Sustainable Agriculture Program

The Sustainable Agriculture curriculum is designed to provide the entrepreneurial and technical skills necessary to manage a profitable, environmentally sound, community-based small farm or agricultural business. Students learn the fundamentals of sustainable agriculture, focusing on crop and animal production with farm business. Emphasis is placed on entrepreneurial and practical field training.

Program Description

Sustainable agriculture is a holistic approach to agricultural practices using the principles of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. Sustainable practices include an integrated system of plant and animal production practices, often with a long-term, site-specific application. These principles are integrated throughout each course of the sustainable agriculture degree, addressing how to enhance environmental quality of food production, while also taking into account the economic viability of farm and ranch operation.

Program Requirements

• Institutional Degree Requirements:
  • 60 semester hours minimum
  • Students must complete a minimum of 15 of the final 30 semester hours of credit at CMU/CMU Tech
  • 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU/CMU Tech coursework
  • A course may only be used to fulfill one requirement for each degree/certificate
  • No more than six semester hours of independent study courses can be used toward the degree
  • Non-traditional credit, such as advanced placement, credit by examination, credit for prior learning, cooperative education, and internships, cannot exceed 20 semester credit hours for an AAS degree
  • Pre-collegiate courses (usually numbered below 100) cannot be used for graduation
• Essential Learning Requirements (15 semester hours):
  • Communication: ENGL 111 English Composition I-GTCO1 (3 credits) and ENGL 112 English Composition II-GTCO2 (3 credits)
  • Mathematics: MATH 108 Technical Mathematics (3 credits)
  • Other Essential Learning Core Courses: Select one Social and Behavioral Sciences, History, Natural Sciences, Fine Arts, or Humanities course (3 credits) and another (3 credits)
• Other Lower Division Requirements:
  • Wellness Requirement: KINE 100 Health and Wellness (1 credit)
  • Activity course: Select one (1 credit)
• Program Specific Degree Requirements (37 semester hours, must earn a grade of "C" or better in each course):
  • Agriculture Courses:
    • AGRS 100 Practical Crop Production (3 credits)
    • AGRS 100L Practical Crop Production Laboratory (1 credit)
    • AGRS 105 Animal Science (3 credits)
    • AGRS 108 Making Compost (3 credits)
    • AGRS 125 Agricultural Machinery and Technology (3 credits)
    • AGRS 205 Farm and Ranch Management (3 credits)
    • AGRS 240 Introduction to Soil Science (3 credits)
    • AGRS 240L Introduction to Soil Science Laboratory (1 credit)
    • AGRS 260 Plant Propagation (3 credits)
    • AGRS 293 Cooperative Experience/Internship (5 credits)
  • Restricted Electives: Select 9 semester hours from the following:
    • AGRS 110 Integrated Pest Management
    • AGRS 118 Farm Structures and Green Houses
    • AGRS 208 Agricultural Finance
    • AGRS 210 Agricultural Marketing
    • AGRS 224 Integrated Ranch Management
    • AGRS 225 Feeds and Feeding
    • AGRS 230 Farm Animal Anatomy and Physiology
    • AGRS 250 Live Animal and Carcass Evaluation
    • AGRS 250L Live Animal and Carcass Evaluation Laboratory
    • AGRS 288 Livestock Practicum
    • WELD 151 Introduction to Welding
    • AGRS 296 Topics
    • CISB 101 Business Information Technology
• General Electives (6 semester hours):
  • MATH 108 Technical Mathematics (if not used elsewhere) (1 credit)
  • Select additional electives (5 credits)

Advising and Graduation

The advising process involves reviewing the DegreeWorks audit, creating a plan to meet unmet requirements, and submitting the "Intent to Graduate" form. Students must meet with their advisor, modify their plan as needed, and ensure their advisor approves the final plan. Submission deadlines and commencement details can be found on the Graduation web page.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Apply business communication using listening, verbal, and written and electronic forms needed for entry-level employment in agriculture
• Apply mathematical and applied physics concepts for agriculture science to meet employment requirements
• Research, evaluate, synthesize, and apply information/data relevant to agriculture science careers
• Demonstrate knowledge of agriculture terminology, symbols, business practices, and principles and application of technical skills
• Perform the necessary applied skill sets to fulfill the needs of entry-level employment in the agriculture industry

Career Opportunities

Graduates are qualified for employment in a variety of positions associated with sustainable agriculture, including horticultural and livestock operations, wholesale and retail management, nursery operations, and environmental and agricultural education.

Colorado Mesa University

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Overview:

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is a public university located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as online courses and programs. CMU is known for its affordable tuition, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on hands-on learning.

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Services Offered:

CMU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Admissions & Costs:

Admissions counseling, application process, financial aid, scholarships, tuition and fee information, and resources for admitted students.

Academics:

Program search, course catalog, degree requirements, graduate studies, online courses, non-credit courses, semester calendars, and academic advising.

Study and Performance Resources:

Library access, study room reservations, textbook purchasing, tutoring services, and transcript requests.

Getting Help:

IRIS (student assistance), accessibility services, career services, IT help desk, university center information, student services, student wellness center, tutoring, faculty contact information, campus office contacts, directory search, and campus maps.

Campus Life:

Dining services, housing and residence life, student life activities, campus safety, parking services, MAVcard campus ID, and resources for current students.

Events:

Calendar of events, performing arts, commencement ceremony, welcome week, homecoming, parents' weekend, student showcase, and event space reservations.

Campus Activities:

Outdoor program, recreation center, NCAA athletics, clubs and organizations, club sports, and intramural sports.

Working Here:

Faculty and staff employment opportunities, student employment, human resources, and payroll.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

CMU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Outdoor Adventures:

The Outdoor Program provides opportunities for outdoor trips and equipment rentals.

Social Engagement:

Student life offers numerous on-campus activities, clubs, and yearly concerts.

Downtown Exploration:

Grand Junction's historic downtown provides dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

CMU offers a quality education at a competitive price, with one of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado.

Small Class Sizes:

Students benefit from personalized attention and close relationships with professors.

Hands-on Learning:

CMU emphasizes practical experience and prepares students for successful careers.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can enjoy a diverse range of activities, clubs, and events.

Beautiful Location:

Grand Junction offers a sunny climate and access to outdoor recreation.

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Academic Programs:

CMU offers over 120 academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

Art, Communication, English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.

Business and Technology:

Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Hospitality Management, and more.

Education:

Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and more.

Health Sciences:

Nursing, Health Sciences, and more.

Social Sciences:

Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, and more.

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Other:

CMU has additional locations, including:

CMU Tech:

A technical college offering associate degrees and certificates.

Montrose Campus:

A branch campus offering select undergraduate programs.

CMU also offers online programs through its Distance Education program.