Agriculture - Plant and Soil Science

Program available at/via: [Walla Walla][Online (partial)]

Department Overview: The Agriculture program offers several degree tracks for students which include Plant and Soil Science, Agricultural Business, and Animal Science Certificate, Associate in Applied Sciences degrees (AAS) and transfer options are available. All AAS-T degrees in agriculture related fields are continuously being updated to align with the host institutions. Please contact an advisor for the most recent pathways for each AAS-T degree.

Agriculture Science combines the fields of biology and chemistry with a practical understanding of crop management. The primary objectives of the program are to offer students technical knowledge in the areas of soils and fertilizers, pests and control procedures, and crop management. These objectives are accomplished with lecture/discussion periods, lab exercises, and field trips to production enterprise areas. Many courses are available for distance learning for students. 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 Plant and Soil Science upon completion of a two-year program of study. The Plant and Soil Science option focuses on crop production, soil fertility and management, and weed biology and identification. A Plant and Soil 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 Center of Excellence is a flagship institution connecting education and industry to create a highly skilled and readily available workforce. The Center of Excellence addresses workforce training needs and education for the agricultural industry by supporting the community and technical college system, as well as collaborating with the K-12 system and four-year colleges/universities. Visit www.agcenterofexcellence.com for more information.

Courses

Agricultural Science

Agricultural Systems

AGSC 114 - Plant Physiology