Agribusiness

The Agribusiness (AGBU) program combines the study of management with agricultural sciences, in order to provide students with an understanding of the economic and business principles that underlie management and their application to agricultural and related businesses. The educational objectives of the AGBU program are to prepare students become entrepreneurs, business leaders, skilled farm operators and future policy advisers who are well-grounded in agriculture and food production; capable of communicating and using their skills in order to improve their livelihoods and that of their community.

Undergraduate courses are offered in the areas of agriculture, business management and accounting, marketing, agriculture economics, Entrepreneurship and rural development. specialized and advanced courses are also offered as elective to undergraduates.

The BS in Agribusiness is a three-year cross-disciplinary program designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge in the decision-making processes of business and the technical aspects of modern agriculture and food systems.

Curriculum for the BS Degree in Agribusiness

Agribusiness I

First Semester

• Natural Sciences for Agribusiness
• Introduction to Agricultural Issues and Policies
• Computers and Programming for the Sciences
• Academic English
• Mathematics for Social Sciences

Second Semester

• Financial Accounting
• Introduction to Land and Water Resources
• Crop Production and Protection
• Arabic Communication Skills
• Advanced Academic English

AUB admits students from both twelve- and thirteen-year secondary school systems. Students holding diplomas from a twelve-year secondary school system may gain admission to the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences by completing the freshman program at AUB or its equivalent elsewhere. Students from a thirteen-year secondary school system must hold the Lebanese Baccalaureate Part II in general sciences or life sciences, or the equivalent, if they come from another country. Holders of the Baccalaureate Part II in Humanity may be considered for admission provided they take one additional course MATH 203.

Once the student is admitted, he/she will be required to present evidence of having successfully completed Grade 12 and show a level of proficiency in the English language by obtaining a minimum score of 573 on the paper based TOEFL OR 230 on the Computer Based TOEFL (OR 88 on Internet Based TOEFL), OR 500 on the University English Entrance Examination (EEE) OR 380 and above on the writing section of the OLD SATI (Jan 2016 or Earlier) OR 5.5 on IELTS (for IELTS we also requires an additional English Placement test to be done at AUB).   

AUB’s Office of Financial Aid has devised several types of need-based assistance programs. These include grants based on the financial status of the student’s family, student loans at low interest rates and favorable repayment options, academic merit scholarships, work study programs that allow students to finance their education while acquiring professional skills at various offices in the University, and assistantships for graduate students.

The AUB scholarship program ensures that students who meet the University's academic standards will have the opportunity to receive an AUB education.

AUB has always been committed to educating students from different nationalities, religions, races, and political persuasions. We are working hard to make sure that economic background is not a factor in the admission process. The University's liberal arts curricular and educational philosophy rests on the principles of intellectual freedom, scientific reasoning, and exposure to a wide range of ideas. AUB encourages concentration in a field of study and seeks to cultivate morally conscious citizens.

The Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness at the American University of Beirut is designed to prepare students for the complex and dynamic field of agricultural and food industries. The program combines principles from agriculture, economics, business management, and environmental science to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the supply chains, marketing, finance, and operational aspects of agribusinesses. Students gain knowledge in sustainable agricultural practices, food safety, rural development, and international trade, preparing them for leadership roles in various sectors such as farming, food processing, distribution, and agricultural policy. The curriculum emphasizes practical experiences through internships, project-based learning, and collaboration with local and international agricultural organizations. The program aims to develop analytical, managerial, and entrepreneurial skills, enabling graduates to innovate and adapt to global trends and challenges in agriculture and food systems. Students are also exposed to cutting-edge technologies like precision agriculture, biotechnology, and data analytics, which are transforming the industry. The faculty members are experts in their fields, contributing to research and policy development that influences regional and global agricultural practices. Graduates of the Agribusiness program are well-prepared to pursue careers in agribusiness management, consulting, research, or to continue their education through graduate studies. The program supports the university’s mission of fostering sustainable development, economic growth, and food security in Lebanon and the broader Middle East region.