Agricultural Systems Technology
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Description
The Agricultural Systems Technology Concentration emphasizes the skills needed to manage the sophisticated technological systems that are increasingly essential to modern agricultural production. Since many human activities can adversely impact soil, water, and environmental quality, this B.S. degree in Environmental and Soil Sciences provides students with a strong grounding in basic sciences and technology to prepare them for careers in environmental and natural resource management. Students in this program study a broad curriculum of physical and environmental sciences (botany, chemistry, physics, soil and crop sciences), as well as applied areas such as ecology, nutrient and weed management, and natural resource policy. Students build expertise with the latest agricultural technologies and equipment, such as geographical information systems, computer applications in natural resource management, global positioning systems, precision agriculture, chemical application, automation, computer-aided design, and environmental instrumentation. Finally, they are given a solid business and management foundation including technical writing, presentation skills, statistics, and economics. src='../upload/images/class- related/soils/emi_and_gps.jpg' width=210> |
Career Opportunities
Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to be successful in agribusiness, agricultural production, automated production systems, nursery management, environmental and agricultural consulting, turf management, or employment with agricultural equipment and material suppliers. src='../upload/images/machinery/sprayers/david_adj usting_sprayer.jpg' width=210> Potential careers include: agricultural consultants assisting agribusinesses or farmers to increase their profitability or to help their operation grow; technology specialists helping commercial producers integrate new technologies, private consulting in environmental and agricultural areas; technical sales and service representatives; entrepreneurs developing new products or services, and specialists working with non-governmental organizations with interests in agriculture, the environment and natural resources. Employment as a farm or ranch manager, whether self-employed, as part of a family operation, or in a joint venture with others, is also an attractive option. src='../upload/images/class-related/erin_utia.jpg' width=210> |
Salary Trends
Statistics suggest that market pressures will continue to cause farm consolidation, reducing the number of jobs for farmers and ranchers, but increasing employment of agricultural managers. Agricultural consultants may expect initial salaries in the mid $30,000 range. Additional examples of median incomes from a recent report, include: · Farm managers, $28,000. · Sales representatives for machinery and equipment, $43,000. · Federal rangeland managers, $51,000. High School Preparation Successful AST students typically have a strong high school background in science, particularly biology and chemistry. Good communication abilities (written and verbal) and experience with computers are also very helpful. A strong background in these areas will enable you to more easily begin your college work. Also, if you are able to earn advanced placement credit in some of these areas, you may have additional options later in your degree program. These could include taking specialized courses that interest you, working in a lab, or contributing to a research project -- providing valuable experience and improving your employment opportunities. Freshman admission to the program follows the general requirements of the University. Admission chances are enhanced by high ACT/SAT scores and a solid high school transcript. |
How to Major
The Environmental and Soil Sciences program is part of the Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science Department. Our faculty and students enjoy talking with prospective students. A faculty member (or a student, if you prefer) will guide you through our labs and answer your questions about the department. src='../upload/images/production_systems/greenh ouse.jpg' width=210> It is important to choose your desired concentration early (preferably at or before enrollment), to avoid having to make up specific required courses. Each concentration has provisions for elective courses to be taken in specific subject areas. Students consult with their advisors each semester about their interests and the appropriate classes to meet the students' needs. Requirements The program starts with a basic science foundation, adds courses in crop production, pest control, and protection of soil and water resources, then introduces the technologies and control systems available to make production more efficient and environmentally sound. It rounds out the curriculum with analysis and management courses (with a particular emphasis on economics) to tie all the information together and to most effectively use it in making and carrying out management decisions. Directed technical electives allow the student to concentrate in a particular area of agricultural production, or to develop improved skills with particular technologies or management tools. This broad curriculum also includes several social science electives and the composition, technical writing, and speech skills to enable the graduate to communicate effectively. |
Internships
An internship is a structured 10-12 week work session, usually in the summer, in which you apply what you have learned in the classroom to real-life problems, while being mentored by a trained professional. Students are employed in paid full- time positions by industry, business, and government organizations. Most internships are with large companies, providing students with valuable experience and a competitive salary. The AST program encourages all students to intern while in college. Can you see yourself marketing equipment for a manufacturer, planning waste management for a municipality, helping with crop production decisions for a private consultant, or analyzing natural resources for a government agency? src='../upload/images/buildings/r ooms/178_prototyping.jpg' width=210> Highlights Some additional reasons to consider Environmental and Soil Sciences at the University of Tennessee include: · A low student:professor ratio. This means more one-to-one time with professors for academic counseling and assistance with coursework. · Training in delivering presentations -- through seminars, poster sessions, papers, and attendance at professional meetings. · Excellent scholarship support – AST students are eligible for scholarship money from both the University and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR). Award rates and amounts are significantly higher than in some other colleges. · Two active student clubs with extensive activities throughout the year. · Professors doing cutting-edge work in a variety of areas. |
Curriculum
Freshman Year: Botany / 8 Chemistry / 8 English / 6 Social Sciences Elective / 3 Math / 6 Total: 31 hours Sophomore Year: Economics / 7 Computer Applications / 3 Surveying / 3 Soil Intro & Nutrient Manag. / 7 Speech / 3 Physics / 4 Statistics / 3 Cultures & Civil. Elective / 3 Total: 33 hours Junior Year: Economics / 3 GIS/GPS Applications / 3 Technical Writing / 3 Plant Pathology / 3 Economic Entomology / 3 Professional Development / 1 Soil & Water Conservation / 3 Cultures & Civil. Elective / 3 Arts & Humanities Elective / 3 Weed Mgt. / 2 Technical Electives / 3 Total: 30 hours Senior Year: Economics / 3 CAD Application / 3 Ag. Machinery / 3 Automation / 3 Env. Instrumentation / 3 Ag. Chemical Application / 3 Env. & Soil Sci. Capstone / 3 Arts & Humanities Elective / 3 Technical Electives / 3 Total: 30 hours To Contact: Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science 2506 E.J. Chapman Drive Knoxville, TN 37996-4531 Phone: 865-974-7266 Email: href='mailto:bess@utk.edu'>bess@utk.edu Web: href='http://ag.tennessee.edu/BESS'>ag.tennessee. edu/BESS Rev. 9/23/05, Pr. 7/27/24 |