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Dec 04, 2024
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2012-2013 General/Graduate Catalog - Expires August 2018 [Archived Catalog]
Agricultural Science (BS)
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 Return to: Academic Programs
Affiliation: School of Sciences & Mathematics
THE MAJOR
Pursuit of an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Science affords the opportunity for students to experience a holistic approach to the study of food and fiber production and their association and interaction with societal concerns. Our focus is on a sustainable agricultural system. For majors, the goals of the agriculture program are:
- To offer students a unique, liberal arts and sciences-based preparation for advanced study in graduate school, veterinary medicine, or other professional schools. A solid foundation in basic agricultural concepts along with advanced focus courses also prepare students for entry-level positions in business, agriculture production or government settings where a multidisciplinary, problem-solving approach is useful. Areas of specialization within agricultural science include:
Pre-Veterinary Medicine/Animal Science
Equine Studies
Agricultural Business
Horticulture/Agronomy
Due to differences in career focus, the Bachelor of Science requirements and Required Support courses differ for the Agricultural Business specialization as compared to the other three (science-based) specializations.
- To graduate students possessing a multidisciplinary understanding of agriculture. Students gain philosophical, historical, sociological, political, economic, business, scientific, technical, and multicultural perspectives on the mobilization of agricultural inputs and their relationships with the production, processing, and delivery of food and fiber and the intricate association with society and the environment.
- To graduate students with proficiency in basic skills, higher order thinking and problem-solving skills, leadership and management capabilities, and an appreciation for the need for collaboration.
- To empower students with a well-developed understanding of their personal values.
- To graduate students with the technical skills and scientific knowledge needed for entry into the agriculture industry and to foster a life-long approach to learning.
For students seeking a minor or students with non-degree seeking interest in agricultural science, the goals of the program are twofold. The first is to educate students about the agrarian contributions to human culture, about food and fiber production, and about the environmental and social consequences of using agriculture-related technology. The second goal is to promote and foster skills and attitudes associated with a liberal education and to utilize those skills on multidisciplinary investigations concerning science and society as a whole.
DEPARTMENTAL HONORS IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
Students who excel in all areas of scholarly activity may be eligible for Departmental Honors. Recipients of Departmental Honors must meet all of these criteria:
- 3.50 or above cumulative GPA.
- Complete an individual research project (as approved/supervised by a faculty member) and present at the Student Research Conference or appropriate professional meeting or submit a paper for publication in an appropriate journal or research bulletin.
- Achieve 75th percentile or above on ACAT or other approved senior test for agriculture.
- Approval of a majority of non-abstaining AGSC faculty.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:
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Liberal Studies Program Requirements: 31-57 Credits
Missouri Statute Requirement: 1-3 Credits
Bachelor of Science Requirement: 6-9 Credits
Option 1: Agricultural Science:
Option 2: Agricultural Business:
One course from the following list:
- One course (3 credits minimum) in ECON at the 300-level or above, excluding ECON 471, ECON 472, ECIN 486, and ECON 554.
- One course (3 credits minimum) in MATH at the 200-level or above.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS:
The Agricultural Science major consists of three (3) parts: Required Support, Major Requirements, and the Learning Plan. Each student must complete all parts. Part I: Required Support: 11-13 Credits
Option 1: Agricultural Science:
Option 2: Agricultural Business:
Part II: Major Requirements: 27 Credits
Part III: Learning Plan***: 30 Credits
- Electives in Agricultural Science: 15 Credits
- Area of Specialization: 15 Credits
***LEARNING PLAN
Agricultural Science is a very broad and diverse field of study, with many possible areas of focus and career opportunities. The Learning Plan allows students to select courses which broaden their knowledge and skill in one or more areas of study, with four primary areas of specialization supported: 1) pre-veterinary medicine/animal science, 2) equine studies, 3) agricultural business, and 4) horticulture/agronomy.
Each student consults with his or her faculty advisor to develop a written Learning Plan consisting of a list of courses plus a rationale statement explaining how the course selections are consistent with the student’s career and learning objectives. A template for this purpose is available on the Agricultural Science website or can be obtained from the faculty advisor. Students should submit their Learning Plan for faculty approval during the spring semester of the sophomore year (or transfer students during the second semester at Truman). Learning Plans must be approved by a majority of non-abstaining agriculture faculty members.
The Learning Plan consists of two sections, Electives in Agricultural Science (15 credits; courses must be designated with the AGSC prefix) and Area of Specialization (15 credits; courses can come from AGSC or from any discipline(s) related to the student’s future goals). Completion of minors within the Learning Plan is encouraged, as is inclusion of internship and research experiences completed for credit. A maximum of 5 credits of Internship (AGSC 391 and AGSC 392), 6 credits of Special Problems (AGSC 301), and 3 credits of Research (AGSC 441, AGSC 442, and AGSC 443) can be included in the Learning Plan. Electives to Total: 120 Credits
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