What type of work would I do if I studied Agriculture?
Career possibilities range from a farmer, rancher or farm manager to an agricultural technician supervisor at a greenhouse or nursery. Farmers and ranchers grow and cultivate crops and/or raise and breed animals for the nation’s food supply. Farm and agricultural managers, as well as greenhouse and nursery managers, oversee the day-‐‐to-‐‐day operations of farms, ranches, greenhouses and nurseries, carrying out production, financial and marketing decisions based on the owner’s guidelines. Agricultural technicians work with agricultural scientists in food, fiber and animal research, production and processing. Under the scientist’s supervision, they will conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.
What type of degree will I earn at Missouri State University-‐West Plains?
Students enrolled in Agriculture will obtain a two-‐‐year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Study areas include a general education component and major requirements such as food security, biology and chemistry. Students can then select from specialization groups including agricultural business, animal science, agriculture, natural resources, plant science and wildlife management.