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 Business, Agricultural Education, Horticulture and Sustainable 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
- 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.
- Multidisciplinary learning experiences: Offer broad, integrative, cross-cutting experiences that prepare graduates for careers in agriculture and related fields.
- Culture of professionalism and civic engagement: Promote a culture of professionalism and civic engagement among students, faculty, stakeholders, and the agricultural community.
- 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:
- Disciplinary Literacy - Demonstrate knowledge, integrative skills and technical competencies in multiple areas of agricultural sciences, emerging technologies in the field, and their applications.
- 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.
- Effective Communication - Demonstrate effective use of discipline appropriate oral and written communication skills in diverse and team environments.
- 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.
- Civic Responsibility and Ethical/Professional Behavior - Demonstrate ethical practices in the local communities and the diverse agricultural industry in general.