BASc Agribusiness

What can you expect from our program?

The Bachelor of Applied Science degree, majoring in Agribusiness, is the only program of its kind in North America. You can earn while you learn to apply business skills to analyze, debate, and solve current agricultural industry challenges. Olds College is ideally located in the heart of agriculture in central Alberta, and has cultivated an impressive array of agriculture industry relationships.

Entry into the Bachelor of Applied Science – Agribusiness program requires the completion of a two-year diploma in an agricultural or related discipline. Many Olds College diplomas provide a natural starting point to develop the added knowledge and experience needed to excel in your chosen sector of the agricultural industry. Upon successful completion of the courses, students undertake an eight month Directed Field Study with an approved employer of their choice.

The Directed Field Study demonstrates a unique opportunity for academia and industry to provide students with mentored experiential learning. This program attracts students from across Canada representing a variety of livestock, agronomy, and small business backgrounds. Students learn to apply managerial, entrepreneurial and leadership skills to significantly increase their competencies and confidence.

What will you learn?

Students will develop and apply skills in critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration to investigate business, entrepreneurial and leadership challenges. Developing these work / life skills will increase students' competence and confidence to manage their ever-changing world. Agribusiness applied degree students will spend the first eight months of the program in classroom settings at the Olds College campus. Students will be encouraged to develop communication, networking, teamwork and time management skill while completing projects with classmates and industry clients on relevant, current topics.

Students will be coached in developing and applying information and technology literacy, creativity and the necessity for life-long learning when exploring business fundamentals such as finance, marketing, strategic business management, human resources, applied research and innovation and leadership. The Bachelor of Applied Science - Agribusiness program provides an unprecedented career boost, allowing our graduates to enjoy rewarding employment options in a dynamic, growing global industry while earning their academic credentials.

Lead and work in a team environment
Communicate effectively
Consider ethical implications of actions
Evaluate usefulness of information to achieve various ends
Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to support the agribusiness industry
Identify learning goals and take appropriate courses of action to achieve them
Make strategic management decisions

Credential: Applied Degree

Length of Program: Diploma + minimum 16 months

Method of Delivery: On-campus Delivery

Directed Field Study/Work Term/Practicum: An 8-month Directed Field Study is required upon successful completion of all third year courses. It can be completed at a location of your choice, following approval by Olds College.

Program Intakes: Fall Intake (September program start)

Applications Open: October 1 for the Fall Intake

Selection Process for Admission: First Qualified, First Accepted

Tuition, Mandatory Fees, Books, & Supplies: Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for details.

Year 3: Tuition & Fees: $5,460 / Books & Supplies: $1,000
Year 4: Tuition & Fees: $3710 / Books & Supplies: $0

*These fees are provided as estimates only for the purposes of budgeting. Please note that this is an estimate for domestic students (international students should refer to the Fee Schedule) and all fees are subject to change.

International Students will require a Co-Op Work Permit as well as a Study Permit for this program.

What do I need to apply?

Admission Requirements:

2.5 GPA in the 60 credits from an Olds College diploma or a 2.5 GPA or 75% in an equivalent program
Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement (completed at minimum 3-years of formal education taught entirely in English or provide the results of a recognized English Language Proficiency exam)

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 diploma / post-secondary education outside of Canada. Please note, it is still necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency.

International students in this program will require a Co-Op Permit and a Study Permit for this program.

Further information can be found on our website under International Students.

Directed Field Study Required: An 8-month Directed Field Study is undertaken upon successful completion of all third year courses. Students will develop individualized learning plans for the Directed Field Study and complete the study based upon their learning goals. Upon completion of the Directed Field Study, each student will submit all required final assignments.

Admitted Student Information

Program Dates: Find out when you 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 strongly recommended that you come to Olds College with the following technology:

A device capable of running Microsoft Office, preferably a laptop

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:

Information on other 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.

Other Important Information:

Time Requirements: This program involves a lot of group work and projects, which will require extra time outside of regular class hours to complete.

Bachelor of Applied Science - Agribusiness

What can you expect from our program?

What will you learn?

Your Future

Program at a glance

What do I need to apply?

Ready to apply? Visit our Admissions page for more info or contact an Olds College Advisor.

Admitted Students