Associate in Applied Science in Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable Agriculture
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Learn more about the Sustainable Agriculture program.

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Course Sequence

Field of Interest

Field of Interest: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Sustainable Agriculture program focuses on sustainable agriculture, agribusiness, and urban farming. This program is designed to prepare individuals for employment in Agribusiness.

Details

Details iconImportant information you’ll need when applying for admission:

Field of Interest
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan
Sustainable Agriculture (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
3014
Total Credits Required
60-70
Catalog Year
2023-2024
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

What You’ll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

  1. Utilize computer applications relevant to the field for communication, production decisions, business management and cost analysis.
  2. Synthesize multiple sources of information to assist in decision making relative to agricultural business planning and operations.
  3. Demonstrate professional behaviors and abide by norms and conventions appropriate to the field.
  4. Employ effective oral, written, and visual communication skills in a culturally sensitive and responsive manner.
  5. Evaluate sustainable food production systems in rural and urban settings.
  6. Operate equipment adhering to proper safety, ethical, and environmental protocols.
  7. Effectively plant, maintain and harvest crops by synthesizing principles of plant growth and responses to particular soils, climate, sun exposure, water availability, nutrients, and pests.
  8. Apply environmentally and socially responsible agricultural practices.
  9. Establish, select and maintain facilities for alternative crop production systems, including raising fish and vegetables in a closed-looped system.
  10. [FYC]).
  11. Use various media to market agricultural crops, including brand development, social networking, direct marketing, community supported agriculture.
  12. Explain the physical and chemical properties of soil as they relate to pH, water, nutrients, and organic matter.
  13. Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed.Disclaimer

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet withan academic advisorto develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Pathway Planner tool in yourStudent Centerto manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
  • Consult with your faculty mentor or academic advisor to determine educational requirements, including possible university transfer options, for your chosen career field.

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

Note:Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken duringTerm 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
CHM130 Fundamental Chemistry Or permission of Program Director NS 0–3
AGS182AA Gardening Practices and Techniques 3
ENG101or
ENG107
First-Year CompositionorFirst-Year Composition for ESL OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment FYC 3
FYE101or
FYE103
Introduction to College, Career and Personal SuccessorExploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3
AGS164 Plant Growth and Development SQ 4

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken duringTerm 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AGB139 Agribusiness Computer Operations 3
AGB130 Establishing And Running An Agribusiness Offered in the Spring Only 3
MAT112 Mathematical Concepts and Applications OR Higher level mathematics course 3–6
AGS260 Soils Offered in the Spring Only. SQ 4
ENG102or
ENG108
First-Year CompositionorFirst-Year Composition for ESL FYC 3
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment CR 0–3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken duringTerm 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
Humanities and Fine Arts Any approved general education course in the Humanities, Arts and Design area HU 3
AGS217 Introduction to Hydroponics and Controlled Environment Agriculture Offered in the Fall Only 4
AGS262 Irrigation Design, Installation, Operation, and Trouble Shooting Offered in the Fall only 3
SSH111 Sustainable Cities G, HU, SB 3
AGS186 Greenhouse Management And Construction Offered in the Fall Only 3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken duringTerm 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AGS268 Integrated Pest Management in the Cultivated Environment Offered in the Spring only. 4
AGS265 Sustainable Crop Production Offered in the Spring only. 3
AGB231 Marketing of Agricultural Products Offered in the Spring only. 3
AGS166 Aquaponics 3
COM100or
COM110or
COM225or
COM230
Introduction to Human CommunicationorInterpersonal CommunicationorPublic SpeakingorSmall Group Communication SBorL 3
GE General Electives Select additional courses 100-level or higher to complete a minimum of 60 semester credits but no more than a total of 64 semester credits. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor to identify coursework that best aligns with academic and professional goals. 0–1

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Program Information

Learn more about and find contact information for the Sustainable Agriculture program.

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Course Area Key

Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, meet withan academic advisorto discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

View MCCCD’sofficial curriculum documentationfor additional details regarding the requirements of this award(https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm13?id=181788).

Previous Catalog Years

Previous catalog years for Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Sustainable Agriculture