2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


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Agricultural Science (B.S.)



Program Coordinator/Contact

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

Program Information

The Agricultural Science curriculum is designed for the student undecided as to a specific major field of study within the area of agriculture, or who may want to combine multiple fields of study within agriculture, or plans to return to the farm or ranch after college. A large number of free electives are available allowing the student to take courses in the different disciplines needed for a diversified career or to manage a production unit.

General electives may be selected from any area and allow students to develop special competencies or interests. When qualifying for a Bachelor of Science degree a student may, through a choice of electives, complete courses in business, prepare for graduate study, or enroll in special areas of study such as plant and/or animal science.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • Integrate knowledge across various academic disciplines and apply to agricultural careers.
  • Locate and evaluate information to aid in decision-making.
  • Recognize the importance of continued learning in relation to their profession.
  • Consider diverse perspectives and understand global challenges in agriculture.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills.
  • Explain benefits of an agricultural minor or chosen emphasis.
  • Articulate their role in the agriculture industry through effective written and oral communication skills.

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: 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.

Agriculture Electives


Complete six credits with the prefix(es) of ABE, ABS, AST, DS, EES, FS, HO, NRM, PRAG, RANG, VET, or WL. Credits: 6

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

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 30-34 Credit Hours
Electives** 42-47 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.