Agriculture - Sustainable Agriculture Level 2 Certificate



Year 1 Semester 1
Fall
AGCR 1371 Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture

Introduction to history principles and practices of sustainable agriculture as applied to local and global agriculture. An evaluation of sustainability of conventional agricultural practices will also be made from the environmental economic and social perspectives ("planet profit people"). Case studies and other tools will be used to relate principles of sustainable agriculture to basic farming practices. (Spring)

Credit hours
3 credit hours.
Lecture/Lab/Clinical
Three hours of lecture each week.

Note

Additional course fee(s) required.

AGCR 2313 Soil and Water Conservation

This course is a study of physical and chemical soil deterioration and loss water conservation and principles for protection and maintenance of these resources. Topics include plant/water relationships water conservation methods basic terrace engineering principles sediment loss and land use plans.

Credit hours
3 credit hours.
Lecture/Lab/Clinical
Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab each week.
AGRI 1315 Horticulture

Structure growth and development of horticulture plants from a practical and scientific approach. Environmental effects basic principles of propagation greenhouse and outdoor production nutrition pruning chemical control of growth pest control and landscaping. (Fall Spring Summer)

Credit hours
3 credit hours.
Lecture/Lab/Clinical
Three hours of lecture each week.
AGRI 1115 Horticulture Lab

This laboratory-based course accompanies AGRI 1315. Laboratory activities will reinforce the fundamental principles and practices in the development production and management of horticulture crops including growth and development climate plant requirements pest management and production methods. (Fall Spring Summer)

Credit hours
1 credit hour.
Lecture/Lab/Clinical
Three hours of lab each week.

Note

Additional course fee(s) required.

AGMG 2286 Internship - Agricultural Business and Management General

A work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory skills and concepts. A learning plan is developed by the college and the employer. (Fall spring summer)

Credit hours
2 credit hours
Lecture/Lab/Clinical
Six hours of lab each week.

Note

Additional course fee(s) required.

Total Credit Hours
12

Year 1 Semester 2
Spring
ENGL 2311 Technical and Business Writing

Intensive study of and practice in professional settings. Focus on the types of documents necessary to make decisions and take action on the job such as proposals reports instructions policies and procedures email messages letters and descriptions of products and services. Practice individual and collaborative processes involved in the creation of ethical and efficient documents.

Credit hours
3 credit hours.
Lecture/Lab/Clinical
Three hours of class each week.
HALT 2321 Small Farming

Instruction in small farming techniques with emphasis on horticulture science including comprehensive and profitable guidelines. Topics include herbs fruits nut and vegetable crops. (Spring)

Credit hours
3 credit hours.
Lecture/Lab/Clinical
Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab each week.

Note

Additional course fee(s) required.

AGMG 2371 Small Farm Business Planning

Course provides students with a working knowledge of small farm business development. Students will develop a written business plan which will become a vehicle through which management marketing accounting and cash flow staffing and legal issues will be considered and discussed. Resource needs will be identified and possible sources of funding including grants and loans will also be considered. (Fall)

Credit hours
3 credit hours
Lecture/Lab/Clinical
Three hours of lecture each week.
EPCT 2203 Surface and Groundwater Collection

This course identifies surface water sources; describes water reservoir management and intake structures; differentiates the types of wells well hydraulics and well development; lists the physical and chemical characteristics of ground water; and explains well location considerations.

Credit hours
2 credit hours.
Lecture/Lab/Clinical
Two hours of lecture and one hour of lab each week.
AGCR 1393 Special Topics in Plant Protection - Integrated Pest Management

Major agricultural disease and pest agents will be studied focusing on the biology of the pests to include life cycle structure and typical hosts. Management and control utilizing least toxic methods will be emphasized the foundation of which is healthy soils. (Fall)

Credit hours
3 credit hours.
Lecture/Lab/Clinical
Two hours of lecture and three hours of lab each week.

Note

Additional course fee(s) required.

Total Credit Hours
14

Year 1 Semester 3
Summer
FDST 1371 Processing Small Farm Agricultural Products

Introduction to the basic principles of preserving processing and modifying agricultural outputs with an emphasis on dairy and horticultural commodities. Includes small-scale cheese and yogurt production winemaking water bath and pressure canning bread-making dehydration and freezing lactic acid fermentation and other techniques. (Fall)

Credit hours
3 credit hours.
Lecture/Lab/Clinical
Two hours of lecture and three hours of lab each week

Note

Additional course fee(s) required.

Total Credit Hours
3

Year 2 Semester 1
Fall
AGRI 1131 Agricultural Industry

Explain the history and importance of agriculture. Identify the various industries of agriculture. Assess careers in agriculture and related educational requirements. Apply verbal and written communication skills in agricultural contexts.

Credit hours
1 credit hour.
Lecture/Lab/Clinical
Two hours of lecture each week.
AGRI 1319 Introductory Animal Science

Scientific animal production and the importance of livestock and meat industries. Selection reproduction nutrition management and marketing of livestock. (Fall Spring)

Credit hours
3 credit hours.
Lecture/Lab/Clinical
Three hours of lecture each week.
AGRI 1119 Introductory Animal Science Lab

Laboratory activities will reinforce scientific animal production and the importance of livestock and meat industries. Selection reproduction nutrition management and marketing of livestock. (Fall Spring)

Credit hours
1 credit hour.
Lecture/Lab/Clinical
Three hours of lab each week.

Note

Additional course fee(s) required.

AGMG 2380 Cooperative Education Agricultural Business and Management General

Career-related activities encountered in the student’s area of specialization offered through an individualized agreement among the college employer and student. Under the supervision of the college and the employer the student combines classroom learning with work experience. Includes a lecture component. (Fall spring summer)

Credit hours
3 credit hours.
Lecture/Lab/Clinical
One hour lecture and twenty hours of on-the-job work experience each week.
Prerequisites

Sophomore standing and approval of the agriculture faculty.

SPCH 1315 Public Speaking

Application of communication theory and practice to the public speaking context with emphasis on audience analysis speaker delivery ethics of communication cultural diversity and speech organizational techniques to develop students' speaking abilities.

Credit hours
3 credit hours.
Lecture/Lab/Clinical
Three hours of class each week.
Prerequisites

Eligibility to enroll in INRW 0302 

Total Credit Hours
11



Total Program Hours
40



PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

This certificate is an approved curriculum for students seeking to specialize in the field of sustainable agriculture. It is designed to add an emphasis to a variety of major disciplines for students to gain employment in the field of “green” occupations. Additional applications of certificate include instruction and owner/operation of farm enterprises. Only college-level courses apply toward completion of this curriculum and the graduation requirements for the Sustainable Ag Level 2 certification.

Agriculture students are required to meet with an Ag advisor during their first semester of classes to establish their best pathway. 



Recommended High School Endorsement
Business and Industry

Program Director
Faculty Advisor