The Agricultural Systems Management (ASM) program prepares men and women for careers requiring integration and application of technology, agricultural sciences and business in the management, marketing, and support of technical systems in agriculture and related industries. These systems are used for production, handling, storage, processing, distribution and utilization of food, feed, fiber and associated biological products.

A program in Agricultural Mechanization (old name) with a degree offered in the College of Agriculture was established in 1951.

The Agricultural Systems Management (ASM) program at North Dakota State University is recognized and approved by ASAE. The new program name was adopted in 1993 to better reflect the type of training and career opportunities of the graduates. There are currently about 60 undergraduate students enrolled in the program. The program balances hands-on knowledge of engineering technology with instruction in agricultural sciences and agri-business principles.

What do Agricultural Systems Management Students Study?

The ASM curriculum is a major in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources and is administered by the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department. This Bachelor of Science degree program includes core requirements in mathematics, communications, sciences, humanities and social sciences. In the major, students complete technical courses in machine and power principles and systems, computer applications, materials handling, food and materials processing, environmental resources management, electrical systems and electronics, and information/decision support technology. The curriculum balances hands-on knowledge of technology with instruction in agricultural sciences and agri-business principles. The Bachelor of Science degree is awarded after completion of a minimum of 128 semester credit hours.

The ASM curriculum has the flexibility to permit men and women from both rural and urban backgrounds to develop a program to meet personal career objectives. Students are encouraged to pursue a minor in a field related to production agriculture, agribusiness, or in fields that add curriculum diversity i.e., international studies, communications, natural resources management, business administration, accounting, industrial management, etc.

In response to an identified need for well trained agricultural and light industrial equipment dealership managers, the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department worked with the North Dakota Implement Dealers Association and the North Dakota State College of Science to develop an Agricultural and Industrial Equipment option in the Agricultural Systems Management program. This program was first offered in 1994.

We are also pleased to announce the addition of the Dealership Management Specialization.  This program emphasizes engineering technology, business and economics, accounting, and communications.

Career Opportunities for ASM Graduates

The opportunities for Agricultural Systems Management graduates are many and diverse. Graduates may, for example:

1. Be employed by companies and agencies providing inputs and technical services for agricultural production:

• Territory Service Manger, Deere and Company
• Irrigation Sales and Service, Reinke Manufacturing Co.
• Computer Sales, Bristol Computer Co.
• Sales Manager, Champion Landmark
• Regional Manager of Marketing, Deere and Company
  

2. Work with agribusiness companies and agencies that handle, store, process, and distribute agricultural products, and foods:

• Station Manager, Pioneer Hi-Bred International
• Regional Sales Manager, Gilardi's Frozen Foods
• Petroleum Sales Specialist, Cenex/Land O'Lakes
• Grain Merchant, Hunter Grain Co.
• Production Management, Purina Mills
  

3. Work with companies and agencies providing inputs and technical services to rural and urban communities and the general society:

• Vo AG Teacher, North Central Schools
• Soil Conservationist, USDA-Natural Res. Conserv. Service
• Farm Appraiser, Farm Credit Service
• Energy Advisor, Verendrye Electric Cooperative
• Water Quality Specialist, USDA-Extension Service
  

4. Be self-employed, performing services as consultants, or as owners or operators of businesses:

• Owner, Credit Management Consulting
• Owner, Ostlie Farms
• Owner, Hoffman Irrigation
• Owner, Shickley Lumber Co.
• Owner, Rust Sales
  

Scholarships and Financial Resources

• Several scholarships are available through the department. These scholarships range from $200 to $1000. Students are also eligible for scholarships from the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources.

Extra Curricular Activities

• Students in ASM may participate in many extracurricular activities. The ASM Student Club offers opportunities to participate in professional and social activities with other students at the local, regional, and national levels. ASM Club members take an active part in the annual Agricultural Engineering Show, go on field trips, and are involved in public service activities. ASM students are encouraged to consider practical work experience during their college program. Cooperative Education provides opportunities for students to gain valuable work experience.

Preparation

• Besides the general requirements for admission to NDSU, your college preparation should include at a minimum, classes in algebra, biology, and chemistry. Advanced math, science, and communications courses would be helpful.

A Well-Equipped Teaching Facility

• The ASM degree program is administered by the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department and is housed in its own building. Laboratories are furnished with equipment typically used in industry.  The department has its own student computer cluster equipped with CADD, word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, communications, and presentation software. Department faculty have received recognition for outstanding teaching and research on the state and national levels. Faculty expertise varies across a wide and diverse range of specialties related to agriculture and biological systems.