Plant Science Associate of Science

This program provides instruction in the planting, growing, harvesting, and marketing of field, forage, and vegetable crops as well as irrigated and range pasture crops.  Career opportunities in Plant Science include farm management, agricultural pest control, agriculture chemical and seed sales and application, soil laboratory technician, irrigation equipment supply and sales, and agricultural research technician. To Achieve the Associate of Science: Upon completion of graduation requirements and the required degree courses with at least a ‘C’ grade in each course, the student will be awarded a Plant Science Associate of Science degree.

The current faculty and facilities allow for the program to enroll 8 new students per semester, with a planned student completion in 4 semesters. This schedule would allow for the program to potentially graduate 16 students per year.  No additional faculty will be required.

1. Upon successful completion of the program the student will be able to identify and utilize pertinent concepts of plant physiology, anatomy, nutrition, reproduction, and pest control to solve plant production problems under field and greenhouse conditions.

2. Upon successful completion of the program the student will be able to identify and utilize pertinent concepts of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and their interactions with plants to solve plant production problems underfield and greenhouse conditions.

3. Upon successful completion of the program the student will be able to identify and utilize appropriate physical agronomic tools to solve plant production problems under field and greenhouse conditions.

4. Upon successful completion of the program the student will be able to effectively communicate in written and oral form with peers, superiors, and customers regarding crop production issues.

This program prepares students to go directly to work as low to mid-level managers in local area plant production industries where knowledge and effective communication of the art and science of plant production is required.

To this end, the program provides instruction in the planting, growing, harvesting, and marketing of field, forage, and vegetable crops as well as irrigated and range pasture crops.  It also provides courses in written and oral communication, data calculation and interpretation, and other general education courses necessary for working with diverse groups of employees.

Career Opportunities include Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Natural Sciences Managers, Agricultural Technicians, Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Pest Control Advisors and Managers, First-Line Supervisors of Farm Workers, Agricultural Inspectors, and Forest and Conservation Workers.