12
$862
Spring 1 2025 classes start on January 13, 2025
Offered by the LSU School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Department of Agricultural Economics & Agribusiness, and the E.J. Ourso College of Business, the online Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness opens up your path to a fast-paced career at the intersection of food science and business.
This flexible program is ideal for busy professionals in the food industry. The comprehensive curriculum equips students with a unique blend of skills that are in high demand within the field of agribusiness. Whether you aim to advance in your current role or transition into management, this certificate can help you earn the knowledge to achieve your goals. After completing this degree, you can pursue various roles in supply chain management and the food processing industry, including Business Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Distribution Manager, Logistician, and more.
This program was developed by industry professionals who have a deep understanding of the challenges facing the agribusiness industry today.
The comprehensive curriculum concentrates on the competencies essential for success in food processing and supply chain management.
The online graduate certificate blends the worlds of business and food sciences, offering a unique and valuable skill set.
Students can complete the program 100% online, allowing them to balance work, family, and other life responsibilities.
The late Don Welge's (LSU '57) vision and passion for advancing the nation's food supply chain industry is what inspired the Welge Food Beyond the Farm Initiative. This certificate program is designed to offer continuing education for recent graduates and working professionals seeking to diversify their skillset and enhance their knowledge of the food supply chain.
The past few years have painfully demonstrated that, while resilient, the US and international food supply chain is not without its weaknesses. To address these concerns for our business and the entire food industry, there is a real need to grow the skills base of the current and next generations of food and agribusiness professionals. We believe the online Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness will help support all segments of the food supply chain, including growing, processing, logistics, manufacturing, and marketing."
Tom Welge
President, GILSTER-MARY LEE CORP.
Total credit hours per program: 12 credit hours
Cost per credit hour: $862
Total cost with fees: $10,344
LSU Online offers several ways to help you pay for your degree including credit for prior learning (PLA), financial aid, and veteran education benefits. Learn more.
The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.
Students need to complete 12 credit hours to earn this certificate. Below are the curriculum requirements:
| Courses | Credit hours |
| Students need to take at least 3 credit hours from the following College of Agriculture courses: | |
| AGEC 7223: Application of Supply Chain Management in International Agribusiness | 3 |
| NFS 7023: Food Safety Management Systems | 3 |
| NFS 7024: Food Manufacturing | 3 |
| NFS 7025: Food Processing Systems | 3 |
| Students need to take at least 3 credit hours from the following E.J. Ourso College of Business courses: | |
| BADM 7020: Managerial Statistics | 3 |
| BADM 7030: Financial Accounting | 3 |
| BADM 7100: Marketing Management | 3 |
The remaining 6 credit hours can be taken from any of the above courses.
A Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college or university or the equivalent from a foreign institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate and graduate work already completed. You must provide transcripts for all of the colleges you have attended (regardless of degree completion) and upload copies with your application. Only admitted applicants will be required to send one sealed copy of official transcripts from EACH college and university attended, issued by the institution directly to:
The Graduate School
Louisiana State University
114 West David Boyd
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Additional information about LSU Graduate admission requirements are located here.
Students enrolled in this certificate program will learn to use their knowledge of multiple industries to successfully address supply chain and food processing issues.
Learning outcomes include:
The Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness at LSU is inspired by the late Don Welge’s vision for advancing the nation’s food supply chain. Developed through the Welge Food Beyond the Farm Certificate Fund, this program offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between the food sciences and business, making you an invaluable asset in the agribusiness industry. Through a flexible online curriculum and dedicated student support, this program makes it simpler to earn the education you need to advance your career.
This program equips students with an interdisciplinary skill set, preparing them for success in supply chain management, finance, analytics, food safety, and marketing management. Students gain expertise in global supply chain management, trade policies, mathematical modeling, food safety regulations, innovative food technologies, financial analysis, and predictive analytics. Additionally, they learn to hone their decision-making skills through simulated learning in key business functions. This certificate program fulfills Welge's legacy, addressing the critical need for a skilled workforce in the food industry while reflecting LSU's commitment to solving economic challenges.
Take the first step forward by completing the form and our enrollment team will contact you soon to discuss:
