Agricultural Systems Technology

Career Outlook

The opportunities in agricultural systems technology are diverse and challenging. Skilled graduates are needed in areas of work related to agricultural structures, electronics/electrical power, precision agriculture/GPS, agricultural power, metal process, agricultural safety and food engineering/processing. A person with a degree in agricultural systems technology may be involved in one of a great number of agricultural careers, such as working for an agricultural equipment corporation, managing a machinery dealership, serving as a sales representative for an irrigation equipment company or as a farm manager.

Each year the agriculture industry is becoming more technologically advanced. This creates a need for trained specialists to manage agricultural systems. This field of study is geared toward a student with an inquisitive mind that enjoys solving problems and testing new ideas.

Academic Highlights

The curriculum in Agricultural Systems Technology teaches the mechanical and physical principles that relate to the design, operation, maintenance and management of systems used in agriculture. A balanced selection of courses such as agricultural processing systems, agricultural buildings and construction, agricultural power systems, agriculture safety, agricultural electrification systems, precision agriculture/GPS and soil and water engineering incorporate theory and hands-on training that will permit graduates to enter into satisfying and rewarding careers.

Facilities

School of Agriculture facilities include classrooms, laboratories and offices housed in the south wing of the Oakley Applied Science Building, the A. Carman Animal Health Technology Center, the E.B. Howton Agricultural Engineering Building, the Equine Instructional Facility, greenhouses and three farm complexes located near campus.

The horse and beef facilities are a part of the farm-laboratory complex. The West Kentucky Livestock and Exposition Center is utilized for equine and rodeo classes, contests, field days, judging contests, clinics and numerous agriculture activities.

Organizations

Agriculture Engineering Technology Club

The club’s mission is to promote the growth and science of Agricultural Systems Technology through
fellowship among members with kindred interests.
Furnishes career contacts for agricultural systems technology students.
Helps to develop new interests and improve agricultural instruction.
Promotes the University.

Curriculum 2009-2011 Catalog

University Studies Courses	45 Hours
Agriculture Core Courses AGR 099 Transitions (Freshman Orientation) (1 hour) AGR 100 Animal Science (3 hours) AGR 130 Intro. to Agribusiness (3 hours) AGR 133 Field Applications for Ag (2 hours) AGR 140 Plant Science OR AGR 160 Horticultural Science OR AGR 240 Crop Science (3 hours) AGR 170 Intro to Ag Systems Tech (3 hours) AGR 199 Contemporary Issues in Ag (3 hours) AGR 345 Soil Science (3 hours) AGR 339 Computer Applications for Ag (3 hours) AGR 399 Professional Development Seminar I (1 hour) AGR 599 Ag Senior Capstone (1 hour)	26 Hours
Agricultural Systems Technology Option AGR 371 Ag Building and Construction (3 hours) AGR 372 Ag Metal Processes (3 hours) AGR 377 Ag Safety (3 hours) AGR 477 Ag Power Units -OR- AGR 577 Tractor Power Principles (3 hours) Approved Ag Systems Technology Electives (9 hours) Approved AGR Electives (3 hours)	24 Hours
Support Courses AGR 471 Appliations in Precision Ag (3 hours) AGR 488 Coop Ed/Internship (3 hours) -OR- one of the following with Advisor's Approval AGR 543 Records Management (3 hours) AGR 571 Advanced Precision Ag (3 hours) AGR 489 Coop Ed/Internship (3 hours) ENT 111 Electric Systems (4 hours) ITD 101 Intro to Design and Graphic Communications (4 hours) ITD 104 CAD Application and Design Communication (4 hours) ITD 304 Computer Graphics and Design ITD 330 Machine Tool Processes (4 hours)	6 Hours
Unrestricted Electives	19 Hours

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