Agriculture and Horticulture - Programs

It is an exciting time to be an agricultural business student. One out of every six jobs in the American economy is related to agriculture and food businesses. The curriculum in agriculture business is designed to provide students with the technical and business skills necessary to be successful in our nation's largest industry. Career opportunities in agribusiness range from managing a farm (dairy, beef, equine, vegetable, fruit, crops) to working in the nurseries, timber tracts, banking, or publishing industries. Ample opportunities are available in the management of farm supply stores or cooperatives, agricultural input sales, insurance, real estate, agricultural processing and manufacturing industries.

During the first semester, the agriculture technology student takes basic courses in agriculture and in the liberal arts and sciences. This major is designed to give students experience and course work in all areas of agriculture.

In recent years the science of agriculture has made rapid advances. With this increase in technology has come a need for specialized technicians in the varied fields of agricultural laboratory sciences.

The agricultural science program is primarily a transfer-oriented program. The first year is devoted to general agriculture and science courses. Subsequent semesters are devoted to more specialized study in a chosen area such as preparation for transfer, animal science, or food quality and inspection, or pre-vet.

The knowledge of animal breeding, feeds and nutrition, animal sanitation and disease prevention, physiology, and management prepares students for many different occupations with animals on farms or in services allied with the animal producer. In addition, the animal science student may select courses which focus on developing herdsmanship skills. For many years, employment opportunities have exceeded the number of animal science graduates. The major focus of this program is dairy management.

Landscape design and contruction make outdoor surroundings attractive and functional. Graduates trained in landscape design, landscape contracting, and plant health care are needed to fill the jobs created by the increased demand for nursery products and landscape services.

The industry is diversified in that there are jobs available for the individual who likes either indoor or outdoor work. A person may go into the business, science, production, design, construction or maintenance component of the industry.

The veterinary technology program is designed to provide students extensive core information in the theory and principles of veterinary science. The core information is then reinforced with all the hands-on technical, animal, and laboratory experiences needed to prepare them to become licensed veterinary technicians. Licensed veterinary technicians are indispensable members of the veterinary medical team who are compassionate and highly motivated professionals dedicated to animal health care. The veterinary technician is capable of providing nursing care, life support, laboratory specimen analysis, physical therapy, surgical assistance, anesthesia, dental hygiene, radiographic imaging, and nutritional management for their animal patients. The veterinary technician is also adept at client education and grief management counseling.