Agricultural Systems Management

Admitted students who indicate their major as agricultural systems management on their application directly enroll in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. ASM students receive their academic advising from an ASM faculty member and the academic program coordinator for the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering. 

A minimum of 121 semester credit hours must be earned to receive a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with an agricultural systems management major from the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

ASM core course topics:

• metal fabrication
• building materials and construction in agriculture
• electrical systems
• precision agriculture
• animal and rural waste management
• environmental hydrology
• land surveying
• engines and power transmissions
• agricultural machinery management
• agricultural water management
• plant and animal production facilities
• safety and health

A minor is not required for students studying agricultural systems management, but the major requires support courses in business, management and agricultural sciences to enhance the managerial and technical skills necessary to fill a wide range of positions within companies and agencies providing inputs and support services to agricultural production.

ASM core courses are taught in the Agricultural Engineering Building, which houses 97,000 square feet of classrooms, teaching and research laboratories, and student study and computer facilities.

Students in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences are eligible to apply for study abroad scholarships through the college. Learn more about applying for study abroad scholarships and programs of interest to students in the college at students.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/academics/undergraduate/study-abroad.

All ASM students are required to complete at least one 10-week internship to gain practical, hands-on experience to augment their on-campus course work. The Career Services Office in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences offers students support in locating internship opportunities.

Agricultural systems management students can apply for the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Honors Program or for the Combined BS/MS Honors Program. The combined program allows students to pursue both degrees at the same time while enrolled in both the Graduate School and CFAES.

Learn more about CFAES honors program options.

The Agricultural Systems Management Club offers students many networking opportunities both locally and nationally with their peers and industry representatives. Club activities include leadership development, community outreach and service learning. Club meetings may feature guest speakers, industry-oriented programs, or social and recreational activities.

ASM graduates find employment in a wide range of positions in companies and agencies in the agriculture industry. Graduates of the program work in sales, service and production sectors of this field as sales managers, technical support managers, safety coordinators, sales consultants and soil conservationists. Others work in research, technical training and marketing, and some graduates go on to own their own businesses.

Starting salaries for ASM graduates range from $30,000 to $65,000 and average approximately $53,000 per year. Starting salaries depend on a candidate’s skills, previous work experience and other factors determined by various employers.

Upon completion of the program, agricultural systems management graduates will be able to:

1. Plan and manage machinery systems, building infrastructure, and soil and water resources used in the sustainable production of food, fiber and energy incorporating appropriate safety, environmental, legal and economic constraints
2. Implement and follow the business principles and ethical practices necessary to build and maintain a viable farm or agribusiness
3. Function effectively in a global society both as a team member and a leader interacting successfully with agricultural industry professionals, government officials, and an ethically and culturally diverse public
4. Become an accomplished professional in agriculture and related industries who continuously updates his or her technical and management skills and serves relevant industry association and organizations
5. Contribute technical, management and leadership skills to community activities, organizations and charities