International MBA in Food and Agribusiness
The international MBA in food and agribusiness is a joint program with the Royal Agricultural College (RAC) in Cirencester, United Kingdom.
The increasing globalization of the food industry has highlighted the need for managers who have experience with the social, cultural, production and consumption conditions in the major markets of the world. Sourcing and supply in the food sector is becoming increasingly competitive and complex.
This program provides the opportunity for future managers to gain understanding and experience with producers, processors, consumers, and policy makers within at least two (and possibly four) of the major trading blocs and markets in the world. The course focuses on the food and agribusiness industry. Course topics studied at Utah State include accounting, marketing, agricultural marketing and price analysis, and supply chain management.
Course topics studied at the RAC include marketing, human resource management, production and operations, food chain and agribusiness industry, economics and agricultural policy.
This is a 12–18 month program. Fall semester is spent at Utah State and spring semester is spent at the RAC.
The MBA is awarded by the Royal Agricultural College.
About the Royal
Website:http://www.royagcol.ac.uk/?_id=736
The first college of agriculture in the English–speaking world, the Royal Agricultural College is set in the heart of the Cotswold countryside.
Students of the college have the use of high–quality study and accommodation facilities. The main building, in the style of an Oxford college, has been a seat of agricultural studies for 156 years. All courses are taught within the college’s three schools ––– the School of Agriculture, the School of Rural Economy and Land Management and the School of Business.
Located in a rural community, the college manages four separate farms totaling 830 hectares of land in four blocks just eight miles apart and with very different farming conditions. Managed on a strictly commercial basis, the farms provide a field laboratory for students and are used for farm classes and projects in practical husbandry, technical control and business management. The college acts as an adviser on farming and estate management to many private, corporate, and public bodies in England and Wales.
The college expects high standards from students, but personal development is another important aspect of an education at the Royal. Every effort is made to nurture and hone the personal skills which are critical for communication in today’s challenging business and professional environment.
Courses at Utah State
Fall SemesterAccounting Strategies for Profit (Acct 6350)
Global Marketing Strategy (BA 4590)
Agricultural Marketing (Econ 6030)
Agricultural Production and Policy (Econ 6040)
Applied Econometrics (Econ 6330)
Courses at RAC
January to MarchFinancial Management
Marketing and Advertising
Human Resource Management
Production and Operations (Logistics)
Food Chain and Agribusiness Industry
Macroeconomics and Agricultural Policy
Business Strategy
Team Project
April to May consists of 250 hours total. The project and the place where the project is completed varies.
Dissertation (Thesis)
The dissertation must be submitted within 12 months of completing course and a team project, supervised by a lecturer at the RAC or Utah State.
IMBA Field Trip Spring 2007
To view a scrapbook of picutres from the spring 2007 field trip click here.
Student Experiences
"I didn’t what to expect from studying in the US, or specifically in Utah, so my aspirations were pretty muted. Had anyone tried to tell me what what a fulfilling and stimulating time I was going to have learning again I wouldn’t have believed them. Logan is full of generous and friendly people and set in a most spectacular landscape. I met fascinating people from all around the world that were as keen to speak to this 30-something English guy as I was to them. Its four–months of my life I’ll never forget."
– Simon Ryan; Corston, England
"The IMBA program provided me with the opportunity to do three things. First it provided me the opportunity to visit England and to spend time experiencing how another country teaches it students and it helped me to learn and adapt to a different style of learning and working. The classes were well presented and informative. It provided me with ample opportunity to explore in depth the material that was covered in each of the lectures. I was able to work with people from all around the world on projects in and out of class. The IMBA program was a very eye opening experience for me and I am glad that I chose that program. I am currently employed by Pfizer Animal Health doing work that I enjoy."
– Nicolas Buttars
"I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend the Royal Agricultural College. The International MBA program served as the highlight of my collegiate experience by expanding my American perspective to a much larger global outlook."
"The educational and cultural experiences acquired while at the RAC also proved to be an extremely strong marketing tool to me, as I pursue a working career. In fact, I found myself with several job opportunities even before I completed my thesis research. This marketability is still strong today, giving me a competitive edge, as I narrow in on my career goals."
"Above and beyond the exceptional educational experiences, I found the networking opportunities to be the most valuable resource I received from the RAC. Both the RAC staff and my colleagues have proved to be not only wonderful friends but also invaluable resources as well spread across the globe."
– Bryan Christensen; Price, Utah