Agricultural Systems and Education Program

The Agricultural Systems and Education major is administered through the School of Agricultural Sciences. The program includes six specialized areas of study.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this major are:

• To provide specialized academic preparation in agriculture appropriate for the specializations of the major.
• To provide a program for the student desiring a broad-based agriculture major, optionally combined with another discipline.
• To provide the quality academic and professional preparation necessary for success in the various career fields of the specializations.

Specializations

The program offers the following specializations:

• Agricultural Communications
• Agricultural Education
• Agricultural Production Management
• Agricultural Systems Technology Management
• Food and Process Engineering Technology
• General Agriculture

Agricultural Communications Specialization

This specialization is designed to provide the student with competencies in both agriculture and communications for careers within the agricultural industry, agricultural extension service, or agricultural news agencies.

Agricultural Education Specialization

This specialization is intended for those students who plan to be involved in agricultural programs as a teacher in secondary and post-secondary education, as well as in the fields of communication, extension, and industry.

Agricultural Production Management Specialization

This specialization provides the student with the background and preparation for careers in production-based areas of agriculture, including sales and service positions in the supply and marketing chain, support industries, and agribusiness.

Agricultural Systems Technology Management Specialization

This specialization is intended for students interested in technical management of an agricultural-related business involved in production, processing, or manufacturing.

Food and Process Engineering Technology Specialization

This specialization is designed for students to manage and supervise operations in the food processing industry as food processing technologists or managers.

General Agriculture Specialization

This program is designed to provide the student with a broad-based background in agriculture and the flexibility to design a program of study that prepares them to meet their career goals.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Agricultural Systems and Education

The degree requirements for each specialization are as follows:

B.S. Agricultural Systems and Education - Agricultural Communications Specialization

• University Core Curriculum Requirements: 39 credit hours
• Foundation Skills: 13 credit hours
• Disciplinary Studies: 23 credit hours
• Multicultural/Diversity: 3 credit hours
• Agricultural Communications Specialization Requirements: 16 credit hours
• Other required courses: 9 credit hours
• Electives: 56 credit hours
• Total: 120 credit hours

B.S. Agricultural Systems and Education - Agricultural Education Specialization

• University Core Curriculum Requirements: 39 credit hours
• Foundation Skills: 13 credit hours
• Disciplinary Studies: 23 credit hours
• Multicultural/Diversity: 3 credit hours
• Agricultural Education Specialization Requirements: 23 credit hours
• Other required courses: 53 credit hours
• Electives: 5 credit hours
• Total: 120 credit hours

B.S. Agricultural Systems and Education - Agricultural Production Management Specialization

• University Core Curriculum Requirements: 39 credit hours
• Foundation Skills: 13 credit hours
• Disciplinary Studies: 23 credit hours
• Multicultural/Diversity: 3 credit hours
• Requirements for Agricultural Production Management Specialization: 10 credit hours
• Other required courses: 33 credit hours
• Electives: 38 credit hours
• Total: 120 credit hours

B.S. Agricultural Systems and Education - Agricultural Systems Technology Management Specialization

• University Core Curriculum Requirements: 39 credit hours
• Foundation Skills: 13 credit hours
• Disciplinary Studies: 23 credit hours
• Multicultural/Diversity: 3 credit hours
• Requirements for Agricultural Systems Technology Management Specialization: 40-41 credit hours
• Electives: 40-41 credit hours
• Total: 120 credit hours

B.S. Agricultural Systems and Education - Food and Process Engineering Technology Specialization

• University Core Curriculum Requirements: 39 credit hours
• Foundation Skills: 13 credit hours
• Disciplinary Studies: 23 credit hours
• Multicultural/Diversity: 3 credit hours
• Food and Process Engineering Technology Specialization Requirements: 27 credit hours
• Other required courses: 32 credit hours
• Electives: 22 credit hours
• Total: 120 credit hours

B.S. Agricultural Systems and Education - General Agriculture Specialization

• University Core Curriculum Requirements: 39 credit hours
• Foundation Skills: 13 credit hours
• Disciplinary Studies: 23 credit hours
• Multicultural/Diversity: 3 credit hours
• General Agriculture Specialization Requirements: 17 credit hours
• Other required courses: 18 credit hours
• Electives: 46 credit hours
• Total: 120 credit hours

Minors

The program offers the following minors:

• Agricultural Education Minor: 15 semester hours of credit
• Agricultural Systems Minor: 15 semester hours of credit
• Food and Process Engineering Technology Minor: 15 semester hours of credit

Capstone Option

Qualified candidates for the Capstone Option are accepted in the major.

Technology Fee

The College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences assesses undergraduate majors a technology fee of $4.58 per credit hour up to 12 credit hours. The fee is charged Fall and Spring semesters.

Southern Illinois University

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Overview:

Southern Illinois University (SIU) is a public research university located in Carbondale, Illinois. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online and off-campus options. SIU is known for its commitment to access and opportunity, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

SIU offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities. Students can participate in outdoor adventures, explore the university's 3,000 acres of hills and forests, and engage in various recreational activities. The university also boasts a strong athletic program, with the Salukis competing in NCAA Division I athletics.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

SIU offers in-state tuition rates to all students, regardless of their residency.

Small Class Sizes:

The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and smaller class sizes.

Diverse Academic Programs:

SIU offers over 200 majors, minors, and specializations, providing students with a wide range of academic options.

Research Opportunities:

SIU is a research-intensive university, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research projects.

Strong Alumni Network:

SIU has a large and active alumni network, offering support and connections to students after graduation.

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Academic Programs:

SIU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Majors:

A variety of undergraduate majors are available, including engineering, business, education, and the arts.

Graduate Programs:

SIU offers a wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees in various fields.

Online Programs:

SIU offers a variety of online programs, allowing students to pursue their education from anywhere in the world.

Off-Campus Programs:

SIU offers off-campus programs at various locations, providing students with opportunities to study and learn in different environments.

Simmons Law School:

SIU's law school offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

School of Medicine:

SIU's medical school offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

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Other:

SIU is committed to providing a safe and inclusive campus environment for all students. The university offers a variety of resources and support services to help students succeed, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.