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.
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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.
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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.
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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.