Agriculture - Animal Science

https://dept.wwcc.edu/animal-science/

Program available at/via: [Walla Walla]

Department Overview: The Agriculture program offers several degree tracks for students which include Animal Science, Agricultural Business, Plant and Soil Science, and Integrated Agricultural Systems. Certificate, Associate in Applied Sciences degrees (AAS) and transfer options are available.

Agriculture Science combines the fields of biology and chemistry with a practical understanding of livestock production and management. The primary objectives of the program are to offer students technical knowledge in the areas of animal health and disease prevention, feed and nutrition practices, livestock and carcass evaluation and general agriculture safety practices and management. These objectives are accomplished with lecture/discussion periods, lab exercises, and field trips to production enterprise areas. Business management is emphasized in each area of study. The Agriculture Science curriculum is reviewed by an advisory committee composed of local and regional industry members and adheres to national and state skill standards.

Program Level Outcomes:

Provide students with the highest level of instruction by offering the latest concepts in agriculture.
To attract, retain, and graduate competent students into the Agriculture Science industry.
Keep program on “cutting edge” of agriculture by involving industry in curriculum development and verification of student learning outcomes.
Articulate the Agriculture Science program horizontally with other related WWCC programs, and vertically, with regional high schools and universities.
Educate and graduate students who possess the knowledge and skills to participate in the agriculture industry with confidence, or continue their education at the university level with the same confidence.

Degrees:

Students may earn an Associate in Applied Sciences Degree in Animal Science upon completion of a two-year program of study. The Animal Science option focuses on livestock production, animal nutrition and health, and carcass evaluation. An Animal Science Certificate is available upon completion of the first year of study.

For those students interested in attending a baccalaureate institution, WWCC offers a number of articulation agreements in Agriculture Science. This allows students to complete a degree at WWCC before transferring to a specific program at a baccalaureate institution. Areas of study include General Ag, Horticulture, Rangeland, and Crop and Soil Science.

Industry Description: Production agriculture is an applied science industry requiring trained technicians and professionals with knowledge of biological and chemical principles. Persons employed in the agricultural science field need to apply this knowledge to the production of food and fiber at the primary producer, support services, or research and development level. As the agricultural science industry advances in the use of technology, there is a continued demand for trained individuals.

Entrance Requirements: Students may enter the program fall, winter, spring or summer quarter. In order to start this program, the placement process must be completed through the Testing Center. Visit wwcc.edu/placement for more information.

Other Information:

The Agriculture Science program is part of the CTE Dual Credit consortium in the state of Washington. CTE Dual Credit credits from specific high school studies can be awarded for selected courses. Contact your local school counselor or WWCC for more information. Students considering transferring should consult with an advisor in the agriculture department prior to taking courses for transfer credit. Program scholarships are available each year to assist students. Contact a program advisor to obtain an application or for more information.

For additional information including regional employment data, completion rates, student characteristics, and employment see http://www.careerbridge.wa.gov.

The Agriculture and Natural Resource Center of Excellence is housed at Walla Walla Community College and in serving as a statewide liaison, collaborates, communicates, and convenes partners in business, industry, labor, and education. Visit www.agcenterofexcellence.com for more information.