Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 Academic Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Agricultural Studies B.A.


View information for the Department of Economics, Agricultural Studies, and Social Sciences , including Learning Objectives for the department and its programs.

View below the degree program Roadmaps, which provide a recommended advising map to complete the degree program in four years. Please consult your academic advisor as you develop your academic plan.

The Bachelor of Arts in Agricultural Studies is a multidisciplinary program that blends the contribution of a number of academic departments through upper division core courses and four concentrations: Agricultural Biology, Agricultural Economics, Sustainable Agriculture and General Agriculture. Experiential learning and applied research opportunities are offered through the concentrations. Our students are encouraged to explore diverse approaches to sustainable agricultural production, distribution, and management in evolving economic and environmental settings. The major fosters sustainable relationships with area community colleges through the implementation of a “2+2” program design. Individuals who have an A.S. degree or equivalent in lower-division course work in Agriculture, Agriculture Science, Agricultural Economics and closely related fields, and who complete the designated lower-division prerequisite courses, may participate in the program. The program also offers a minor in Agriculture to students in other majors.

Requirements


1. Complete the University’s General Education breadth requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree.


(51 units minimum)

Click here to view General Education requirements. 

2. Complete a minimum of 30 units of lower-division agriculture courses that include:


 Note: Most of the courses required can currently only be completed at a community college.

  • One course in Introduction to Animal Science
  • One course in Introduction to Plant Science
  • One course in Soil Science
  • One course in Elements of Agricultural Economics
  • One course in Agricultural Computer Applications

3. Complete the major core requirements.


(21 units)

4. Complete a concentration.


(20-21 units minimum)

5. Complete electives for a total of 120 units for the Bachelor of Arts degree.


The Major Core


(21 units)

Concentrations in the Major


The following concentrations are offered, including specific concentration requirements.

Agricultural Biology Concentration


This concentration has a science focus and thus appeals to students with an interest in the biological aspects of agriculture. The concentration provides students with a unique opportunity to combine upper-division courses about agriculturally related biology with studies about agricultural geography, economics, and planning issues.

Agricultural Economics Concentration


Courses in the concentration expose students to economic concepts such as resource allocation at the firm and macro levels, and business concepts such as management, finance, sales, and marketing. Students in the program will gain important statistical skills including forecasting and knowledge about international trade.

Sustainable Agriculture Concentration


Sustainable Agriculture is a design approach for agroecosystems. With a focus on long-term sustainability, it emphasizes ecological principles and diversity of plant and animal combinations suited to the characteristics of places and cultures. As such, it is appropriate for students who are concerned with resources issues, agriculture, community development, and land use planning.

General Agriculture Concentration


The General Agriculture Concentration provides options within the Agricultural Studies major that offer flexibility in the career choice of students in the Stanislaus State Agricultural Studies Program. This concentration presents the unique opportunity to combine core courses and upper division requirements with courses outside the program, which fulfill a student’s educational and career goals. The result is a concentration geared toward specific student objectives, while at the same time maintaining the integrity of the Bachelor of Arts degree in Agricultural Studies.

Requirements


(21 units minimum)

1. Courses required in concentration.

(12 units)

Choose within any of the other three (3) agricultural studies concentrations.

2. Approved courses outside of Agricultural Studies/Education concentrations

(3 units)

3. Choose two upper-division electives.

(6 units)