ASM Program
The Agricultural Systems Management (ASM) program prepares men and women for careers requiring integration and application of technology, agricultural sciences and business in the management, marketing, and support of technical systems in agriculture and related industries. These systems are used for production, handling, storage, processing, distribution and utilization of food, feed, fiber and associated biological products.
A program in Agricultural Mechanization (old name) with a degree offered in the College of Agriculture was established in 1951.
The ASM program at North Dakota State University (NDSU) is recognized and approved by ASABE. The new program name was adopted in 1993 to better reflect the type of training and career opportunities of the graduates. There are currently about 65 undergraduate students in the program. The program balances hands-on knowledge of engineering technology with instruction in agricultural sciences and agri-business principles.
The ASM curriculum is a major in the College of Agricultural, Food Systems, and Natural Resources and is administered by the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. This Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program includes core requirements in mathematics, communications, sciences, humanities and social sciences. Students complete technical courses in machine and power principles and systems, computer applications, materials handling, food and materials processing, environmental resources management, electircal systems and electronics, and information/decision support technology. The curriculum balances hands-on knowledge of technology with instruction in agricultural sciences and agri-business principles. The BS degree is awarded after completion of a minimum of 128 semester credit hours.
The ASM curriculum has the flexibility to permit men and women from both rural and urban backgrounds to develop a program to meet personal career objectives. Students are encouraged to pursue a minor in a field related to production agriculture, agribusiness, or in fields that add curriculum diversity i.e., international studies, communications, natural resources management, business administration, accounting, industrial management, etc.
In response to an identified need for well trained agricultural and light industrial equipment dealership managers, the ABEN Department worked with the North Dakota Implement Dealers Association and the North Dakota State College of Science to develop an Agricultural and Industrial Equipment option in the ASM program. This program was first offered in 1994.
We are also pleased to offer a Dealership Management Specialization. This program emphasizes engineering technology, business and economics, accounting, and communications.
