Agricultural Systems Management, BS Curriculum

Agriculture and Natural Resources Department
Academic Affairs

• Program Type: Baccalaureate
• Requirements for this program are current for Spring 2013
• Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
• Required credits within the major: 56 to 57
• This program requires summer terms.
• Degree: Bachelor of Science
• Minor in Agricultural Systems Management is available

 

This program combines students' interests in machinery, technology, and crop and livestock production with superior people skills, creative thinking, and problem solving to build a career in the agricultural and food production industry.

Agricultural systems management graduates are well versed in agricultural foundations and have working knowledge of economic systems with a well-developed sense of professionalism. Companies are looking for multitalented people who are confident around computers, machines, and business plans. The agricultural systems management program offers three areas of emphasis to provide a unique portfolio of technical and business skills that gives graduates an edge in the job market.

Program outcomes: graduates will

• be well versed in agricultural foundations
• be technically proficient and knowledgeable in agricultural technologies
• have working knowledge of economic systems and financial management
• possess speaking, listening, and writing communication skills
• have a well-developed sense of professionalism

Program Delivery

This program is available:

• via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)

Admission Requirements

For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.

General Requirements

All students are required to complete general University and college requirements. For more information, see the graduation requirements.

Program Requirements

Students must complete 40 upper division credits.

 

 

Program Sub-plans

Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.

Bio-Fuels and Renewable Energy Technology

This emphasis focuses on the development, economics, and processes in bio-fuels and renewable energy technology. Energy conservation and efficiencies are vital parts to sustainable energy systems. World demand for energy is driving the need for sustainable energy systems.

 

 

 

 

Farm and Ranch Management

This emphasis focuses on a blend of business and production management. The program's goal is to provide a solid foundation to allow the graduate to be competitive and succeed in the changing world of modern agriculture.

 

 

 

Power and Machinery

New technology and labor-saving innovations in machinery, engines, and equipment drive a multi-billion dollar global business. Excellent careers exist in servicing, testing, and sales and marketing of new products for agricultural, industrial, and consumer applications.

 

 

 

 

Precision Agriculture

Work in the field or in an office to help others improve agriculture production practices (chemical application, planting, pest management) by using satellites, geographical information systems (GIS), and precision data analysis. Field data collection, analysis, and application are keys to improving agricultural production management practices and implementing efficiencies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Agricultural Systems Management Minor Curriculum

Natural Resources
Academic Affairs

• Program Type: Undergraduate minor related to major
• Requirements for this program are current for Spring 2013
• Required credits in this minor: 28 to 30

 

A minor in agricultural systems management provides an opportunity for students to learn the principles of agricultural technologies and how they relate to crop and livestock production and modern agricultural machinery. The opportunity exists for students to gain valuable knowledge in the area of renewable energy and bio-fuels technology and how that relates to agricultural enterprises.

Program Delivery

This program is available:

• via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)

Minor Requirements

• ASM 2200 - Introduction to Renewable Energy Systems (3.0 cr)
• ASM 3201 - Bio-Fuels Technology (3.0 cr)
• ASM 3202 - Solar, Wind, and Geo-Thermal Systems (3.0 cr)

• AGEC 3540 - Farm Business Management (3.0 cr)
• AGEC 3640 - Agricultural Finance and Valuation (3.0 cr)
• ASM 2053 - Electricity, Controls, and Sensors in Agriculture (3.0 cr)
• ASM 2250 - Agricultural Machinery Management (3.0 cr)
• ASM 3360 - Applications in Precision Agriculture (3.0 cr)

• ASM 3009 - Surveying (4.0 cr)
• ASM 3511 - Yield Monitoring and Data Interpretation (1.0 cr)
• ASM 3512 - Remote Sensing Applications in Precision Agriculture (1.0 cr)
• ASM 3513 - Precision Farming Data (1.0 cr
• SOIL 3414 - Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition (4.0 cr)