CREDENTIAL Undergraduate Certificate PROGRAM LENGTH 15 Credit Hours CURRICULUM Five Applied Courses

The Agricultural Business Data Science Certificate is a 15-credit-hour undergraduate program that prepares students for emerging data-enabled careers in agriculture, agribusiness, and rural economic development. Its five-course curriculum integrates agricultural enterprise knowledge, business principles, data management, analytics, advanced spreadsheet applications, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Through hands-on projects, case studies, and real-world agricultural datasets, students develop practical skills in data literacy, database systems, statistical analysis, visualization, performance measurement, and responsible data use. The program emphasizes applied problem-solving and technology-driven decision-making in areas such as precision agriculture, agribusiness analytics, supply-chain coordination, spatial analysis, and digital farm management.

Aligned with employer expectations and evolving workforce needs, the certificate prepares graduates for entry-level roles in agricultural analytics, agribusiness operations, agricultural technology support, enterprise data management, and related fields. Building on the University's strengths in agriculture, management information systems, and applied research, it supports workforce modernization, technology adoption, rural economic resilience, and broader participation in agricultural technology careers. The certificate may be completed as a standalone credential or incorporated into a bachelor's degree in agriculture, business administration, or a related discipline.

This course provides an introduction to the management of non-farm businesses in agriculture. It includes: 1) the role of an agribusiness manager, 2) management as a strategy for long-term survival of a business, and 3) management of operations, marketing, financials, and human resources as part of an agricultural industry.

Prerequisites: BUA 101, MAT 115, or Instructor Consent.

This course introduces fundamental concepts and techniques of data analytics and foundational data science, with interdisciplinary applications in agriculture, business, and related fields. Students examine how data are generated, collected, managed, and analyzed to support evidence-based decision-making in organizational, environmental, and production systems.

The course develops essential competencies in data literacy, data types, data quality, governance, ethics, and responsible data use. Using spreadsheets and introductory