The Associate in Science in Agriculture Business for Transfer is designed to prepare students to develop the core business skills necessary to meet the needs and challenges of agricultural businesses. Students integrate concepts from business, science, and computer technology and apply them to agricultural business operations. A student graduating with an Associate of Science in Agriculture Business for Transfer may transfer to a California State University to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Business, Agriculture Studies, Agribusiness, or Agribusiness and Food Industry Management.

Students who complete an Associate in Science in Agriculture Business for Transfer will be prepared for careers in agricultural sales, marketing, finance, accounting, production, and management, as well as general agriculture.

The Associate in Science in Agriculture Business for Transfer is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Business or a similar major at a CSU campus. For a current list of what majors (and what options or areas of emphasis within that major) have been designated as “similar” to this degree at each CSU campus, please refer to https://www2.calstate.edu/apply/transfer/Pages/associate-degree-for-transfer-major-and-campus-search.aspx and seek guidance from a Ventura College counselor. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, although not necessarily to a particular CSU campus or major.

Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the Associate in Science in Agriculture Business for Transfer will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree (unless the major is a designated “high-unit” major at a particular campus). This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

To earn an Associate in Science in Agriculture Business for Transfer degree, students must meet the following requirements:

(1) Complete 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

(A) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education – Breadth Requirements.

(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all CSU transferable coursework. While a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for admission, some transfer institutions and majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult with a counselor for more information.

(3) Obtain a grade of “C” or better or “P” in all courses required in the major or area of emphasis. Even though a “P” grade is allowed (Title 5 section 55063), it is recommended that students complete their major courses with a letter grade (“A,” “B,” or “C”) due to unit limitations on “P/NP” courses.

(4) Complete a minimum of 12 units in residence at Ventura College.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• 1. Identify, evaluate, and apply business and economic principles, including ethical behavior and social responsibility, to agricultural business operations.
• 2. Apply basic accounting principles to aid in financial decision-making in agricultural businesses.
• 3. Demonstrate interpersonal and organizational communication skills and the application of sales techniques.
• 4. Demonstrate competency in using computer applications to complete agricultural business projects.