Agricultural Science (A.S.)

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Program Coordinator/Contact

Mary Christensen, Coordinator
Agricultural Leadership, Education, Communication and Science (ALECS)
Berg Agricultural Hall 156
605-688-5133

Program Information

The two-year Agricultural Science program is designed for the student who does not find it advisable or possible to enter a regular four-year college program in Agriculture Science . A typical student in this situation could be one who desires some education but not necessarily four years before returning to the farm or ranch. Courses in the major field of concentration must be from departments within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and be related to agriculture. All courses in the major field of concentration need not be in one department, although this may be a possibility.

General electives may be selected from any area and allow students to develop special competencies or interests. Students should consult their advisor when selecting courses in the major field of concentration. These courses should relate to career interests.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the A.S. degree in Agricultural Science, students will:

have an introductory knowledge of animal science, agronomy, agricultural systems technology, agri-business or another agricultural discipline.
have an applied understanding of the principles underlying the chosen area of emphasis.
be prepared to manage a family farm or ranch or for a career in agribusiness.
locate and evaluate information to aid in decision making.
be prepared to enter the job market or a four-year degree program.
have sufficient core competencies for effective lifetime learning.

Course Delivery Format

Courses are delivered in lecture, laboratory, and field-based formats, and some are offered by online delivery.

Requirements for Agricultural Science Major: 60 Credits

Associate of Science in Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

System General Education Requirements

Goal #1 Written Communication: ENGL 101 and SGR #1 Elective Credits: 6
Goal #2 Oral Communication: SPCM 101 Credits: 3
Goal #3 Social Sciences/Diversity : Credits: 3-6*
Goal #4 Arts and Humanities/Diversity : Credits: 3-6*
Goal #5 Mathematics : Credits: 3
Goal #6 Natural Sciences : Credits: 3-6*

*Three additional credits selected from approved list of courses for Goals #3, #4, or #6 to reach 24 System General Education Requirements for the Associate Degree.

Major Requirements

Major Field of Concentration (Courses prefixed ABS, AGEC, AGED, AS, AST, DS, EES, FS, HO, NRM, PRAG, PS, RANG, VET, and WL) Credits: 16

ABS 119 - First Year Seminar Credits: 2

Electives

Total Required Credits: 60

Summary of Program Requirements

Associate of Science in Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
System General Education Requirements	24 Credit Hours
Major Requirements	18 Credit Hours
Electives**	18 Credit Hours

**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.