Agricultural Systems Management is an applied major in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering that combines study in agricultural sciences, engineering technology, and business management. The program emphasizes the application of engineering principles in all areas of agricultural systems and business management. The ASM curriculum offers the right tools for the future.

Demand is high for ASM graduates. The rapid infusion of technology to the agricultural industry creates a void for qualified personnel. Baccalaureate graduates will find jobs in production-line supervision, maintenance, and operations in the food processing industry. They also will find opportunities in sales and service with agricultural and industrial machinery firms and finance jobs in the agricultural business sector. Other employment opportunities include farm management positions for cooperatives and individuals. Some will manage family or corporate farm operations. Agricultural Systems Management graduates have a track record of advancing quickly in their fields. Their successes have created a continuing demand for future graduates. Recent annual starting salaries have been in the range of $35,000 to $45,000.

According to a recent (2004) USDA study, the national picture for 2005-2010 suggests nearly 58,000 jobs for graduates in agricultural and food sciences. Overall, the expected number of openings nearly equals the number of expected graduates. In certain areas, however, the openings exceed expected graduation rate. The two areas with the anticipated largest void of workers include managers & financial specialists and marketing, merchandising, & sales representatives. ASM graduates are ideally suited for such positions. In these two areas, the anticipated openings exceed graduates by about 15%.

In the early 21st century, scientists, engineers, managers, sales representatives, and marketing specialists will account for 73% of the total annual U.S. employment openings for new college graduates with expertise in agricultural and food sciences.