This degree includes the study of concepts and tools that can be used by practicing managers to make better decisions with the firm. Students specializing in this area can expect to build programs of study that emphasize the use of economics to understandthe agricultural business environment and to provide quantitative support for decision making. They will learn to use management tools and concepts to solve marketing, financial, production, and personal problems of agricultural businesses. The department offers courses focused on the unique marketing and strategic management problems of food and agribusiness firms. Students have the opportunity to apply ideas to agribusiness situations through special problems, courses and interaction with agribusiness extension specialists and researchers, including those areas associated with the Department's Center for Food and Agricultural Business. Students may elect to emphasize areas such as marketing management, financial management or production management, in their coursework and their research. Employment opportunities abound for students in this program. Some individuals move into staff positions such as financial analysts or marker researchers in all types of food an agribusiness firms. Students have also pursued careers in government, industry, and other agriculture related institutions.