Agricultural Science (A.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus, Online, Pierre, Rapid City

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Students standing with an instructor talking about corn.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Mary Christensen, Assistant Dean for Academic Programs
Agricultural Leadership, Education, Communication and Science (ALECS)
Berg Agricultural Hall 162
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.

Course Delivery Format

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

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the A.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.
Identify diverse perspectives and understand global challenges in agriculture.
Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Requirements for Agricultural Science Major: 60 Credits

Associate of Science

System General Education Requirements

Goal #1 Written Communication: SGR #1 Elective Credits: 6
Goal #2 Oral Communication: SGR #2 Elective Credits: 3
Goal #3 Social Sciences: SGR #3 Electives Credits: 3-6*
Goal #4 Arts and Humanities: SGR #4 Electives Credits: 3-6*
Goal #5 Mathematics: SGR #5 Elective Credits: 3
Goal #6 Natural Sciences: SGR #6 Electives 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
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.