AAS Degree - Code #0510
Dr. Philip Schroeder, Program Coordinator
Email: schroepd@alfredstate.edu
The agricultural technology program provides students the flexibility to select elective courses to fit their career goals. Students can choose concentrations of courses in animal science or plant science.
•Animal science concentration ‑ students can elect courses to enhance their knowledge in animal agriculture and/or dairy science.
•Plant science concentration ‑ students can elect courses to enhance their knowledge in crops and plant sciences, including fruit and vegetable production.
The careers related to agriculture are diverse and constantly changing. The agricultural technology program has been designed to allow students the freedom to select courses which will allow specialization in specific areas of agriculture. Options and opportunities for both conventional and organic farming practices will be offered on the college's production agriculture farms.
PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
DIRECT ENTRY INTO BACCALAUREATE DEGREE PROGRAM
Alfred State agricultural technology graduates may enter directly into the technology management BBA degree program.
Animal/Dairy Science Concentration
The animal science concentration is a progressive practical program emphasizing dairy cattle management. The program offers both managerial and hands-on experiences. This concentration's courses provide a science and business background. A strong emphasis is placed on application of these principles, with our 65 cow tie-stall dairy herd of registered Holsteins.
The dairy complex features a milking parlor with integrated dairy cattle management software. The herd produces over 28,000 pounds of milk, more than 1,100 pounds of fat with a B.A.A. of more than 108.7 percent. The Alfred State cows have the highest B.A.A. of any publicly owned herd in the nation. Alternative species, including horses, pigs, alpacas, poultry, and sheep are also housed at the College Farm for instructional purposes.
Plant/Crops/Fruit/Vegetable Concentration
This curriculum emphasizes management of the soil to increase production of food crops for both human and livestock consumption. Students are usually interested in crop farming or market gardening careers. Students are taught conventional, natural, and organic food production systems. This concentration's courses provide a science and business background. A strong emphasis is placed on application of sustainability principles on our farm, research plots, gardens, hydroponic systems, greenhouses, and high tunnels.
SHOWMANSHIP DAY
All students enrolled in agriculture classes truly enjoy participating in the annual showmanship activities each spring. Students can select a species of animal (cattle, horses, swine, alpacas, or sheep) to train, groom, and show in this annual competition. Family, friends, and alumni are invited to enjoy the competition and the awards BBQ following the showmanship contest.
RELATED CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
Students have the opportunity to participate in the Collegiate Agricultural Leaders (CAL) Club, Collegiate FFA, Equestrian Club, Dairy Judging Team, Agricultural Skills Day, Spring Fling Consignment Sale, Community Supported Agriculture projects, local foods projects, showmanship contests, and Sustainability Club.
TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES
Many schools, including Cornell University, grant full credit to students wishing to transfer to four-year programs. A formal articulation agreement exists between Alfred State and Cornell University for transfer options.
COLLABORATIONS
OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS
Employment and transfer rate of 75 percent –25 percent are employed; 50 percent transferred to continue their education.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
Required: Algebra
Recommended: Geometry, Algebra 2/Trigonometry, Biology, Chemistry
EXPENSES
Textbooks are the primary expense with cost averaging $500 per year. Boots and coveralls are required for all farm-related activities.