College of Agriculture

BS in Agriculture

Overview

The BS in Agriculture covers agriscience and technology. Options are offered in Agricultural Science and Education (ASED), and Crops, Horticulture, and Land Resource Management (CHLR). State-of-the-art procedures reflect the science-based nature of agriculture and natural resource management in the 21st century. A student can choose either to concentrate in a single option or emphasize a broad overview. The program is designed for hands-on-learning. A rigorous industry-based internship program, undergraduate research experiences and a variety of learning activities at the University Farm, also known as the Agricultural Teaching and Research Center, give this program its reputation for student-centered learning.

Mission

The BS in Agriculture at California State University, Chico serves the region and state by providing high-quality learning environments that engage students in active, problem-based learning in agriculture, conducting applied research and creative activities, and public service.

Option in Agricultural Science and Education

The option in Agri-Science and Education is a degree program in general agriculture that is recommended for agricultural teacher preparation and for students seeking a broad program that covers all facets of agriculture. Subject matter includes agricultural engineering technology, animal sciences, agricultural business management, ornamental horticulture, plant sciences, and natural resources.

Option in Crops, Horticulture and Land Resource Management

The option in Crops, Horticulture and Land Resource Management is a degree program that serves to provide education, research and service in horticultural management, crop production and land stewardship that is ecologically based, socially engaged, and responsive to industry needs. The crops program contains three advising patterns: crop production, crop protection (preparation for pest control advisor), and soil management. In addition to an in-depth knowledge of plant science, students graduate with a holistic and practical understanding of resources fundamental to the management of sustainable crop production systems.

Goals & Objectives

  • Technically competent in their chosen field of agriculture and able to make sound judgments.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify the appropriate methodologies to solve analytical problems.
  • Capable of communicating clearly and concisely.
  • Aware of the complex interrelationships of natural and agricultural systems.
  • Have an international and domestic perspective of historical and current issues as applied to agriculture.

Learning Outcomes

Option in Agricultural Science and Education

The broad nature of this option requires basic competency in all the sub-disciplines of agriculture and the understanding of the interrelationship between these areas.

  1. Technical competency
    1. Agricultural Business
      1. Demonstrate basic understanding of economic principles
    2. Animal Science
      1. Demonstrate an understanding of common livestock species/breed, animal genetics, species physiology, and their importance in production agriculture
    3. Plant Science
      1. Demonstrate knowledge of important plant production systems in California and identify common California crops
      2. Demonstrate knowledge of photosynthesis and other common plant biological systems, plant genetics, and crop production requirement
    4. Natural Resources
      1. Demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationships of natural and agricultural environments and the effect of production practices on the environment
    5. Agricultural Engineering Technology
      1. Demonstrate an understanding of machine function, identify machinery commonly used in Northern California
      2. Demonstrate the ability to solve common problems associated with machinery operations (e.g. application rates and field capacity)
  2. Demonstrate the ability to identify the appropriate methodologies to solve analytical problems
    1. Demonstrate the scientific method
    2. Knowledge of experimental design
  3. Capable of communicating clearly and concisely
    1. Demonstrate effective verbal communication in Agriculture
    2. Demonstrate effective written communication in Agriculture
  4. Aware of the complex interrelationships of natural and agricultural systems.
    1. Be able to apply ecological principles to the management of agricultural systems
  5. Have an international and domestic perspective of historical and current issues as applied to agriculture
    1. Have knowledge of a wide range of agricultural issues and problems such as environmental quality, food safety, and international competitiveness
    2. Identify ethical issues and appropriate solutions

Option in Crops, Horticulture and Land Resource Management

  1. Technically competent in their chosen field of agriculture and able to make sound judgments
    1. Knowledge of important plant production systems in California
    2. Demonstrate basic principles of plant protection
    3. Knowledge of photosynthesis and factors that regulate it
    4. Knowledge of agricultural genetics
    5. Demonstrate how plants grow, their parts and functions
    6. An understanding of soils, soil fertility, and plant mineral nutrition
  2. Demonstrate the ability to identify the appropriate methodologies to solve analytical problems
    1. Knowledge of basic experimental design
    2. Demonstrate quantitative/analytical skills
    3. Demonstrate the scientific method
  3. Capable of communicating clearly and concisely
    1. Demonstrate effective verbal communication in Agriculture
    2. Demonstrate effective written communication in Agriculture
  4. Aware of the complex interrelationships of natural and agricultural systems
    1. Be able to apply ecological principles to the management of agricultural systems
  5. Have an international and domestic perspective of historical and current issues as applied to agriculture
    1. Have knowledge of a wide range of agricultural issues and problems such as environmental quality, food safety, and international competitiveness
    2. Identify ethical issues and appropriate solutions