2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Dec 18, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Agricultural Systems Technology (B.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus


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Program Coordinator/Contact

Kasiviswanathan Muthukumarappan, Maynard A. Klingbeil Endowed Department Head and Distinguished Professor
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Raven Precision Agriculture Center 136
605-688-5666

Program Information

Agricultural Systems Technology graduates serve an increasingly complex agricultural industry in a wide variety of ways. These individuals have a sound fundamental knowledge of agricultural and biological sciences related to the technical, mechanical and energy aspects. This background combined with a solid understanding of the interactions between agriculture and society provides AST graduates many career opportunities. Graduates use their technological knowledge, coupled with managerial and leadership skills, to increase America’s food and energy supply, security, and safety. Graduates may pursue careers in renewable energy such as ethanol and bio-diesel, farm machinery and equipment, natural resources, livestock facilities and systems, and production agriculture.

Course Delivery Format

The program engages students in lecture, laboratory, and in hands-on, field-based learning experiences.

Student Learning Outcomes


Upon completion of the Agricultural Systems Technology major, students will have:

  • the ability to apply knowledge of mathematics and science.
  • an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
  • an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.
  • an ability to identify, formulate, and solve problems.
  • an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
  • an ability to communicate effectively.
  • a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
  • a knowledge of contemporary issues.
  • an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern tools necessary to identify solutions to problems.

Requirements for Agricultural Systems Technology Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science

Major Requirements


Technical Electives


Select 15 credits from the following courses. It is recommended, but not required that students choose one of the following emphasis areas. Credits: 15

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements* 32 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 80 Credit Hours
Electives** 8 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree shall include a minimum of 30 credit hours. Some general education coursework may be counted for Major Requirements and Supporting Coursework.
**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.