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Agricultural Operations

The Agricultural Operations program at community college partners provides students with a solid background in plant and soil science, precision agriculture, water management, entomology, plant pathology and business management.

The program combines classroom instruction and theory with practical experience gained through field laboratories and an internship. Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of careers in an exciting and growing industry.

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Areas of study include:

  • Farm management
  • Agricultural water resources management
  • Soil science
  • Precision agriculture technologies
  • Agricultural compliance and safety
  • Plant pathology

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Career Opportunities

Following graduation, students receive an MSU IAT certificate and associate degree from the related community college preparing them for the job market. If interested, students can also transfer into Michigan State University to earn a related bachelor’s degree.

Graduates find careers in a variety of farming and crop production industries based on their interests.

Some career paths include:

  • Equipment retail sales and service
  • Farm operations
  • Crop production management
  • Production service companies
  • Crop processing facilities


Academics

The Agricultural Operations certificate program is based at several partner community colleges:

  • Bay College, Escanaba
  • Delta College, University Center
  • Glen Oaks Community College, Centreville
  • Kellogg Community College, Battle Creek
  • Monroe County Community College, Monroe
  • Montcalm Community College, Sidney
  • Muskegon Community College, Muskegon
  • Southwestern Michigan College, Dowagiac
  • West Shore Community College, Scottville

Program requirements:

  • 60 credits (minimum of 34 MSU credits)
  • 3-4 semesters of classroom instruction
  • 1 semester off-campus internship

Learn more about the MSU requirements and courses in Agriculture Operations certificate program.

Class sizes are small and students receive individualized instruction in addition to experiences at local facilities.


Internships

IAT coordinators help students find and secure organizations to mentor them as part of their required certificate program internship. Not only does this provide immediate on-the-job experience, but internships also help with networking and industry connections.


Program Coordinators

For more information or to schedule a visit, contact the Agricultural Operations program coordinator based on the community college of your choice.

  • Lee Andrews

    Program Advisor - Muskegon Community College
    andre322@msu.edu

  • Matthew Bernia, M.A.

    Program Coordinator - Muskegon Community College
    berniama@msu.edu
    231-777-0576

  • Lance Fowler

    Program Coordinator - Delta College
    fowler37@msu.edu
    989-686-9350

  • Kaitlyn Fraser

    Program Coordinator - Kellogg Community College
    kfraser@msu.edu
    269-565-2092

  • Brian Gardner

    Program Coordinator - Montcalm Community College
    gardnerb@msu.edu
    989-328-1090

  • Thomas Green, Ph.D.

    Program Coordinator - Southwestern Michigan College
    greenth7@msu.edu

  • Angela King

    Program Coordinator - Glen Oaks Community College
    kingang1@msu.edu
    269-294-4249 ext. 249

  • Constance Schwass

    Program Coordinator - West Shore Community College
    schwassc@msu.edu
    231-690-4826

  • Tyler Sisson

    Program Coordinator - Bay College
    sissonty@msu.edu
    906-217-4196

  • Nathan Westfall

    Interim Program Coordinator - Monroe County Community College
    westfa25@msu.edu
    517-884-7334

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MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

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College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Institute of Agricultural Technology

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