Construction Science and Agricultural Systems Major, BS in Construction Science and Agricultural Systems – Construction Science Concentration

Advisors
Buchanan, Burk, Parker, Smith

Human activities provide food, shelter, and enjoyment, but they may also negatively impact soil, water, and environmental quality, so 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 Construction Science and Agricultural Systems provides students with a strong grounding in construction sciences or engineering technology to prepare them for a broad range of possible careers.

This program has three concentration options: Agricultural Systems Technology, Construction Science, and Off-Road Vehicle Technology. These 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 applications 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. These programs are designed to be less theoretical, more applied, and focused towards specific industries.

The Construction Science concentration is designed to prepare students for entry into the very broad and diverse range of careers related to construction. This could lead to construction management opportunities in areas such as residential, agricultural, commercial, paving, and excavation construction. Students in this program typically enjoy the outdoors and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing a project grow from an idea to finished product. This field relies on knowledge from engineering, construction, and business; skills related to teamwork and leadership are important as well. The program is designed to provide a strong background in science and math, adds fundamental concepts from engineering, and exposure to relevant technology and techniques such as CAD, land surveying, and GPS/GIS.  Proper selection of business-related elective courses in the Construction Science concentration may meet the coursework requirements for a Minor in Business Administration. This business background is supplemented with courses addressing construction-specific issues in accounting, finance, and law; issues related to green/sustainable construction practices are also covered. Students are encouraged to identify experiences in construction practice such as internships or part time/summer work; and this is facilitated through the Construction Science Student Club.

uTrack Requirements

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 entered prior to Fall 2015.