Agricultural Mechanization and Business (B.S.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • Agricultural mechanization and business is a very hands-on, engineering technology major.
  • You’ll be exposed to hands-on learning through our campus laboratories and farms as well as during industry tours.
  • Companies return to hire our graduates because of their great ability to solve real-world problems.
  • Most students in this program are active in the Ag Mech Club.
ABOUT.

For many Americans, the mention of the word agriculture sends the imagination to a cornfield with a tractor. The Agricultural Mechanization and Business major turns that world upside-down and leads students into the innovative and international world of agriculture and agribusiness, combining the science of agriculture and its related technologies with a background in business management. Students who are mechanically or technologically inclined and who are especially interested in any aspect of the food and fiber production will find a great fit in this program. You will graduate Clemson prepared to pursue a career across the agricultural industry and other related industries: in technical sales and service, systems testing and development, business and operations management, consulting, compliance and regulation, and product marketing. Our graduates contribute to companies in both technical and managerial capacities, which make them highly sought after by employers.

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

The agricultural mechanization and business curriculum is based on a foundation of mechanical and power systems with classes in agricultural engineering technology, agricultural and basic sciences, and business management. You’ll take various courses that delve into soil and water conservation practices, drainage and irrigation, as well as agricultural systems and precision agriculture. Courses venture outside of the textbook to provide a real-world knowledge of what practices are common today and what can be expected as these industries continue to evolve.

In your first semester as a freshman, you’ll dive right into major-specific classes. Of the three you’ll take, one brings alumni back to campus to talk about their careers and help you understand potential career opportunities. The Principles of Fabrication course familiarizes you with the basic fabrication methods, techniques and selection methods. Finally, the Agricultural Applications of Technology course provides an overview of useful technologies and software for the industry.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

Although classroom instruction is a part of every college degree, this program expands more than others outside the classroom. Various laboratories and facilities on campus are used as well as the exposure to industry and research stations.

Internships and Research Projects:

CUTAWAY:
Our program has one of the world’s only working cutaway tractors, built entirely by students. The John Deere cutaway is a one-of-a-kind, inside-out tractor, designed to exhibit the machine’s inner workings.
CAPSTONE:
You will complete a capstone project where you’ll solve a real-world problem related to your area of interest. Previous students have developed mechanics for weighing crop yield or presented on alternative fuel type efficiency.
INTERNSHIP:
You’ll be encouraged to gain experience by engaging in internships or co-ops. Our student services center helps place you in a position.
JOIN:
Clemson’s Ag Mech Club ties the academic program with fun and practical applications such as construction projects, skeet shoots and community service. Each year, members travel to conferences such as the Sunbelt Ag Expo.

Connect with Other Students:

CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

95%

Employed

4%

Grad School

1%

Seeking Employment

0%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • Archer Daniel Midlands (ADM) — Operations Manager
  • Sloan Construction — Manager
  • USDA Farm Service Agency – Loan Officer

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • Oklahoma State University — Ph.D.
  • University of Georgia — Master’s
  • Clemson University — Master’s 

Common Career Areas**

  • Government
    • Research and Education
    • Service/Maintenance Management
    • Compliance/Regulation
    • Agricultural Extension
    • Agronomy/Soil Conservation
  • Business Administration
    • Real Estate/Insurance
    • Business Ownership/Entrepreneurship
    • Brokerage/Investing/Lending
    • Dealership Management
  • Agricultural Consulting and Contracting
    • Precision Agriculture 
    • Stormwater Management
    • Nutrient Management
  • Processing and Manufacturing
    • Training/Logistics
    • Power/Machinery 
    • Grain Terminal Operations
  • Equipment
    • Marketing/Development/Service Mgmt
    • Systems Testing
    • Technical Sales
  • Agricultural Chemicals and Seed
    • Research and Development
    • Technical Sales
  • Hydraulic, Pneumatic and Electrical Components
    • Engineered Sales/Marketing
    • Design/Development/Support
*Represents only Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin® Career Center surveys from 2009 to 2011.
**Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
FIND OUT MORE.

Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

Katie Black, Student Recruitment Coordinator
888-472-5433 — hulse@clemson.edu