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Agriculture

If you are interested in agribusiness and farming, the agriculture business program could be for you. Whether you are looking to expand your career in agriculture to the next level or want training to gain entry-level employment in our region's large agribusiness and farming industries, the program's comprehensive training is designed to prepare you for success.

Whether you want to work on a family farm, for an agriculture supply company, or for a local, state, or federal agency, this program can prepare you for a range of career opportunities in the broad field of agriculture.

Agriculture Business

If you're looking to grow your career in agriculture, then a degree in agriculture business could be a great place to start.

In this program, you’ll build a strong understanding of not only the science behind farming, but also the business side of the profession. Your courses will combine the study of business management with hands-on training in plant science, soils and pest management.

Whether you want to work on a family farm, for an agriculture supply company, or for a local, state, or federal agency, this program can prepare you for a range of career opportunities in the broad field of agriculture.

Agriculture Technology

Agriculture in today’s modern world requires more than farming know-how; it depends on the use of sophisticated technologies.

In this program, you’ll learn both the science behind farming and how to work with the latest technologies in agriculture. The program blends courses in plant science, soils and pest management, with training in GPS, GIS, mapping, drones and other tools used today in precision agriculture, record keeping, planning, marketing and more.

Whether you want to work on a family farm; for an agriculture supply company; or for a local, state or federal agency; this program will provide the skills for a variety of agriculture-related opportunities.

We also have a program for students interested in growing food crops on a small farm or garden. For more on small farm production, visit our small farm production page.

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:

  1. Understand and apply the principles of plant biology to crop production.
  2. Understand and apply the principles of soil science to soil fertility and management.
  3. Diagnose causes of plant problems (i.e. insect, disease, and abiotic problems) and suggest appropriate remedies.
  4. Understand and apply the principles of weed science to weed management.
  5. Understand and apply the principles of business management, accounting, human relations, and economics to agribusiness management.
  6. Prepare and take the exams to obtain their pesticide licenses or CCA credentials.

Breaking Ground on Your Pathway


Plan Your Courses

Meet with our counselors to customize this plan just for you. You can also search the quarterly schedule for class days and times.

Placement

Math placement is not required for this program.
English placement is not required for this program.

The Agriculture Technology program is designed to train students for entry-level employment in the agricultural chemical and fertilizer industry, farming operations as well as local, state, and federal governmental agencies. The program includes training in GPS and GIS technologies which are key components of precision agriculture applications.  Program graduates are qualified for advancement into sales, service, field representative, technician and management positions.

The following is a typical student schedule. Individual student schedules may differ slightly depending on course availability. Courses may only be offered in the quarter indicated.  Outlined curriculum assumes students begin the program fall quarter and continue winter and spring quarters, with summer quarter off. It is recommended that students work closely with the program advisor when planning classes.
 

Program Map for

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Total Program Credits: 90


Program Courses

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AGHRT184
AgHort Occupational Preparation   1
1
ENVS 110
Plant Biology   2
5
NATRS112
Natural Resources Mathematical Applications   2
5
NATRS120
Basic Computer Applications in Natural Resources   2
2
Total Credits
 
13

Second Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AGHRT101
Basic Crop Science   2
5
AGHRT185
AgHort Occupational Preparation   1
1
NATRS122
Natural Resources Trigonometric Applications   2
5
NATRS204
Maps and Aerial Photo Interpretation   2
5
Total Credits
 
16

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AGHRT104
Principles of Pest Management   2
5
ENVS 210
Environmental Soil Science   2
5
ENVS 220
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems for Natural Resources  
5
NATRS230
Global Positioning Systems  
3
Total Credits
 
18

Fourth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AGHRT102
Pesticides and Fertilizer Application Equipment   2
2
AGHRT116
Green Industry Business Management   2
5
 
Electives   3
5
Total Credits
 
12

Fifth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AGHRT219
Soil Management and Fertility   2
5
NATRS221
Applications in Geographic Information Systems  
4
WATER109
Introduction to Water Resources  
5
Total Credits
 
14

Sixth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AGHRT225
Weed Biology and Control  
5
AGHRT230
Plant Problem Diagnosis   2
5
AGHRT232
Pest Management Project   2
2
 
Electives   3
5
Total Credits
 
17

1 AGHRT 184 and 185 are related education requirements.
2 Related education requirements.
3 Electives may include any liberal arts, career, or technical course number 100 or higher.

Estimated costs for completing this program

 
WA Resident
Non-Resident
International
Tuition
$ 9,544
$ 11,488
$ 21,823
Books
$ 316
$ 316
$ 316
Course Fees
$ 79
$ 79
$ 79
Institutional Fees
$ 672
$ 672
$ 3,195
Supplies and Materials
$ 30
$ 30
$ 30
Total Costs
$ 10,641
$ 12,585
$ 25,442

Costs for completing a degree or certificate can vary. For more information about costs, visit our How Much Does it Cost? page.

  • Cindy Deffe
    Cindy Deffe
    Agribusiness Management
    B.S., Washington State University; M.Ed.; Eastern Washington University; additional study: University of Washington, Eastern Washington University
    Cindy.Deffe@scc.spokane.edu
    509-533-7260
  • Teya Kuhle
    Teya Kuhle
    Horticulture
    B.A., Western Washington University; M.S., Washington State University
    Teya.Kuhle@scc.spokane.edu
    509-533-7261

Have a question? Let's hear it.

David Stasney

Department Chair
David.Stasney@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7278

 

JL Henriksen

Division Dean
JL.Henriksen@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8829

 

John Michel

Academic Counseling Liaison
John.Michel@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7034

 

Kim Rose

Pathway Specialist
Kim.Rose@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8824

 

Leslie Plum

Workforce Transition Specialist
Leslie.Plum@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8210