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.
Areas of study include:
- Farm management
- Agricultural water resources management
- Soil science
- Precision agriculture technologies
- Agricultural compliance and safety
- Plant pathology
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.
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Lee Andrews
Program Advisor - Muskegon Community College
andre322@msu.edu
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Matthew Bernia, M.A.
Program Coordinator - Muskegon Community College
berniama@msu.edu
231-777-0576
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Lance Fowler
Program Coordinator - Delta College
fowler37@msu.edu
989-686-9350
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Kaitlyn Fraser
Program Coordinator - Kellogg Community College
kfraser@msu.edu
269-565-2092
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Brian Gardner
Program Coordinator - Montcalm Community College
gardnerb@msu.edu
989-328-1090
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Thomas Green, Ph.D.
Program Coordinator - Southwestern Michigan College
greenth7@msu.edu
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Angela King
Program Coordinator - Glen Oaks Community College
kingang1@msu.edu
269-294-4249 ext. 249
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Constance Schwass
Program Coordinator - West Shore Community College
schwassc@msu.edu
231-690-4826
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Tyler Sisson
Program Coordinator - Bay College
sissonty@msu.edu
906-217-4196
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Nathan Westfall
Interim Program Coordinator - Monroe County Community College
westfa25@msu.edu
517-884-7334
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