College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Institute of Agricultural Technology

Michigan State University's Institute of Agricultural Technology (MSU IAT) announced a new partnership with St. Clair County Community College (SC4) to offer the Agricultural Operations certificate program beginning Fall 2026. This collaboration marks a significant expansion of MSU IAT's community college network, bringing world-class agricultural education to students in the greater Port Huron region.

The partnership aligns with MSU IAT's mission to make agricultural education accessible and affordable across Michigan, building on successful collaborations with ten other community colleges throughout the state. Founded in 1894, the Institute of Agricultural Technology has been developing career-ready graduates through innovative, hands-on educational programs for over 130 years.

Comprehensive Agricultural Education

Starting in Fall 2026, SC4 students will be able to pursue the Agricultural Operations certificate while working toward their associate degree, completing both credentials in just two years. The program provides students with a solid foundation in plant and soil science, precision agriculture, water management, entomology, plant pathology, and business management.

Students enrolled in the program will benefit from small class sizes and individualized instruction, with all MSU coursework delivered locally at SC4 or online. The curriculum includes 61 credits with a minimum of 34 MSU credits, 3-4 semesters of classroom instruction, and a required 480-hour professional internship experience.

Areas of study encompass farm management, agricultural water resources management, soil science, precision agriculture technologies, agricultural compliance and safety, and plant pathology. The program combines classroom theory with practical field laboratory experiences and real-world internships to prepare graduates for immediate employment in Michigan's diverse agricultural sector.

"MSU IAT is proud to partner with St. Clair County Community College to bring our Agricultural Operations certificate to the Port Huron region, expanding access to high-quality, hands-on agricultural education close to home," said Dr. Jennifer "Jeno" Rivera, director of the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology. 

“We’re thrilled to partner with Michigan State University to bring the Agricultural Operations certificate to SC4, opening doors for students across our region to pursue rewarding careers in agriculture”, said Dr. Pete Lacey, Chief Partnership Officer and Senior Vice President at SC4.

Career Opportunities in Michigan's $104 Billion Agricultural Economy

Graduates receive both an MSU IAT certificate and an associate degree from SC4, positioning them for diverse career opportunities in Michigan's robust agricultural economy, which generates $104 billion annually and ranks second only to California in the number of agricultural commodities produced. Career paths include equipment retail sales and service, farm operations, crop production management, production service companies, and crop processing facilities.

The program also provides a seamless pathway for students interested in continuing their education, with graduates eligible to transfer to MSU to complete a related bachelor's degree. This dual benefit offers students both immediate career readiness and long-term educational flexibility.

Partnership Benefits for Students and Community

The MSU IAT-SC4 partnership delivers significant value to students and the broader community. Students pay community college tuition rates for SC4 courses and MSU tuition rates only for MSU courses, making a world-class agricultural education more affordable than traditional four-year university attendance.

Students gain access to MSU's extensive resources, including study abroad opportunities, student discounts, and university resources, while enjoying the supportive, student-focused environment of their local community college. The program particularly benefits students who are first-generation college attendees, working professionals, or those seeking career changes in agriculture.

SC4's strategic location in southeast Michigan provides unique advantages for agricultural education, with proximity to diverse farming operations, agricultural businesses, and food processing facilities throughout the region. The college's established transfer pathways and university partnerships create additional opportunities for student success.

“SC4 offered me a great opportunity to start my AG education and collegiate athletic careers before transitioning to pursue my Agri-Business Management degree and play basketball for Coach Izzo at MSU”, said SC4 and MSU alum Matt VanDyk, a Vegetable Farmer from Imlay City. “Having the Agricultural Operations certificate program would have really enhanced my experience. I wish it had been available 13 years ago, but it is awesome to see MSU and SC4 working together to prepare students in the Thumb of Michigan for Agriculture careers.”    

About the Institute of Agricultural Technology 

The MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology empowers students to succeed in diverse industries within the agricultural sector, from farming to food processing to forestry. The institute offers various certificate programs across multiple locations statewide through partnerships with community colleges and industry leaders, with most students completing their certificates in 3-4 academic semesters.

Currently, MSU IAT serves approximately 320 students, with 173 enrolled at the East Lansing campus and 147 at partner community college locations. The institute operates partnerships with community colleges including Bay College, Delta College, Glen Oaks Community College, Kellogg Community College, Monroe County Community College, Montcalm Community College, Muskegon Community College, Northwestern Michigan College, Southwestern Michigan College, St. Clair County Community College, and West Shore Community College. For more information, visit www.canr.msu.edu/iat.

About St. Clair Community College

St. Clair County Community College serves students throughout southeast Michigan with comprehensive educational programs and strong university partnerships. SC4 is ranked as the #7 online community college in Michigan and is one of only eight community colleges in Michigan offering student housing.

The college has established numerous transfer pathways and partnership agreements with four-year universities, ensuring students have multiple options for continuing their education. Recent initiatives include participation in the Detroit Drives Degrees Community College Collaborative, supported by a $300,000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. For more information, visit www.sc4.edu/