Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Food Marketing and Agribusiness
Majors Overview May 7, 2014Bachelor’s degree programs in Food Marketing teach students how to apply marketing and business principles to the agribusiness and food industry. Completing a bachelor’s degree program in Advertising, Sales, or Marketing are some ways to become eligible for food marketing careers; however, some universities and colleges offer degree programs that contain coursework specific for food marketing.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Food Marketing and Agribusiness
Students enrolled in a four-year Food Marketing degree program are provided with a basic knowledge of business and marketing principles, in addition to a grasp of the food processing industry. Armed with a degree in the field, graduates can pursue numerous career options, wherein the focus would be on food advertising, food processing companies, food rules and regulations, and the corporate aspect of the food industry.
Students enrolled in many degree programs in Food Marketing are allowed to choose a specific track of study apart from imbibing instruction on basic data models and marketing principles. Coursework may include areas of specific focus such as food production techniques, food distribution, agribusiness, agricultural science, sales and promotions, dairy processing, animal science, and meat science. The program also encourages students to participate in food marketing work experience or internships during the tenure of the program.
Education Requirements
Four-year colleges and universities commonly offer these programs. Admission criteria typically require applicants for admission to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma, in addition to completing standardized tests, such as the ACT or SAT. An affinity for marketing, sales, and math is also expected of students before they can enroll in the program.
Coursework
Coursework in a Food Marketing degree program is often divided into classroom lectures and laboratory experiences; additionally, some schools organize field trips to processing centers and production facilities. Core coursework may include subject areas such as:
•Global resources for food
•Accounting for agribusiness
•Economics for agribusiness
•Food and agribusiness marketing
•Sales and advertising management
•Agriculture business management
•Data management
•Leadership skills
•Enterprise management
•Financial analysis for agribusiness
Career Choices
Graduates of a degree in Food Marketing can seek various entry-level careers at marketing associations, government agencies, small businesses, and food-related corporations. They may choose from specific positions such as:
•Retail chain owner
•Supermarket manager
•Agriculture communications professional
•Marketing account manager (food division)
•Food sales manager
•Packing house manager
•Food and produce broker
Job and Wage Outlook
A job growth rate of 12% has been predicted for sales managers in general over the 2010-2020 decade, while a job growth rate of 14% was predicted for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers over the same period (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)). In May 2012, sales managers took home an average annual wage of $105,260, while marketing managers earned $115,750, on average, during the same year.
Continuing Education Choices
Graduates of the bachelor’s program can seek continued education by enrolling in advanced degree programs, such as an executive master’s degree in Food Marketing, whereby they would be provided with an overview of the current sales data and tools employed in the field. Schools also offer a Ph.D. in Food Marketing and Sales program, which is devised to train students for careers in academia and research.
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