Liberal Arts - Agriculture, Technology, Food and Natural Resources Pathway
Overview
Degrees Offered: AS
Program Begins: Fall
Delivery Method: On Campus
Phone: 701-224-2429
Email: bsc.cet@bismarckstate.edu
Description
Core courses are provided for students planning to continue their education at a four-year agriculture college in areas such as: agribusiness, agricultural economics, agricultural education, agricultural systems management, animal/range sciences, biotechnology, crop/weed sciences, equine studies, extension, food safety, food science, horticulture, microbiology, natural resources management, precision agriculture, pre-veterinary medicine, soil science, and veterinary technology.
Academic Advisors advise students on classes needed toward a bachelor’s degree, including agriculture courses and general education requirements for BSC’s Associate in Science and the chosen four-year institution. Students take required agriculture courses that pertain to their degree program. Agriculture classes offered at BSC that are articulated within the North Dakota University System and required for various majors at four-year universities are:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AGEC 242 | Introduction to Agricultural Management | 3 |
| AGEC 244 | Introduction to Agricultural Marketing | 3 |
| AGEC 246 | Introduction to Agricultural Finance | 3 |
| AGEC 250 | AgriSales | 3 |
| ANSC 114 | Introduction to Animal Sciences | 2 |
| ANSC 123 | Feeds and Feeding | 2 |
| ANSC 220 | Livestock Production | 2 |
| H&CE 241 | Leadership and Presentation Techniques | 2 |
| PAG 115 | Introduction to Precision Agriculture | 3 |
| PAG 215 | Mapping of Precision Ag Data | 2 |
| PLSC 110 | World Food Crops | 2 |
| PLSC 225 | Principles of Crop Production | 3 |
| RNG 236 | Introduction to Range Management | 3 |
| SOIL 210 | Introduction to Soil Science | 2 |
| SOIL 222 | Soil Fertility and Fertilizers | 2 |
| VETS 239 | Animal Health | 3 |
Technology instruction is infused throughout the curriculum. Students are exposed to various applications of technology related to business management, crop production, livestock production and soil science. Precision farming technology instruction includes guidance systems, mobile software, GIS software, variable rate technologies and remote sensing. Internship is optional. BSC works closely with North Dakota State University and Dickinson State University to assure transfer of courses.
Preparation
Students interested in agriculture should be resourceful, flexible, creative problem solvers, interested in technology, and enjoy continuous learning. The following background is helpful: high school or college courses in agriculture, science and math, and experience working on a farm or for an agriculture-related business.
Requirements
Students who complete the suggested curriculum requirements receive a Liberal Arts - Associate in Science degree.
Career Opportunities
It’s a great time to enter the agriculture industry where studies show strong hiring numbers, healthy salaries and a variety of opportunities for graduates. Sales/marketing and management positions are the leading career choices posted on AgCareers.com, the leading online job board for agriculture, food, biotechnology and natural resources.
Students can choose from a vast variety of new careers, such as precision agriculture or natural resources, as well as the more traditional careers in animal husbandry or agribusiness. Common agriculture positions are in agronomy, crop protection, pest management, precision agriculture, animal health, animal nutrition, veterinary services, extension/education, equipment/machinery, finance/banking, natural resources, and environmental services. As the agriculture industry evolves and changes, the career opportunities are infinite.
More than 90 percent of BSC’s Agriculture, Technology and Natural Resources graduates find employment in their field with the majority of those jobs in North Dakota.
Additional Information
Agriculture Club
The BSC Ag Club is dedicated to helping BSC students through career development, service opportunities, professional networking and education enhancement. BSC Ag Club also promotes interest in agriculture, educates the general public about the importance of agriculture, inspires interpersonal interactions and enhances students' understanding of local and global agricultural industries.
Advisor: Marko Davinic, 701-224-5409
Scholarships
Scholarships are readily available to students enrolled in the agriculture degree programs.