Sustainable Agriculture Associate of Applied Science Degree
Sustainable Agriculture Associate of Applied Science Degree
Sustainable Agriculture offers courses that focus on ecological farming, quality of life and farm profitability. The courses are designed to provide agricultural production and business skills training. Courses range from foundational principles in soil science to marketing and will provide hands on instruction at the campus student farm to cultivate a working knowledge of ecological farming practices and the seasonal processes.
Degree Plan
View the 2025-2026 College Credit Catalog for the degree plan.
Courses
AGCR 1304 Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture
Course Description: An introduction to the concept of sustainable agriculture, and examine the impact from social, economic, technological, and environmental perspectives. Integration of crop and livestock management, conservation practices, organic practices, and farming techniques to increase agricultural production, efficiency, and profitability.
End-of-Course Outcomes: Describe the principles and strategies of sustainable agriculture; evaluate best sustainable practices for basic soil, crop, watershed, and livestock management; analyze strategies to increase profitability and efficiency; and identify sustainable farming systems and associated careers.
AGRI 1415 Horticulture with Lab
Course Description: Structure, growth, and development of horticultural plants. Examination of environmental effects, basic principles of reproduction, production methods ranging from outdoor to controlled climates, nutrition, and pest management. Laboratory activities will reinforce the structure, growth, and development of horticultural plants. Examination of environmental effects, basic principles of reproduction, production methods ranging from outdoor to controlled climates, nutrition, and pest management.
End-of-Course Outcomes: Identify the various horticultural industries and their roles in our society. Describe the fundamentals of plant science. Assess the interactions of soils, water, and fertility in plant science. Contrast the methods of plant reproduction and propagation. Explain the impacts of production methods and technologies on plant science. Contrast methods of pest management in plant science. Investigate methods of environmental manipulation (e.g. greenhouse controls, frost management methods, hot caps). Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions and utilize scientific and horticultural tools to collect and analyze data and demonstrate methods. Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions. Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations. Identify the various horticultural industries and their roles in our society. Describe the fundamentals of plant science.
AGRI 1419 Introductory Animal Science
Course Description: Scientific animal production and the importance of livestock and meat industries. Selection, reproduction, nutrition, management, and marketing of livestock. Laboratory activities will reinforce scientific animal production and the importance of livestock and meat industries. Selection, reproduction, nutrition, management, and marketing of livestock.
End-of-Course Outcomes: Explain the role of animal agriculture in providing benefits for mankind. Identify common livestock breeds and classes. Define terminology specific to animal science disciplines. Demonstrate understanding of fundamental animal science principles including selection, reproduction, nutrition, and health. Apply animal science principles by solving common problems. Identify animal issues of interest to society, and related responsibilities. Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions and utilize animal science tools to collect and analyze data and demonstrate methods. Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions. Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations.
AGMG 1311 Introduction to Agribusiness
Course Description: Introduction to agribusiness management, marketing, and sales in the free enterprise system. Topics include economic principles, finance, risk management, record keeping, budgeting, employee/employer responsibilities, communications, human relation skills, and agricultural career opportunities.
End-of-Course Outcomes: Discuss agricultural trade, consumption, and employment as it pertains to the complex field of agriculture; and apply basic economic principles and management functions to agribusiness.
AGCR 1341 Forage and Pasture Management
Course Description: Study of the production and management of forage crops and pastures including establishment, fertilization, weed control, grazing systems, hay, seed production, and harvesting.
End-of-Course Outcomes: Develop techniques and management practices to optimize pasture and forage production; determine forage nutritive quality in relation to livestock production; and identify forage and pasture plants and weed species.
AGCR 2313 Soil and Water Conservation Management
Course Description: Study of physical and chemical soil deterioration and loss, water conservation, and principles for protection and maintenance of these resources. Topics include plant/water relationships, water conservation methods, basic terrace engineering principles, sediment loss, and land use plans.
End-of-Course Outcomes: Summarize the principles of soil and water conservation; explain soil loss potentials; develop treatment plans to protect soil resources; demonstrate water conservation, runoff, and water quality maintenance techniques; evaluate land use; and develop land use plans.
AGRI 1325 Marketing of Agricultural Products
Course Description: Study of operations in the movement of agricultural commodities from producer to consumer including the essential marketing functions of buying, selling, transporting, storing, financing, standardizing, pricing, and risk bearing.
End-of-Course Outcomes: Analyze the structure and operation of the food marketing system; interpret the effects of the market system on producers, consumers, and middlemen; explain the marketing system’s response to technological, social, economic, and political changes over time; describe food wholesaling, retailing, and movement through the market place; and explain governmental responsibilities and involvement in food marketing.
AGCR 2418 Soil Science
Course Description: Introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Topics include the relationship between crops and soils, conservation of soil and water resources, and the economic use of fertilizer.
End-of-Course Outcomes: Explain principles of soil formation and classification; determine soil physical, chemical, and biological properties; utilize the principles of soil and water conservation; interpret soil analysis; and determine application of fertilizers.
HALT 1313 Horticulture Entomology
Course Description: An overview of insects and related organisms with an emphasis on destructive, predaceous, parasitic, and beneficial species. Topics include insect taxonomy, anatomy, morphology, physiology, and the application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), mechanical, biological, and chemical control measures.
End-of-Course Outcomes: Recognize insect morphological and anatomical features; classify insects; and describe methods for controlling insect pests based on entomological principles.
HALT 2421 Small Farming
Course Description: Instruction in small farming techniques with emphasis on horticulture science including comprehensive and profitable guidelines. Topics include herbs, fruit, nut, and vegetable crops.
End-of-Course Outcomes: Identify major physical and biological factors that affect crops; utilize innovative production techniques for a small farming operation; demonstrate creative marketing techniques for small farming operations; and design productive and profitable small farming operations.
AGME 1315 Farm and Ranch Shop Skills 1
Course Description: Study and application of shop skills used in agricultural processes including arc welding, oxyacetylene cutting and welding, drawing and planning projects, tool maintenance, metal working, woodworking, plumbing, and concrete.
End-of-Course Outcomes: Demonstrate oxyacetylene cutting procedures; demonstrate arc welding; identify shop tools; utilize shop plans; and describe construction processes.
AGMG 2586 Internship – Ag Business and Management
Course Description: A work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts. A learning plan is developed by the college and the employer.
End-of-Course Outcomes: As outlined in the learning plan, apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the occupation and the business/industry; and will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology of the occupation and the business/industry.
Additional Information
Course Descriptions
Link to the ACC Catalog for the course schedule.
Advisors by Campus
Design, Manufacturing, Construction & Applied Technologies (DMCAT) area of study advisors will help you select your classes, stay on track for your degree program, and make decisions about your educational and career goals.
Cost, Tuition and Fees
Find more information about tuition and fee rates.