California is home to the largest food and agricultural economy in the nation. California’s farmers and ranchers have made this state the leader in agricultural production for more than 50 years. With 350 crops and an agricultural economy that exceeds $28 billion, the rest of the world looks to California to see what’s next in agriculture.
Students enrolled in the Agriculture courses receive both theoretical scientific knowledge and practical hands-on training—both very necessary to become successful in a career in agriculture. Students also learn about the complex interrelationships between agriculture, the environment, political and social forces and other sectors of the economy.
The Agriculture Department offers A.S. degrees and certificates in Agriculture, Animal Science, Equine Studies and Suburban Agriculture. All of the agriculture programs are designed to be student-centered and offer flexibility in course offerings allowing students to customize each degree based on their specific interests and career or educational goals.
TRANSFER AND MAJOR REQUIREMENTS in Agriculture are available in the Counseling Center. Students should consult a counselor and the appropriate college catalog for other transfer requirements. Catalogs of California and out-of-state colleges are located in the Library and the Counseling Center.
AGRICULTURE
A.S. DEGREE and/or CERTIFICATE
(Formerly General Agriculture)
This broad-based degree/certificate combines plant and soil science, animal science and business in a hands-on approach to prepare students for the workforce or for transfer to a four-year institution. Students must fulfill major requirements and all Associate Degree Requirements for the A.S. degree.
ANIMAL SCIENCE
A.S. DEGREE and/or CERTIFICATE
(Formerly Animal Husbandry)
This degree/certificate is a science-based program stressing production and management of livestock. Students learn to integrate business, animal production, plant production and issues which face the animal protein production sector of the food production industry preparing them for the workforce or for transfer to a four-year institution. Students must fulfill major requirements and all Associate Degree Requirements for the A.S. degree.
EQUINE STUDIES
A.S. DEGREE and/or CERTIFICATE
This program offers a comprehensive learning experience in the areas of equine science and management. It provides a foundation in basics of riding, training, care, and management preparing students for entry into the workforce or for transfer to a four-year institution. Students must fulfill major requirements and all Associate Degree Requirements for the A.S. degree.
SUBURBAN AGRICULTURE
A.S. DEGREE and/or CERTIFICATE
(Formerly Suburban Agriculture—General Agriculture Option)
This program is designed for the small-scale agriculturist. It provides training in the hands-on skills as well as the management techniques that are necessary to be successful in small-scale agriculture production. Students must fulfill major requirements and all Associate Degree Requirements for the A.S. degree.
For more information mail to: mmacfarlane@sierracollege.edu
Michelle Macfarlane, Department Chair