Agricultural Systems Technology

USU is the only university in the state with a degree program in agricultural systems technology. The program combines an understanding of agricultural, biological, and physical sciences with technical and business managerial skills. Graduates may pursue numerous agricultural careers, such as working for an agricultural equipment corporation, managing a machinery dealership, serving as a sales representative for an equipment company, or serving as a farm or ranch manager. The department ensures students are well prepared to enter their careers by working closely with agricultural agencies each year to make sure courses cover relevant and up-to-date material.  Students focus on the hands-on application of agricultural engineering principles, the function and use of agricultural technology, and the integration of technology management concepts for the food, fiber, and natural resources industries. The focal point of the program is on the management, use, and troubleshooting of agricultural technology. Students coursework typically involves a broad foundation through real-world instruction in power and machine systems, natural resources conservation, electricity and electronics, precision agriculture technologies, and agricultural structural systems. Students are encouraged to incorporate business and management electives to develop a focus area of their choosing.

Emphases:

• Agribusiness: This emphasis provides in-depth, technical education in agricultural economics and business management. It is designed to provide basic knowledge of business concepts and approaches, as well as an understanding of current agricultural changes. This emphasis is for students who wish to become managers in the ag industry.
• Agricultural Mechanization: This emphasis provides a broad understanding of the production processes in agriculture, with a depth of understanding related to using machinery. Students take courses in agricultural mechanics, animal science, natural resources, plant science, and soil science.
• Farm and Ranch Operations: This emphasis provides a clear degree path for students who wish to efficiently operate a crop or livestock production operation. In addition to the core requirements of this major, which include classes in agribusiness and technology, students choose from classes in animal science and plant science. This 8-course emphasis will strengthen knowledge and abilities in those areas to meet the variety of challenges in agriculture today.

Bachelor Degree Minimum Requirements

Admission to USU is test optional for Spring 2022, Summer 2022, and Fall 2022. ACT/SAT test scores will still be considered if submitted.

• 2.8-4.0 GPA - Admitted in Good Standing
  • Students with less than a 2.8 high school GPA may still be admitted in good standing based upon the combination of their GPA and ACT/SAT score. See if you qualify.
• 2.79 GPA & below - Considered for Earned Admission path.

Associate Degree Minimum Requirements

Most USU Eastern and USU Blanding Associates Degrees and Certificates are open enrollment and do not require a minimum high school GPA or ACT/SAT score.

Recommended High School Prep Work

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of Math (One class beyond math 3)
• 3.5 years of Social Science
• 3 years of Lab-Based Science (one each: biology, chemistry, and physics)
• 2 years of a world language (same language, taken progressively during grades 9-12)

With a degree in agricultural systems technology, students may be qualified for careers in the following areas:

Agribusiness Emphasis

• Production operations for service-oriented businesses and agencies, corporate farms or ranches, etc.
• Director or supervisor of manufacturing and processing operations
• Production farm or ranch managers

Agricultural Mechanization Emphasis

Graduates work in the following careers at agricultural machinery dealerships, independent farms or ranches, etc.

• Agricultural equipment mechanic
• Sales agent
• Technical support

 

Career Services provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.