Master of Agribusiness/Professional MBA Dual Degree

3 Years On Campus Masters Program

Kansas State University

Program Overview

Kansas State University’s Master of Agribusiness (MAB)/Professional Master of Business Administration (PMBA) Dual Degree combines specialist knowledge of the food, agriculture and animal health industries with advanced business and management training. Designed for working professionals seeking career growth or leadership opportunities, the programme develops expertise in agribusiness economics, finance, logistics, organisational management and strategic decision-making while allowing students to earn both degrees concurrently.

Curriculum Structure

The dual-degree curriculum combines applied agribusiness coursework with professional MBA subjects. The university’s programme booklet outlines a three-year course progression; students typically complete an initial year of MAB coursework before entering the combined programme, although start dates and study arrangements are flexible.

Year 1 – Agribusiness Foundations

Students build a foundation in business economics, financial management and operational decision-making for the agricultural sector. Courses include Applied Agribusiness Economics, Agribusiness Financial Management and Applied Agribusiness Logistics, alongside Introduction to Computer Decision Tools for Agribusiness and Optimization Techniques for Agribusiness.

Year 2 – Advanced Agribusiness and Management

The second year develops students’ ability to analyse industry trends, manage risk and understand international agricultural markets. Key courses include Applied Econometric Analysis, International Agribusiness Policy Analysis and Agribusiness Risk Management, complemented by Managing Organizational Behavior, Marketing Concepts and Research and Advanced Food and Agribusiness Management.

Year 3 – Professional MBA and Strategic Leadership

The final stage brings together advanced business strategy, technology, international experience and operational management. Students study subjects such as Information Tech Strategy and Application, Managing the Triple Bottom Line Business, Business Strategy, International Travel Experience and Operations and Supply Chain Management, alongside Foundations of Accounting and Finance and a business elective. The MAB component also includes Seminar in Agricultural Economics Analysis and Master’s Thesis Research.

Note: The university’s current dual-degree webpage lists 60 credit hours and a professional thesis. The detailed year-by-year course sequence above comes from the programme booklet, so confirm the latest course plan with the department before treating it as a fixed sequence.

Focus Areas

Agribusiness management, food industry management, animal health business, agricultural economics, agribusiness finance, business analytics, computer-based decision tools, risk management, applied econometrics, international trade and agricultural policy, logistics and supply chain management, organisational behaviour, marketing, strategic management, business optimisation, technology strategy, sustainability and international business.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to analyse business challenges in food and agriculture, apply economic and financial principles to management decisions, assess agribusiness risks, evaluate international agricultural markets and policies, optimise business operations, manage supply chains, lead organisational change, communicate business strategies effectively and use technology to improve workplace efficiency.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

AACSB accreditation: Kansas State University's College of Business holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The university states that its MBA programmes have held AACSB accreditation since 1980.
Professional business education: The PMBA component provides general business knowledge and management preparation, while the MAB component develops specialised expertise for the food, agriculture and animal health industries.
Applied learning: The programme blends classroom theory with applied projects and includes a professional thesis.

Reputation (Employability and Rankings)

U.S. News & World Report 2026: Kansas State University's Professional Master of Business Administration is ranked No. 26 nationally among online MBA programmes.
Graduate business ranking: The university's online graduate business programmes are ranked No. 37 nationally in the same 2026 rankings.
Industry reach: The Master of Agribusiness programme has attracted more than 700 students and alumni from over 40 US states and more than 30 countries.
Industry connections: MAB graduates work across food production, agricultural finance, animal health, food processing, retail, consulting, government and agricultural technology. The university identifies employers including Cargill, Bayer, John Deere, Land O'Lakes, Syngenta and Zoetis.
Career development: The dual degree is designed to support career advancement and prepare graduates for management and leadership opportunities across agribusiness and related industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Kansas State University, the Dual Degree Master of Agribusiness and Professional Master of Business Administration programs are designed to provide students with a robust blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students engage in hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for real-world challenges in the agribusiness sector and beyond. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, students can immerse themselves in a learning environment that fosters innovation and collaboration.

Here are some key experiential learning opportunities available to students in these programs:

- Internships and Cooperative Education: Students have the chance to participate in internships with leading agribusiness firms, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings and build valuable industry connections.

- Group Projects and Case Studies: Collaborative projects are a core component of the curriculum, where students work in teams to solve real-world business problems, enhancing their teamwork and leadership skills.

- Digital Tools and Software: Students gain proficiency in industry-standard software such as SAS, R, and various data analytics tools, equipping them with the technical skills needed in today’s data-driven business environment.

- Field Trips and Industry Visits: The program includes field trips to agribusiness operations and farms, providing students with firsthand insights into the industry and networking opportunities with professionals.

- Research Laboratories: Access to specialized research labs allows students to engage in cutting-edge research projects, contributing to advancements in agribusiness practices.

- Libraries and Research Institutes: The university boasts extensive library resources and research institutes focused on agriculture and business, offering students a wealth of information and support for their studies.

- Networking Events and Workshops: Regularly scheduled events with industry leaders and alumni provide students with opportunities to learn from experts and expand their professional networks.

These experiential learning components are integral to the Dual Degree Master of Agribusiness and Professional Master of Business Administration programs, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to excel in their careers.

Consider applying to these dynamic programs and take the next step toward a successful career in agribusiness and business administration!

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Dual Degree Master of Agribusiness and Professional Master of Business Administration at Kansas State University equips graduates with a unique blend of skills that are highly sought after in today’s job market. Graduates often find themselves in roles such as Agribusiness Manager, Supply Chain Analyst, and Business Development Director, where they can leverage their expertise to drive innovation and efficiency in the agricultural sector. This program not only prepares you for immediate employment but also opens doors to a variety of career paths in a rapidly evolving industry.

Here’s how Kansas State University supports your journey toward a successful career:

- Career Services: The university offers personalized career counseling, resume workshops, and interview preparation to help you stand out to potential employers.
- Employment Statistics: K-State boasts an impressive employment rate of over 90% for graduates within six months of graduation, with average starting salaries around $60,000, depending on the role and industry.
- University–Industry Partnerships: K-State has established strong connections with leading agribusiness firms and organizations, providing students with networking opportunities, internships, and real-world projects that enhance learning and employability.
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), ensuring that your degree holds long-term value and is recognized globally.
- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni of this dual degree program have gone on to hold influential positions in top companies, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing students for leadership roles.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Dual Degree Master of Agribusiness and Professional Master of Business Administration, you may choose to pursue a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics or Business Administration, allowing you to delve deeper into research and academia. Alternatively, you could explore specialized certifications in areas such as supply chain management or data analytics, further enhancing your qualifications and career prospects. This program not only sets you up for immediate success but also lays a solid foundation for lifelong learning and advancement in your field.