Advisor
Hart
Many human activities adversely impact soil, water, and environmental quality; and there is a constant need for experts in the technologies required to collect sound information and to provide food, fiber, and shelter in an environmentally-sound manner. The Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Soil Sciences provides students with a strong grounding in basic sciences or engineering technology to prepare them for a broad range of possible careers. Students in this program choose between two general thrusts: Science and Engineering Technology.
The science thrust provides options for three concentrations: Soil Science, Environmental Science, and Conservation Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability. All provide a very strong basis in the natural sciences, as well as applied areas such as ecology, soil sciences, and natural resource policy. Students also build expertise with modern technologies such as geographical information systems, global positioning systems, and computer applications in natural resource management. Graduates are prepared to work in a wide variety of interesting and challenging career paths and to work with a broad variety of other professionals to solve complex problems. Examples of potential careers include soil and environmental specialists and scientists; state and federal regulatory agency work; private consulting in environmental and agricultural areas; and working with non-governmental organizations with interests in agriculture, environment, and natural resources. Students receiving this degree are also very competitive for placement in graduate programs in environmental and agricultural sciences and technology, as well as law school.
The engineering technology thrust has three concentration options: Agricultural Systems Technology, Construction Science Technology, and Off-Road Vehicle Technology. These engineering technology concentrations are applied programs highly focused on specific technical areas and are designed to provide the skills required to manage the sophisticated technological systems increasingly essential in today’s world. The three concentrations all provide a strong basic science foundation and add coursework designed to create programs of study emphasizing the application of technology in today’s world. Coursework in economics and the management of a small business are also included, along with oral and written communication. The construction technology concentration leads to a Minor in Business Administration. While these programs provide a rigorous background in math and science and include courses in engineering, they differ from programs offered in the College of Engineering and College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (Biosystems Engineering) leading to B.S. in Engineering, and ultimately to registration as a Professional Engineer. The engineering technology concentrations are less theoretical, more applied, and more focused towards specific industries.
Agricultural Systems Technology is designed to provide the skills required to manage the sophisticated technological systems that are increasingly essential to modern agricultural production. The program starts with a basic science foundation, adds courses in crop production, pest control, and protection of soil and water resources, then introduces the technologies and control systems available to make production more efficient and environmentally sound. It rounds out the curriculum with analysis and management courses to tie all the information together and to most effectively use it in making and carrying out management decisions. Directed technical electives allow the student to concentrate in a particular area of agricultural production or to develop increased skills with particular technologies or management tools.
uTrack Requirements (for students entering Fall 2013 or later)
Universal Tracking (uTrack) is an academic monitoring system designed to help students stay on track for timely graduation. In order to remain on track, students must complete the minimum requirements for each tracking semester, known as milestones. Milestones include successful completion of specified courses and/or attainment of a minimum GPA. uTrack requirements only affect full-time, degree-seeking students who first entered Fall 2013 or later. uTrack does not apply to transfer students who enter prior to Fall 2015.
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