Diploma in Agribusiness
Add value to your education. Learn about global trade. Navigate new technology. Manage your business for profit. Take your ideas to market. These are just a few opportunities available to you when you choose the Diploma in Agribusiness at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is Agribusiness?
Agribusiness is of local and global importance, encompassing a huge range of activities that contribute to our supply of food and natural fibres. Agribusiness comes into play at every stage in the food chain, from primary production, to the packaging of your favorite snack food. It is also a dynamic business that must respond to sweeping advances in technology, to major changes in trade and policy, and to an ever-changing, consumer-driven marketplace.
The Diploma in Agribusiness is an intensive, two-year program designed to train students for employment in all aspects of the industry. The Diploma in Agribusiness is a two-year program made up of a combination of science, economics, agricultural economics, and business courses. The mix of courses will provide graduates with an understanding of the structure and organization of the agri-food sector. Graduates will possess business skills with particular application to the value-chain extending from farm inputs, through farm businesses, transportation, processing, marketing and sales. Students completing the Diploma in Agribusiness who choose to continue towards a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness can do so with an additional 60 credit units of approved course work in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources.
This program has given me a broad look at every aspect of the agriculture industry, from examining soil nutrients to analysing and understanding world commodity markets.
I feel I’m gaining a useful, relevant and applied education not offered in any other program with the added benefit of a small classroom environment and professors who are extremely approachable.—Scott Owens,
Dipl. Ag.
The U of S Advantage
The U of S provides a learning environment with an innovative, hands-on approach to education, offered in world-class teaching facilities. Some students and professors from the Department work at the Canadian Light Source using synchrotron radiation to investigate the chemical species of nitrogen and phosphorus present in soils. Others use stable isotopes to examine nutrient cycling in organic farming systems or greenhouse gas emissions. In this unique environment students will learn from distinguished faculty, some of whom are teacher-scholars conducting world-class research and others who are teacher practitioners running their own agribusiness part-time.
The College of Agriculture and Bioresources offers a setting that combines the advantages of a full-scale university with the benefits of a small, specialized program. The small upper-year class sizes and supportive atmosphere allow students to get to know their instructors and fellow students and to build a network of personal and business contacts. Students have numerous opportunities to transfer the theory beyond the classroom; most courses include hands on components such as field trips and class projects that tackle real world issues.
First year students can sign up for a Learning Community (LC) and be pre-registered in three of your classes. LCs are a great way to meet people with similar interests, get advice from student leaders who know the ropes, and make a smoother transition to the University of Saskatchewan.
Students can also take advantage of a number of scholarships and bursaries available exclusively to diploma students at the College of Agriculture & Bioresources.
Choose Your Program
The Diploma in Agribusiness is administered by the College of Agriculture and Bioresources and is offered through the Department of Bioresource Policy, Business and Economics. The proposed mix of courses will provide graduates an understanding of the structure and organization of the agri-food sector.In addition, graduates are eligible for membership in the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists as Agricultural Technologists.
The Diploma in Agribusiness has a greater number of agricultural science requirements than typically found in a business diploma program. In order to attract and accommodate students with a broader background, the program is designed with a large range of electives (25%).
The types of courses students will take include:
- Courses in marketing where students learn cutting-edge marketing strategies for traditional crops and livestock, specialty and exotic niche market commodities, and processed products from the farm gate through to the consumer’s fork.
- Financial management courses that teach essential skills for managing a modern agricultural enterprise.
- Courses in contracting, taxation and agricultural law to provide a solid basis for working and managing in today’s agribusiness climate.
- A variety of additional courses that give students the background necessary to understand how and why world economies are changing and the impacts of globalization on the marketplace, both at home and internationally.
Career Opportunities
The Diploma in Agribusiness gives students the skills to start up their own business, to join the family business or to 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 broker and as a communications advisor. Graduates will possess business skills with particular application to the value-chain extending from farm inputs, through farm businesses, transportation, processing, marketing and sales.
A Stepping Stone...
The Diploma in Agribusiness can lead in many directions. It provides students with a solid foundation of marketable skills with which to enter the workforce directly, or upon which to base further studies.
Students completing the Diploma in Agribusiness who choose to continue towards a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness can do so with an additional 60 credit units of approved course work in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. As well, Agribusiness training can provide background that will give a student the edge in other professions, such as journalism, communications, marketing or politics.
Getting Involved!
One of the best ways to make the most of your college career is to get involved - and the Agriculture Students’ Association (ASA) is just the way to do it!. The ASA is one of the most active and spirited student bodies on campus with activities including everything from debates, to speaker nights, professional development days, Telemiracle fundraisers, and social nights with professors.
In addition, option clubs such as the Horticulture Club, Agricultural Economics & Business Club, and Students in Free Enterprise offer students incredible opportunities to share their interests, plan activities beyond the classroom, and have fun!
You can also sign up for a Learning Community (LC) and be pre-registered in three of your classes. LCs are a great way to meet people with similar interests, get advice from student-leaders who know the ropes, and make a smoother transition into the University of Saskatchewan.
Contact US!
We would like to hear from you! For more information about this program and the University of Saskatchewan, including course requirements and program details, contact:
Recruitment & Admissions
University of Saskatchewan
105 Administration Place
Saskatoon SK S7N 5A2
Canada
Tel: 306-966-5788
E-mail: admission@usask.ca
Website: explore.usask.ca
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
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