The program blends a strong base of agriculture, business, and general education courses while maximizing flexibility that allows students to choose electives to fit their career interests and expectations. A wide array of challenging, satisfying, and rewarding careers await graduates as demand for trained personnel in agribusiness continues to outstrip the supply of qualified graduates. Clusters of employment opportunities include agricultural sales and marketing, agribusiness management, agribusiness finance, agribusiness information management, food marketing management, global agribusiness, and rural economic development.

Program outcomes; graduates demonstrate

• skills that lead to satisfying and rewarding opportunities for agribusiness careers in either rural or urban settings
• knowledge of the basic general education that provides the foundation for applied knowledge and lifelong learning
• knowledge and technical skills required for careers in agribusiness
• polytechnic knowledge to make immediate contributions in the work place
• skills to advance the agricultural business program in concert with industry to ensure rapid response to evolving needs

Sustainable Development Emphasis

Rural communities have a great deal to offer but need leadership and focus to succeed. Rural economic developers help communities prosper by developing and marketing their strengths, by envisioning and nurturing economic development, and by recognizing opportunities to participate in the larger economy. UMC’s program in Sustainable Development can provide you with the skills needed to succeed in this challenging, rewarding, and growing career field.

Four Keys for Rural Economic Development

Progress:  Most rural communities have untapped potential.  Rural economic developers bring leadership, vitality, focus, and vision these communities.  They develop creative solutions to help expand opportunities for businesses and people. 

Growth:  Knowledge of assistance programs, methods of finance, project feasibility, marketing skill, and the reality of implementation are ingredients necessary for economic development and growth.  Once underway, growth tends to create a ripple effect.  As one segment of a community enjoys economic success, others benefit, and opportunities for continued development expand.

Job Creation: Rural communities need business development that fits existing resources and that creates a shared vision for the future.   The goal of a rural economic developer is to help create jobs that sustain families and provide attractive lifestyles.  These jobs need to be compatible with existing industries and resources; to improve individual earning power; to create local wealth; and to be environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.

Quality of Life: Quality educational opportunities, health care, safety and security, low crime rates, unspoiled landscapes, and cultural and recreational activities are important considerations.  They are the things that make a community a good place to live, work, and do business.  Rural communities often need assistance articulating and marketing these benefits.

Career Opportunities

Job opportunities exceed the number of qualified graduates.  Future demand appears strong.  Graduates with training in rural economic development will find employment in these areas:

• Cities, counties, and government economic development agencies
• Regional development organizations
• Utility companies and cooperatives
• Foundations and corporate philanthropic organizations
• Agricultural and food supply and service firms
• Financial services and banking firms
  
  

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