Agricultural Systems Technology - BS
About This Degree
USU is the only university in the state with a degree program in agricultural systems technology. The program combines an understanding of agricultural, biological, and physical sciences with technical and business managerial skills. Graduates may pursue numerous agricultural careers, such as working for an agricultural equipment corporation, managing a machinery dealership, serving as a sales representative for an equipment company, or serving as a farm or ranch manager.
What You Will Learn
The department ensures students are well prepared to enter their careers by working closely with agricultural agencies each year to make sure courses cover relevant and up-to-date material. Students focus on the hands-on application of agricultural engineering principles, the function and use of agricultural technology, and the integration of technology management concepts for the food, fiber, and natural resources industries. The focal point of the program is on the management, use, and troubleshooting of agricultural technology. Students’ coursework typically involves a broad foundation through real-world instruction in power and machine systems, natural resources conservation, electricity and electronics, precision agriculture technologies, and agricultural structural systems. Students are encouraged to incorporate business and management electives to develop a focus area of their choosing.
Emphases:
Agribusiness:
An Agribusiness emphasis provides in-depth, technical education in agricultural economics and business management. It is designed to provide basic knowledge of business concepts and approaches, as well as an understanding of current agricultural changes. This emphasis is for students who wish to become managers in the ag industry. Students take courses in agricultural economics, agricultural business, and agricultural mechanics.
Agricultural Mechanization:
This emphasis provides a broad understanding of the production processes in agriculture, with a depth of understanding related to using machinery. Students take courses in agricultural mechanics, animal science, natural resources, plant science, and soil science.
Farm and Ranch Operations:
This emphasis provides a clear degree path for students who wish to efficiently operate a crop or livestock production operation. In addition to the core requirements of this major, which include classes in agribusiness and technology, students choose from classes in animal science and plant science. This 8-course emphasis will strengthen knowledge and abilities in those areas to meet the variety of challenges in agriculture today.
ADVISING
At a Glance
College: College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Department: Applied Sciences, Technology and Education
USU Locations:
- Logan campus
Program Requirements
Career And Outcomes
Career Opportunities
With a degree in agricultural systems technology, students may be qualified for careers in the following areas:
Agribusiness Emphasis
- Production operations for service-oriented businesses and agencies, corporate farms or ranches, etc.
- Director or supervisor of manufacturing and processing operations
- Production farm or ranch managers
Agricultural Mechanization Emphasis
Graduates work in the following careers at agricultural machinery dealerships, independent farms or ranches, etc.
- Agricultural equipment mechanic
- Sales agent
- Technical support
Farm and Ranch Operations Emphasis
- Dairy Farm Manager
- Live Production Farm Manager
- Agricultural Commodity Sales Director
- Director of Sales for Production and Precision Agriculture
The Career and Design Center provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.
Job Outlook
USU Locations
LOGAN CAMPUS
Admission
Admission Requirements
In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the agricultural systems technology program has additional requirements:
- Freshmen: New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to this major.
- Transfer Students: Transfer students from other institutions need a 2.2 total GPA for admission to this major. Students transferring from other USU majors need a 2.0 total GPA for admission to this major.
International students have additional admissions requirements.
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How to Apply
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