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Agricultural Management Diploma

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Length: Two Years Delivery: On-Campus Program Intake: Fall Intake
CIP Code: AgriCommerce Major: 01.0101 CIP Code: Production Major: 01.0301

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.

Overview

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.

Program Outcomes

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

Admission Requirements

  • 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.

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.

  • Alternate Admission status may apply to students who have not or will not complete one 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
      • How you plan to be successful with the missing requirement.
    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)

    *Submitting Alternate Admission material does not guarantee admission*

  • 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

Program Details

Tuition, Fees & Affordability

Estimated Tuition & Fees for Domestic Applicants

Year Tuition Fees Books & Supplies Estimated Total
Year 1 $6,400.00 $1,600.00 $1,900.00 $9,900.00
Year 2 $6,400.00 $1,600.00 $600.00 $8,600.00
  • These fees are provided as estimates only based on the current academic year.
  • The estimate only includes tuition, mandatory fees and books & supplies.
  • Refer to the appropriate academic year Fee Schedule for the most up to date information.
  • International students pay a differentiated tuition rate and should refer to the appropriate academic year Fee Schedule.

Tuition, Fees & Payments


Housing & Meal Plans

Olds College offers two residence options — Centennial Village and College Courts. Students living on campus are required to choose a meal plan. Housing and meal plan costs are based on the full academic year (September to April), but students in single-term programs will only pay for the corresponding term. 

For more details, visit Dining at Olds College and Campus Housing.

Course Details

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.

Course Descriptions

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. See Academic Calendar for complete course listings.
Term 3
Term 4
  • Complete all of the following
    • Completed the following:
      • AMT2630 - Agribusiness Planning and Management
      • COM1030 - Workplace Professionalism
    • Major specific courses. See Academic Calendar for complete course listings.

Funding & Awards

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.

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.

Career Outcomes

Our graduates are highly sought after, thanks to our strong industry partnerships and hands-on training. You’ll be well-prepared for a variety of exciting careers in agriculture, including:

  • Applied research technician
  • Agricultural lender
  • Processing plant technician
  • Marketer of agricultural commodities or processed products
  • Farm, feedlot or ranch manager

Ready to start your career?

Visit ALIS - Occupational Profiles to discover current wages, industry trends, and more about your future job.

Admitted Students Information

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.

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

Program Highlights

Emilie Edgar

I’ve always wanted a career in the agriculture industry, so the Agriculture Management diploma program felt like a perfect fit. After receiving my diploma, I knew I wanted to continue to expand my knowledge and skills within the industry so I enrolled into the Bachelor of Applied Science - Agribusiness degree program.

Emilie Edgar Bachelor of Applied Science in Agribusiness

Research Technician, Olds College

Brody Nestorvich

I chose Olds College, not only because it was close to home, but because of the industry connections and cutting-edge programming that focuses on the future of agriculture.

Brody Nestorvich Bachelor of Applied Science in Agribusiness, 2022

Agricultural Management Diploma, Agricommerce Major, 2020 Graduate

Anna Dau

My time at Olds College allowed me to grow - not just professionally, but as a person. Whether it was in class, through the Students’ Association or in the community, the hands-on experiences that I’ve had gave me the confidence to lead, take on new challenges and launch my career.

Anna Dau Bachelor of Applied Science - Agribusiness, 2027

President, Students’ Association of Olds College 2024-2026

Jessie

At Olds College, I have enriched my professional knowledge. All our courses are practical; they are hands-on, they’re not just in textbooks.

Jessie Veterinary Medical Receptionist Certificate, 2025

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Olds College Recruiter with prospective students

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