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Masters

Agriculture - Agribusiness

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Overview

The Agribusiness sequence is designed to advance students' knowledge of the theories of agribusiness management and the science of agricultural production and their application to decisions made by agribusiness managers. The academic content of this sequence concentrates on agricultural economics and business management subjects.

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Point of Pride

The Department of Agriculture boasts a very high job placement rate for graduating seniors and hosts a successful career fair with more than 50 participating companies.

Graduate Advisor

Dr. Rob Rhykerd
(309) 438-8550
125F Clarence R Ropp Agriculture Bldng

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How to Apply

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to this program must:

  • Have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so by the time of program matriculation.
  • Submit unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term.
  • If admitted, official domestic transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 208 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.
  • If admitted, official international transcripts can be emailed directly from the international institution to InternationalAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, International Admissions, Campus Box 6180, Normal, IL 61790-6180.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Graduate School Admission Requirements.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

GPA

You must have a minimum 2.8 GPA (on a scale in which an A is a 4.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.

The Grade Point Average (GPA) of all undergraduate credentials earned in the United States that are used for graduate degree admission evaluation is calculated by the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. International credentials are evaluated by using cumulative GPA (CGPA) in lieu of the GPA from the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.

Application Materials

A student applying to the master's program in Agriculture - Agribusiness must submit:

Letters of Recommendation: References are submitted through the admissions system. Your references need to include their contact information on official letterhead.

Statement of Interest: Your statement of interest should include:

  • why you want to study at Illinois State University’s Department of Agriculture
  • your professional experience
  • career goals
  • research interests
  • other experience specifically applicable to our program

Resume: Include your work history and skill set.

TOEFL Score (International Students Only): International students must have a TOEFL score of at least 92 iBT, 237 computer-based, or 580 paper-based; the minimum acceptable IELTS score is 6.5 band.

Faculty Approval: In addition to the admission application and required test scores, admission to the MS program requires approval from a faculty member in the program who shares your academic interest and is willing to serve as your faculty supervisor. That review is conducted when your application materials are forwarded from the Admissions Department.

The required resume, statement of interest, and recommendation letters are used in this review so faculty members can be informed of your background and interests.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall (August) Term — February 1
  • Spring (January) Term — October 1
  • Summer (May/June) Term — February 1

Apply Now

Graduate Assistantships

Assistantships are for students admitted and enrolled in the MS in Agriculture program. Graduate Assistants get tuition waivers, however, they still pay fees.

We offer a limited number of graduate assistants on a competitive basis. GRE test scores and previous academic achievement are important considerations in this review.

Applications for assistantships are available on the Illinois State jobs website. 

Application deadline for Fall assistantships is March 31.

Costs & Funding

See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.

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Contact Information

  • Agriculture
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  • Ropp 125
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