Precision Agriculture
New - Launching Fall 2027!
Precision Agriculture
Certificate: 34 credits. Advising Guide
Career Description
The Precision Agriculture Certificate provides a solid foundation in varying agricultural career fields, including: Precision Agriculture and Farm Technology; Plant and Crop Science; and Agribusiness. Some of the job titles that graduates of this program would be qualified to pursue include:
- Precision Agriculture Technician
- Agricultural Drone/Autonomous Vehicle Operator
- GIS/Mapping Technician
- Crop Scout / Field Consultant
- Agricultural Equipment Sales/Service
- Soil and Water Conservation Technician
- Agricultural Inspector
- Quality Control (QC) Technician
In addition, the program develops leadership skills that can help individuals who want to upgrade their knowledge and abilities in order to earn advancement in their current situation.
Course of Study
The Precision Agriculture certificate includes industry relevant curriculum that prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies in the application of new precision agricultural methods that include use of drones and autonomous vehicles.. In addition, two elective tracks allow students to choose to focus on business and leadership or science, depending on their specific goals. The program emphasizes hands-on experiences, providing opportunities to engage with local orchardists and farmers in community-based learning projects and practicums.
All courses in the Precision Agriculture certificate can be applied to the completion of the Integrated Agricultural Science & Technology AAS degree. Together with the 38 credit Agricultural Management certificate, students will have earned 72 of the required 91 credits for the AAS. The two certificates may be taken in any order allowing for greater flexibility entering the program.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be able to:
- Apply safe practices in all agricultural work activities.
- Operate drones and autonomous vehicles for mission planning and data acquisition.
- Process and evaluate remote sensing imagery and GIS data to enable the development of a comprehensive agricultural plan.
- Identify and apply the appropriate interventions to mitigate plant, fungi, and animal pests.
- Work independently and as part of a team in an agricultural job setting.
- Provide effective leadership that utilizes both verbal and written communication.
Prerequisites
- MTH 65 Beginning Algebra (4 credits), or MTH 98 Quantitative Math (4 credits), or MTH 95 Intermediate Algebra (4 credits), or equivalent placement
- WR 115 Introduction to Expository Writing (4 credits) or equivalent placement
Course Map
Sequence shown is a recommended plan for full-time enrollment. Scheduling requirements may prevent all courses from being offered every term. Students must meet with an academic advisor to map their specific degree plan.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| AG 201 Integrated Pest Management | 4 credits |
| AG 205 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems & Remote Sensing | 4 credits |
| Precision Agriculture Electives 1 | 4 credits |
| Total | 12 credits |
1 Precision Agriculture Electives:
- Business & Leadership Track
- FYE 100 College Planning and Survival Skills (F, W, SP, SU) (4 credits)
- BA 131 Introduction to Business Technology (W) (4 credits)
- BA 206 Management Fundamentals (SP) (3 credits)
- BA 208 Business Ethics (W) (4 credits)
- BA 228 QuickBooks for Business (W) (3 credits)
- COMM 215 Small Group Communication: Process & Theory (varied) (4 credits)
- Mechanics Track
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| AG 202 Advanced Farm Management Systems | 3 credits |
| AG 207 Precision Agriculture Capstone | 3 credits |
| Precision Agriculture Electives 1 | 4 credits |
| Total | 10 credits |
1 Precision Agriculture Electives:
- Business & Leadership Track
- FYE 100 College Planning and Survival Skills (F, W, SP, SU) (4 credits)
- BA 131 Introduction to Business Technology (W) (4 credits)
- BA 206 Management Fundamentals (SP) (3 credits)
- BA 208 Business Ethics (W) (4 credits)
- BA 228 QuickBooks for Business (W) (3 credits)
- COMM 215 Small Group Communication: Process & Theory (varied) (4 credits)
- Mechanics Track
| Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Agriculture (AG) | 21 |
| Precision Agriculture Electives | 8 |
| Writing (WR) | 4 |
| Health Education (HE) | 1 |