these areas through an increase in knowledge of production practices in the area of sustainable agriculture. This certificate program is designed to assist students in obtaining this training and experience thus increasing their employability in agriculture firms and businesses. This degree certificate will be available to students within and outside the AFE degree as well as for individuals that wish to receive more formal training in sustainable agriculture that are not currently degree seeking students at the university.
Program Description:
The Certificate in Sustainable Agricultural Systems will require a minimum of 15 credit hours of course work. There are 12 hrs. of set courses and then the student will select one additional class to help focus on a specific area of sustainable agriculture.
Classes for the Certificate:
Sub#TitleCredits
AFE334Soil Science3
AFE340Environ Sci. and Agroecology3
AFE425Organic Agriculture3
AFE445Ag & Energy3
And any one of the following:
AFE407Agroforestry3
AFE435Urban Agriculture3
AFE442Plant Propagation3
AFE443Apiculture/Pollination Biology3
Impact on Existing Programs:
This certificate program will complement other degree programs within the academic unit. It will also provide an interim degree for those pursuing the Agriculture System option within the AFE degree. Interim degrees have been shown to impact retention by providing an intermediate goal that can be achieved by students while pursuing the B.S degree, this also benefits graduation rates and helps keep some students on track for graduation with the full degree on time.
Final Faculty Senate Approved Form as of 9/14/2015