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Agricultural Management Diploma

Agriculture Management

If you are looking for a career that will help feed, clothe, house or even fuel the world, you have found the right place.

Our Agricultural Management diploma program gives you a comprehensive education in all aspects of the agriculture industry through a mix of classroom time and hands-on experience on the Olds College Smart Farm.

You will develop a foundation of business skills, including communication, accounting and marketing strategies and be exposed to the advancement of agricultural technology, from accounting software to farm machinery. Gain an environmental understanding in the production of food, feed, fuel and fibre, livestock physiology and health, and the global issues that are currently impacting the industry. Learning from industry professionals, you will have a great understanding of farm and pest management, crop production, soil and nutrition, and Precision Crop Systems after completing this program.

Credentials

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a diploma in Agricultural Management, with a major in Agriculture Production or Agricommerce.

Students choose a major to specialize in. Options include:

Agricultural Production Major

Designed for students who plan to work in a production enterprise, its service providers or in the new regulatory environments as auditors and inspectors. You will develop an understanding of how consumer preferences and markets influence agricultural production. Learn about agricultural environment management and sustainability, including the study of plant systems, their dependent ecosystems, and the mechanics of soil and water management.

Agricommerce Major

You will be prepared for a career in agricultural lending, finance, marketing and sales of service products to the agriculture industry or the agricultural products destined for the consumer's plate. You will develop the skills to successfully develop business plans, marketing campaigns, sales tactics, and strategically manage an agribusiness through applying business principles to achieve goals.

    • 50% or better in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2
    • 55% or better in Math 20-1 or 20-2
    • 50% or better in Two of Biology 20, Chemistry 20, Science 20, OR One of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Science 30

    Academic Upgrading and High School Applicants: Applicants currently in high school or who are completing academic upgrading must submit proof of enrollment and any available interim/midterm marks. Final marks must be submitted within one month following the completion of the course(s) and no later than one month prior to the program start date.

    Alternate Admission Option: Alternate Admission status may apply to students who have not or will not complete one or more of the academic admission requirements. To apply under Alternate Admission Status, please provide the following:

    1. (Required) Transcript(s) showing any completed high school and post-secondary courses
    2. (Required) Letter of Introduction and Intent, outlining the following:
      • Introduce yourself
      • Indicate why you wish to enrol in the program
      • Elaborate on your career goals
      • Detail your experience relevant to this program and the industry
    3. (Required) A resume of your work history, extracurricular activities, volunteer service, etc. for the last 5 years
    4. (Optional) Include copies of any tickets and/or certificates you currently hold (e.g.: first aid, safety tickets, etc.)
    5. (Optional) Letter(s) of reference from current or past employers/coaches/etc. (maximum of two letters)

    Transfer Options: Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has developed agreements with other educational institutions to allow for transition to Olds College, or to another institution to continue your education. Articulations & Agreements

    Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.

    International Applicants: Olds College welcomes applications from International Applicants and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. Please note, it is still necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency.

  • Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for complete details.

    Tuition, Fees & Payments

    Scholarships & Student Awards

    Olds College of Agriculture & Technology offers over 450 awards, valued at $500,000+ in scholarships, bursaries and prizes. Thanks to our industry partners, alumni, and friends of Olds College we are fortunate to offer a generous student awards program to students.

    For additional information on scholarships, bursaries and prizes at Olds College, visit Scholarships & Awards

    Entrance Awards Available!

    Entrance awards range from $250 - $1,500 for students applying for the upcoming academic year and have paid the tuition deposit by the deadline.

    Awards are selected randomly from those that have applied and qualify based on the criteria.
    Award will be applied as a tuition credit to the student's account after the add/drop course deadline, confirming full-time attendance.

    Student Funding

    For information on how to apply for government student loans, financial aid or for help with financial planning, visit our Student Funding page.

  • For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.

    Academic Calendar: Agricultural Management

    Term 1
    • Completed the following:
      • AGN1240 - Principles of Crop Production
      • AMT1035 - Agricultural Business Management Principles
      • AMT1040 - Survey of Agribusiness
      • AMT1335 - Agribusiness Accounting
      • LVS1370 - Principles of Animal Agriculture
    Term 2
    • Complete all of the following
      • Completed the following:
        • AMT1360 - Computer Applications for Agribusiness
        • COM1020 - Workplace Communication
        • MKG1021 - Marketing Principles
      • Major Specific Courses
    Term 3
    • Major Specific Courses
    Term 4
    • Complete all of the following
      • Completed the following:
        • AMT2630 - Agribusiness Planning and Management
        • COM1030 - Workplace Professionalism
      • Major Specific Courses
  • Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has a solid reputation working with employers in the industry! This directly translates into jobs for our graduates. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:

    • Financial services
    • Agri-services
    • Sales and marketing
    • Value-added agricultural production
    • Government agencies
    • Entry level management

    Visit ALIS to find Occupational Profiles with current wages, industry trends and more!

    ALIS Occupational Profiles

  • Program Dates

    Find out when your term start and end dates are, so that you know when you are expected to be in attendance. For more information, please review the Program Dates & Fee Schedule.

    Class Registration

    You will be registered into your classes automatically. This will happen approximately 1 month prior to the start-date for your program. You will be notified once you have been timetabled into your courses. You will be able to see your class schedule in your My Olds College account. If you need to make any changes to your class registration, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

    Technology Recommendation

    It is required that you come to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with the following technology:

    • A laptop capable of running Microsoft Office is mandatory for this program, as students will be using Excel and other Microsoft Office programs extensively in lectures and classes.

    As part of your student accounts, all students have access to Office 365 for the duration of their time with Olds College. To access this you just need to follow these steps:

    • Go to portal.office.com
    • Enter your Olds College email address and password
    • Once logged in there is a button on the right that says "Install Office Apps"

    This will give you access to the full Office suite on your computer, for both Windows and Mac based platforms.

    Materials & Supplies

    The following items are required:

    There may be other necessary items (ie. cold weather attire) that may be required during your time at Olds College.

    A copy of your valid driver’s license is necessary to operate Olds College equipment.

    Information on required textbooks and any further supplies will be provided as you attend each class. All books and supplies will be available during the first few weeks of classes in the College Campus Store.

    Textbook Order Form

    For students taking LVS 2470 as one of their electives, they will require a digital thermometer and a stethoscope.

    Other Important Information:

    • Student Clubs: The Aggies

Take The Next Step

Begin your career in agriculture, brewing, livestock, equestrian, horticulture, and related fields with one simple click.

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Program at a Glance

Length: Two Years

Delivery Method: On-Campus

Program Intake: Fall Intake (September program start)

Applications Open: First Wednesday (9 a.m.) of October

Program Status: Open