Agricultural Science (A.S.)

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

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

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)
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
Berg Agricultural Hall 162
605-688-5133

Program Information

The Agricultural Science program prepares undergraduate students to manage a farm or ranch enterprise or work in the agricultural industry. Offering a flexible curriculum, the Agricultural Science program also works well for students who are combining multiple fields of interest or exploring areas of interest in agriculture. The two-year Agricultural Science program is ideal for a student wishing to return to a family farm or ranch in a shorter timeline while accessing SDSU’s rich academic environment. It is also an option for the student who does not find it advisable or possible to enter a regular four-year college program in Agriculture Science . 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.

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 AFES, AGEC, AGED, AS, AST, DS, EES, FS, HO, NRM, PRAG, PS, RANG, VET, and WL) Credits: 16

AFES 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.