1. DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE

Creation of a track within the existing AFE degree in the area of Ag Business. This track will be achieved with utilization of existing classes in AFE/AQU and the school of Business. This will be a sixth track within the degree.

2. STARTING WITH:

Fall 2017

Year

3. EXPLANATION AND JUSTIFICATION FOR REQUESTED CHANGE

Agriculture Business Option within AFE:

According to the latest report from US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment of agricultural and food science technicians is projected to grow 5-7 percent from 2014 to 2024.” During the next five years, U.S. college graduates will find good employment opportunities if they have expertise in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, or the environment. Between 2015 and 2020, there is expected to be 57,900 average annual openings for graduates with expertise in these areas. According to USDA projections, almost half of the opportunities will be in management and business. Students have expressed a desire at recruiting events for a degree in agriculture business, economics, and/or marketing. The creation of a degree option/tract in this area will use existing classes and would not require any additional courses or faculty hires. This tract is being created by the College of Agriculture, Food Science and Sustainable Systems (CAFSSS) in cooperation with the School of Business to provide students with a background in agriculture business that could result in greater opportunities for employment in both business and agriculturally related careers.

CAFSSS is proposing the undergraduate degree concentration (option) in Agriculture Business through its existing AFE Program. The demand for this program should be good and interest has been expressed by existing AFE students for a concentration in this area. The demand by potential students is also strong based on interactions with students at different recruiting programs Page 37