Mission and Purpose
The Precision Agriculture Certificate prepares students for emerging careers in precision agriculture by balancing agronomy fundamentals with advanced technology and software training. With a focus on data-driven crop management, hardware systems, and digital tools, the program equips students to support modern farming operations through the use of GPS, GIS, sensors, automated equipment, and remote imaging technologies. Students will gain practical experience with software platforms and technology integration, preparing them for positions in agronomic data management, precision farming equipment support, or agricultural technology services.
The mission is to develop skilled professionals who can apply advanced technologies and data analysis to improve agricultural production systems. The certificate is suited for students pursuing careers in agricultural production, agronomy, equipment technology, or other related industry roles. Graduates will be career-ready to implement and support precision agriculture systems that optimize efficiency, sustainability, and profitability in today’s agricultural operations.
Program Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes
- Apply precision agriculture technologies to collect, analyze, and interpret agronomic data.
- Operate and troubleshoot precision agricultural hardware and software.
- Utilize data management software and analytics to support decision-making in crop production and resource use.
- Demonstrate knowledge of sustainable farming practices and how precision tools enhance productivity and environmental stewardship.
- Communicate technical information to producers, agronomy teams, or technology service providers in a professional agricultural setting.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| SCSCI 3280 | Precision Agriculture Technologies | 3 |
| SCSCI 4200 | Precision Agriculture Data Management | 3 |
| SCSCI 4210 | Precision Agriculture Hardware | 3 |
| Precision Agriculture Electives: | 6 | |
| AC/DC Fundamentals | ||
| Power Systems Technology | ||
or AGET 1750 | Equipment, Structure and Power Systems | |
| Fluid Power and Servo Systems | ||
| Industrial Control Systems | ||
| Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Drones: Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Operations and Imaging | ||
| Undergraduate Research in Soil Science * | ||
or SCSCI 4390 | Undergraduate Research in Crop Science | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
- *
The semester-long projects must be in the area of Precision Agriculture.