Associate Degree in Science ­- Agriculture

Grow with us

The Agricultural Business Management program is a two-year associate in applied science (AAS) degree that combines a unique combination of agriculture sciences and business with emphasis on practical, skill-based courses for the management of agriculture production. Students take courses in crop and soil sciences, soil fertility, pest management, sales, business management, and marketing. Industry competencies essential for today's production agriculture provides student expertise for management positions in various agriculture businesses, including agricultural marketing and processing firms, agricultural supply and service firms, and agriculture production and management. Students also gain industry experience through internship work experience in related agriculture business.

Success begins here

Parkland maintains a 20-acre Land Laboratory extension of the classroom on the college campus where students experience hands-on learning concurrent with industry standards

The College has ample scholarships specifically for students enrolled in an agriculture degree program

Students will experience a smaller class size, which results in greater student success and more opportunities for one-on-one attention

Join the Phi Alpha Chi, Parkland's ag club! Club members participate in Postsecondary Agriculture Student (PAS) organization national competitions and North America Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) judging contests. Ag Club activities also include field trips, service projects, club gatherings, and more.

Transferability

The Ag Business Management AAS is designed to transfer to any Illinois public four-year university for students who wish to expand their career options and receive additional education. Students planning to transfer are encouraged to visit with an academic advisor at the university or college to which they plan to transfer to ensure all credit is seamless and complete.

The Agriculture associate in science degree develops students' academic skills and abilities in the agriculture industry. Completing the Ag AS will satisfy four-year university general education requirements in addition to articulated agriculture courses such as soil science, crop science, agriculture mechanization, agriculture computers, animal science, and horticulture.

Stay Awhile

We love visitors! Make an appointment for a campus visit and meet our faculty, see our facilities, and get help planning your path to success. Offering more than 100 Associates Degree and Certificate programs, Parkland College is well known for its small class sizes, state­-of-­the-art facilities, inclusive learning environment, and personable faculty. Parkland boasts the largest international student body of any 2­ year college in the state of Illinois, with more than 300 students representing more than 40 countries. The Associate Degree offers an ideal and inexpensive doorway for international students wanting to enter the American education system. Having worked to perfect their English language skills through the English as a Second Language (ESL) program or earned two years­ worth of transferable credits, many of Parkland’s international students then transfer on to 4­ year universities (2+2 transfer) around the United States, where they continue their educations, earning Baccalaureate and graduate degrees.

Parkland College faculty are well accustomed to the challenges faced by international students who are experienced in dealing with them. Parkland strives to enhance global awareness and multiculturalism through education and faculty welcome the perspective brought by international students in their classes.

Why Choose Parkland College

• Small class sizes and a personalized education
• Intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) program for non­-English speakers
• Complete two years and transfer credits to a 4­ year university
• In the same city as the University of Illinois, a top research university
• Around ½ the yearly cost of 4­ year universities
• A diverse international student population, more than 300 international students
• Faculty focus on global awareness and multiculturalism
• Stand out!

Parkland College in Champaign is an excellent place to study agriculture. Champaign is located on some of the most fertile and productive farmland in the world and is also home to the state­-of-­the­-art College of ACES at the University of Illinois, where many Parkland students transfer.

As a result, many major international agriculture companies, including John Deere, Agrible, and Caterpillar operate offices in Champaign. This program prepares for a wide variety of careers in an industry that helps meet the growing needs of our society: from managing an agricultural business to precision farming, researching plant/animal genetics, providing therapeutic horse riding for the disabled, and more. Prepare to transfer to a university for additional degrees. You’ll learn from agriculture faculty with real-world experiences to share.

Our program encourages global studies in agriculture and provides study trips to Central America and Europe. Agriculture careers are readily available in many locations and can include a high income, especially if you have a bachelor's or master's degree. The need for qualified employees is very strong in many areas of interest.

Baccalaureate degree programs in agriculture may include various specialties, such as agricultural economics, agribusiness, agricultural sciences (animal science, crop or plant science, soil science, and horticulture), agricultural mechanics, and agriculture education. To transfer into a baccalaureate degree program in agriculture as a junior, students need to complete a minimum of 60-semester credits. Students are strongly encouraged to complete an A.S. degree prior to transfer. Students should plan their transfer programs with an agriculture faculty member.

Courses

• AGB 105 Agricultural Applications of the Computer
• AGB 101 Introduction to Animal Science
• AGB 102 Introduction to Agricultural Economics
• AGB 103 Introduction to Crop Science
• AGB 104 Introduction to Horticultural Science
• AGB 106 International Agricultural Field Experience
• AGB 200 Introduction to Soil Science
• AGB 201 Introduction to Agricultural Mechanization
• AGB 202 Introduction to Agricultural Education
• AGB 209 Companion Animal Management
• AGB 112* Concepts in Agriculture