Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Academic Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]


Baccalaureate Degree Requirements Advising Sheet

Agriculture B.S.



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

View the degree program Roadmaps, which provide recommended advising maps to complete the degree program. Please consult your academic advisor as you develop your academic plan.

The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture 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. The program encourages students to explore diverse approaches to agricultural production, distribution, and management in evolving economic and environmental settings. Experiential learning and applied research opportunities are offered through these concentrations. 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, Agricultural Science, Agricultural Economics, and closely related fields should consider obtaining their bachelor degree in the program

The program also offers a minor in Agriculture to students in other majors.

Agriculture Program Learning Outcomes

Mission

The Mission of the Agriculture program is to prepare students for productive careers in the dynamic global food and agricultural industry and become responsible leaders in the community.

Our program provides students with a broad understanding of the sustainable production, distribution, marketing, and management of agricultural and environmental resources.  The program emphasizes knowledge development in the geographical, physical, chemical, biological, technological, and restorative principles and practices in agroecosystems.

In pursing this mission, the program encourages students to critically assess agricultural issues and trends; provides students with opportunities to systematically develop discipline appropriate communicative, analytical, quantitative, problem solving, and critical thinking skills; and delivers a high quality academic experience that prepares students for emerging professional opportunities.

Agriculture Program Goals

  1. Skilled, competent, and productive graduates: Assist students in developing skills and competencies for productive careers as employees, employers, and candidates for graduate studies, in a dynamic, global, food, and agricultural industry.
  2. Multidisciplinary learning experiences: Offer broad, integrative, cross-cutting experiences that prepare graduates for careers in agriculture and related fields.
  3. Culture of professionalism and civic engagement: Promote a culture of professionalism and civic engagement among students, faculty, stakeholders, and the agricultural community.
  4. Industry partnerships: Foster industry partnerships to offer experiential learning opportunities to students and a pathway for productive careers in the agribusiness industry. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Agriculture students will demonstrate:

  1. Disciplinary Literacy - Demonstrate knowledge, integrative skills and technical competencies in multiple areas of agricultural sciences, emerging technologies in the field, and their applications.
  2. Critical Thinking/Problem Solving Skills - Apply critical thinking skill in distinguishing facts and applying scientific principles in formulating, analyzing, and solving problems; and interpreting results.
  3. Effective Communication - Demonstrate effective use of discipline appropriate oral and written communication skills in diverse and team environments.
  4. Global Perspective - Demonstrate knowledge of the interconnectivity and interdependence of individuals, groups, systems, and activities; and their implications in the dynamic global food and agricultural community.
  5. Civic Responsibility and Ethical/Professional Behavior - Demonstrate ethical practices in the local communities and the diverse agricultural industry in general.

Requirements


1. Complete the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements.


A student must comply with all University regulations and satisfy the following requirements:

  1. Units and Residency  (minimum of 120 units: 40 units of upper division coursework and 30 semester units at Stanislaus State. At least 24 of these 30 units must be earned in upper-division courses, at least 12 must be in the major, and at least 9 must be applicable to General Education-Breadth requirements)
  2. Grade Point Average  (minimum grade point average of 2.0 (C) or better)
  3. General Education  (minimum of 49 units)
  4. Upper Division Writing Proficiency  (minimum of 3 units)
    - Writing Proficiency (WP) Course (may double count in the major)
  5. United States Constitution and California State and Local Government  (minimum of 3 units)
  6. Multicultural Requirement  (minimum of 3 units) (may double count with General Education requirements or in the major)

Subsequently all students must submit an application for graduation and receive approval from the major advisor, department chair, and Director of Academic Advising. For more information see the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements .

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


 Note: Some 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.


(22 units)

4. Complete a concentration.


(20-21 units minimum)

The Major Core


(22 units)

Complete one course from each of the following areas:


b. Methodology/Technology of Agriculture


d. Business/Economics of Agriculture


e. Agriculture Policy and Regulations


f. Labor/Personnel Management


g. Internship


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 with agriculturally related biology courses with studies in agriculture geography, economics, and policy issues.

Requirements


(20 units minimum)

1. Two courses, one from each area

(8 units)

a. Botany/Microbiology

2. Choose one ecology course.

(3-4 units)

Agricultural Economics Concentration


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

Requirements


(21 units minimum)

2. Choose one financial/quantitative courses.

(One course, 3 units minimum)

3. Choose one upper-division elective from each section.

(Two courses, minimum of 6-8 units)

Sustainable Agriculture Concentration


Sustainable Agriculture is an approach designed 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 in agriculture, community development, and land use planning.

Requirements


(21 units minimum)

1. Physical Environment

(3-4 units)

Choose one course from the following:

2. Two courses, one from each area.

b. Agricultural Sustainability

(3 units)

General Agriculture Concentration


The General Agriculture Concentration provides options within the Agriculture major that offer flexibility in the career choice of students in the Stanislaus State Agriculture 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 Science in Agriculture.

Requirements


(21 units minimum)

1. Courses required in concentration.

(12 units)

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

2. Approved Agriculture/Education courses

(3 units)

3. Choose two upper-division electives.

(6 units)