Agriculture Science, Education, and Management AS Degree
Associate in Science | SC Program: AS.1519
The Agriculture Science, Education, and Management Degree at Shasta College provides training for ranching, farming, agriculture production, and related careers in vocational education, sales, services, and distribution of agriculture-related products. In the core courses, students will receive a broad-based knowledge of agriculture, agri-business management, and sustainable agricultural production practices. The three options provide students with an opportunity to customize their degree program in Agriculture Education option, Agriculture Science option, or the Farm, Ranch, and Wildland Management option. A hands-on approach provides students with realistic training and education in livestock husbandry, crop production, farm and land management, and equipment operations and repair.
This degree is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this degree.
Choose your path
Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.
A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.
Fall Semester, First Year
14 Units TotalIn this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. An argumentative research essay is required for the successful completion of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
The course is designed to develop leadership qualities in students. "Hands-on" techniques will be used to facilitate problem solving, cooperative work ethics, developing initiative, managing and organizing information, flexible thinking and effective questioning. Practical experience in conducting business as a group will be gained by participation.
This course explains the organization and operation of sustainable farm and ranch businesses, identifies factors affecting profitability, and evaluates the business for sustainability, increased efficiency, and profit. Budgeting and resources management as well as farm operation analysis are applied to the farm lab. This course includes an examination of case studies to connect sustainable agriculture principles to actual farming practices.
Spring Semester, First Year
15 Units TotalThis course is a survey of inorganic chemistry and some organic chemistry suitable for agriculture and nursing students. The basic fundamentals of the metric system, chemical nomenclature, atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, energy changes, states of matter, solutions, chemical equilibria and kinetics, and organic functional groups are presented. The quantitative nature of chemistry is developed by introduction of the Avogadro's number and the mole and continuing with stoichiometry, gas law, solution concentrations, and pH calculations. The lecture/discussion portion of this course may be offered in a distance learning format.
The Agriculture Work Experience Education course allows the student to gain on-the-job experience through employment/volunteerism at an approved agriculture job site that is acquired by the student and related to the student's major. A faculty member supervises the course to ensure that the work experience is of educational value. The course stresses good work habits and meeting of competencies through actual on-the-job performance. A student may repeat this course since course content varies and skills are enhanced by supervised repetition and practice. A maximum of 14 units may be earned in a single semester.
Fall Semester, Second Year
14 Units TotalNote: This class may include field trips on soil classification, land evaluation, soil sampling and soil conservation.
This class is a study of soil derivation, classification, and characteristics as related to natural and human systems. Soil as a natural system includes chemistry, ecology, physics, and geology. This course introduces students to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil as it relates to agriculture and natural resources. The ecosystem relationship of soil use and management is emphasized. The effects of drainage, erosion, fertilizers, tillage, and irrigation on native and agronomic lands are discussed. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
Spring Semester, Second Year
17 Units TotalThis course offers an introduction to the biological principles of plant growth and development. Ecosystem relationships will be covered with particular emphasis on succession, water cycle, mineral cycle, and energy flow. In addition to investigating modern production and marketing practices of agronomic crops, the impact of commercial crop production upon mankind and the environment will be considered. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.
*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:
Contact Us for More Information
Counseling & Student Services
Contact InfoAcademic/Instructional Division Office
Start Your Future at Shasta College
We are dedicated to helping you reach your educational and career goals. To begin your journey, apply for admissions today!