiness Management.

Business Builder Program

The central focus on entrepreneurship in the NCTA curriculum as created a new way of thinking at NCTA.  Instead of just preparing its students for positions in Nebraska agriculture, NCTA faculty are now preparing students to develop small businesses to take home to rural Nebraska.  Click on the above link to learn more about NCTA's Business Builder Program.

Positions Filled by Agribusiness Management Graduates:

• Commodity Broker
  
• Grain Merchandiser
  
• Marketing Manager
  
• Insurance Agent
  
• Business Manager
  
• Journalist/Editor
  
• Agriculture Sales
  
• Web Page Designer
  
• Loan Officer
  
• Livestock Buyer
  
• Retail Manager
  
• Sales Representative
  
• Technical Service Representative
  
• Public Relations Specialist
  
• Agribusiness Office Manager
  
• Food Buyer
  
• Small Business Owner
  
• Veterinary Office Manager