Program Overview

Introduction to the Agriculture - Bachelor of Applied Science Program

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Agriculture at Southwest Minnesota State University is a four-year degree program designed to serve the needs of transfer students who have completed their two-year "technical" degrees in agriculturally related fields. This program was developed in consultation with agricultural industry representatives, Minnesota's community and technical colleges, the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), and the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership (MARL) Program.

About the Program

The BAS in Agriculture delivers a balance of academics, practicality, and applicability, building on students' accomplishments achieved during their two-year degree programs. The program combines the advantages of technical expertise acquired in the Associate's degree with the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills of a Baccalaureate program. The depth and breadth of the overall BAS curriculum prepare students to understand and properly address the real-world challenges of agriculture.

Preparation

Completion of an AAS Degree is required for entry into the BAS Degree. The BAS in Agriculture is a four-year degree program specifically designed to serve the needs of transfer students who have finished their two-year "technical" degrees in agriculturally-related fields.

Majors & Minors

• Major - Bachelor of Applied Science: Agriculture

Student Organizations

Any SMSU student can join the SMSU Ag Club and/or the Post-Secondary Agricultural Student Organization (PAS). The Ag Club is among the most active on campus, meeting weekly to learn from agricultural professionals and alumni as guest speakers. The Ag Club plans and takes annual trips to different locations in the Midwest. Other activities include SMSU's Ag Bowl, AgCareer Fair, SMSU Homecoming Parade, skeet-shooting, and golfing.

Clubs & Organizations

SMSU students who are active in clubs and organizations build social connections, learn essential life skills, and enrich the value of their college experience. Opportunities worth consideration for any student who wants to build their network and expand their agricultural knowledge include:

• SMSU Ag Club: Learn from industry professionals at most meetings, take advantage of regional travel opportunities, and participate in social outings, all of which help students expand their agricultural horizons.
• Ag House: Students interested in agriculture can live with others on campus that share their passion for agriculture and engage in experiential learning opportunities.
• Post-Secondary Agricultural Student Organization: Opportunity to improve and expand agricultural skills through state and national competitions.

Career Opportunities

SMSU Agriculture students are prepared to hold a wide array of ag-related positions. These positions include lenders, Elevator Manager, Marketing Analyst, Insurance Agent, Extension Educator, Commodity Broker, Crop Consultant, Farm/Ranch Manager, Research Assistant, Financial Analyst, and many others. Currently, across the Ag industry, demand greatly outpaces the supply of career-ready graduates.

Admission Requirements

• Rank in the upper half of the graduating class
• OR
• Score a composite of 21 or above on the ACT or 990 on the SAT

Program Overview

The BAS in Agriculture is a dynamic field of endeavor designed to help students realize their potential and meet the challenges of modern agriculture. With its flexible scheduling and balance of academic and practical skills, this program is ideal for students looking to advance their careers in agriculture. The program's focus on real-world challenges and its connections with the agricultural industry make it an excellent choice for those seeking a career in this field.