2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


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Precision Agriculture (B.S.)



Program Coordinator/Contact

Van Kelley, Department Head
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Agricultural Engineering 105, Box 2120
605-688-5143

David Wright, Department Head
Department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science
Berg Agricultural Hall 244, Box 2207
605-688-5123

Program Information

The Precision Agriculture major prepares students for careers that bridge the gaps between agronomy, agriculture machinery management, and data sciences caused by the rapid evolution of high-speed sensor technology.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Precision Agriculture major, students will:

  • make effective agronomic recommendations for crop management, soil management, pest management, and environmental stewardship.
  • have general knowledge of precision agriculture technology.
  • demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of precision agriculture.
  • produce accurate digital maps of fields using spatial information within specialized software.
  • solve complex agronomic and environmental problems using precision agriculture tools.
  • operate precision agriculture equipment (monitors, controllers, etc.), operational knowledge of precision agriculture software (database query, interface, and mapping) and computer spreadsheet applications to record and analyze agricultural field data, understand statistical standards to produce meaningful management recommendations.
  • be able install, calibrate, troubleshoot and repair precision agriculture hardware and equipment, including electrical/mechanical/ hydraulic/software systems.
  • effectively communicate within precision agriculture activities.

Academic Requirements

Students must earn at least a C grade in each major required class and must earn at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA in the major required classes including PS 213-213L  and ABS 475-475L .

Course Delivery Format

Instruction will occur through a combination of traditional classroom methods, laboratory exercises using current agricultural production technologies, and agricultural mapping software.

Requirements for Precision Agriculture Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

System General Education Requirements


College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Requirements


Bachelor of Science Requirements: 11

Students who wish to complete a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences must complete a minimum of 11 credits from the approved list of Group 1  courses. Some departments require specific courses from the list, whereas others leave the selection entirely to the student and the advisor.

System General Education Requirements and/or major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.  Please review major requirements and the Group 1 list to determine if additional courses are required.

Major Requirements


Select from the following


Select four credits from the following three courses. Credits: 4

Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

System General Education Requirements 31 Credit Hours
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Requirements* 11 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 69-70 Credit Hours
Supporting Coursework 19 Credit Hours
Electives** 0-1 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements, Major Requirements, and Supporting Coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.  
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.