The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. You can view MAPs on the Major Academic Plans page or you can request a plan from your major advisor.

Courses in this program may complete more than one graduation requirement.

General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units

See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.

This major has approved GE modification(s). See below for information on how to apply these modification(s).

ANSC 101 is an approved major course substitution for Life Sciences (B2).
AGRI 482W is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Social Sciences.

These modifications apply to The Option in Agricultural Science and Education only.

EDTE 451 is an approved major course substitution for Lifelong Learning and Self-Development.
ENGL 471 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Arts/Humanities.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .

Upper-Division Writing Requirement:

Writing Across the Curriculum (Executive Memorandum 17-009) is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of four Writing (W) courses, two of which are designated by the major department. See Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog for more details on the four courses. The first of the major designated Writing (W) courses is listed below.

The Option in Agricultural Science and Education

Any upper-division Writing (W) course.

The Option in Agricultural Communication and Leadership

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
JOUR 341W	Writing for Public Relations (W)		3.0	FS	GW W
Prerequisites: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, JOUR 260W, JOUR 265. Principles and practices of writing styles for public relations. Emphasis will be on writing tailored to an organization's communication needs. Required for majors. Journalism majors in the public relations option who earn below a C- in JOUR 341 are required to repeat the course and are expected to earn a C- or higher to receive writing proficiency credit. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (004844)

The second major-designated Writing course is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) (Executive Order 665). Students must earn a C- or higher to receive GW credit. The GE Written Communication (A2) requirement must be completed before a student is permitted to register for a GW course.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

Course Requirements for the Major: 78-82 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Additional required courses, depending upon the selected option are outlined following the major core program requirements.

Major Core Program: 47 units

Lower-Division Core: 32 units

6 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
ABUS 101	Introduction to Agricultural Business and Economics	3.0	FS	GE
The role of agricultural business in the economy. Introductory economic and business principles and their application to the solution of agricultural problems. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (000014)
AGET 150	Agricultural Machine Systems	3.0	FA
Principles of operation, adjustments, calibration, and safety of wheel and track-type tractors including implements and equipment commonly used in California agriculture. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (000164)
AGRI 180	The University Experience	1.0	FS
A college success course for agricultural majors new to California State University, Chico. The course will explore the academic and social opportunities and resources available to promote successful completion of the student's educational goals. 1 hour discussion. Credit/no credit grading. (000198)
ANSC 101	Introduction to Animal Science	3.0	FS
An overview, using a scientific perspective, of farm animals. Highlights anatomy and physiology of farm animals, reproduction, nutrition, animal health, animal products, animal behavior, and pertinent social issues, such as animal rights. Includes human opportunity to influence trait inheritance, population densities, and productivity. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (000419)
PSSC 101	Introduction to Plant Science	3.0	FS	GE
Plant structure, growth, reproduction, and responses to the environment. How humans modify plants and the environment to grow crops. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (007765)
PSSC 250	Introduction to Soil Science	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: CHEM 107 or CHEM 111. Soil biology, fertility, chemistry, physical properties, taxonomy and their applications to agricultural management and environmental enhancement. Relationships of soils to the world food supply and population. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (007776)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
ABUS 231	Computer Applications in Agriculture	3.0	FS
Survey of microcomputer applications for agribusiness management, emphasizing personnel productivity software, including database manager, advanced spreadsheet, and electronic communication software. 3 hours lecture. (000025)
ABUS 261	Farm Accounting	3.0	FS
Introduction to the principles of farm accounting, farm business record keeping, agribusiness management, financial analysis, and enterprise budgeting. 2 hours lecture, 1 hour discussion. (000020)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
ANSC 120	Livestock Skills	3.0	S2
An introduction to selection, nutrition, health, and management of beef, sheep, swine, and dairy for livestock youth programs, including ethical practices associated with livestock exhibition. This class is designed primarily for students pursuing a career in agricultural education. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (000446)
ANSC 230	Animal Feeds and Nutrition	3.0	FS
An introduction to the nutrition of domestic and wild animals with emphasis on appropriate nutrition for various activities. A survey of the integration of feed production and animal production systems. Computer formulation and analysis of diets to achieve desired performance levels of animals. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (000434)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
CHEM 107	General Chemistry for Applied Sciences	4.0	FS	GE
Prerequisites: GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Ready, Intermediate Algebra. A survey of the principles of chemistry, primarily for students in agriculture, industry and technology, and pre-nursing. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001826)
CHEM 111	General Chemistry I	4.0	FS	GE
Prerequisites: GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Ready; second-year high school algebra; one year high school chemistry. (One year of high school physics and one year of high school mathematics past Algebra II are recommended.) Principles of chemistry for students in science and engineering programs. Topics include atoms, molecules and ions, reactions, stoichiometry, the periodic table, bonding, chemical energy, gases, and solution chemistry. The laboratory sequence supports the above topics including both qualitative and quantitative experiments, analysis of data, and error propagation. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001816)

6 units selected from:

Any combination of lower division courses in Agriculture (AGRI), Agricultural Engineering Technology (AGET), Animal Science (ANSC), Plant Science (PSSC), and Agricultural Business (ABUS). Choose courses in consultation with your advisor.

Upper-Division Core: 15 units

2 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
AGRI 305	Agricultural Genetics	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: ANSC 101 or PSSC 101; CHEM 107 or CHEM 111. Mendelian inheritance, gene structure and action, sex-related inheritance, linkage and mapping, aneuploidy, polyploidy, population and quantitative inheritance, inbreeding and heterosis. 3 hours lecture. (000211)
AGRI 482W	Agricultural Issues (W)	3.0	FS	GW W
Prerequisites: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, senior standing or instructor permission. An examination of major issues confronting agriculture emphasizing critical thinking, research, and balancing complex, and often opposing views of the role of agriculture in society. The course uses group work and presentations to enhance written and oral communication skills. This is the capstone course for AGRI, ANSC, and ABUS majors. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (000229)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
AGRI 331	Agricultural Ecology	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Completion of lower-division core or faculty permission. An interdisciplinary treatment of physical and biological environments used for agriculture. Historical and ecological nature of agriculture its impact on the landscape and society. Comparison of sustainable and non-sustainable agricultural practices. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (000206)
PSSC 363	Forage Crops	3.0	INQ
Prerequisites: PSSC 101 or PSSC 330. Grasses and legumes; their production and management for irrigated pastures, hay, silage, and seed. Plant characteristics and adaptation. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (007812)

6 units selected from:

Any combination of upper division courses in Agriculture (AGRI), Agricultural Engineering Technology (AGET), Animal Science (ANSC), Plant Science (PSSC), and Agricultural Business (ABUS). Choose courses in consultation with your advisor.

Major Option Course Requirements: 31-35 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required dependent upon the option chosen. Students must select one of the following options for completion of the major course requirements. Use the links below to jump to your chosen option.

The Option in Agricultural Science and Education
The Option in Agricultural Communication and Leadership

The Option in Agricultural Science and Education: 35 units

This option prepares students for careers in the broad field of agriculture or for careers in teaching at the secondary level. The option prepares students for diverse careers in agricultural production where the integration of animal, plant, and agri-business knowledge and skills is required.

Teaching Credentials for Agriculture

There are two credentials available for students who wish to pursue a career as an agricultural education teacher in California: the Single Subject Teaching Credential and the Agriculture Specialist Instruction Credential. The Single Subject Teaching Credential in Agriculture authorizes the holder to teach in the classroom. Candidates who fulfill the requirements for the Agriculture Specialist Instruction Credential are prepared to teach in out-of-classroom settings such as serving as an FFA advisor and Supervised Agricultural Experience Program supervisor.

The Single Subject Teaching Credential in Agriculture includes two components; a Subject Matter Preparation program and a Professional Education program. Students can complete the Subject Matter Preparation program by completing the Option in Agricultural Science and Education. Students completing another option or major in agriculture should consult the agricultural credential advisor to identify additional course requirements. Candidates may also demonstrate subject matter competence by successfully passing the appropriate California Subject examinations for Teachers (CSET). The subject matter preparation advisor is responsible for verifying that subject matter preparation has been completed.

The Professional Preparation component of the Single Subject Teaching Credential includes professional education courses and a student teaching experience. This portion of the credential program is administered by the School of Education. For prerequisites and other admission requirements for professional education programs, see the "Education" chapter of this catalog and the Focus on Teaching.

All credential candidates recommended by CSU, Chico are authorized to teach all students, including English language learners, in the regular classroom. You may also want to qualify for the Bilingual Authorization emphasis if you meet the prerequisites in Spanish, Hmong or Punjabi.

The requirements for the Agriculture Specialist Instruction Credential include a series of agricultural education courses (listed below), occupational experience, and a student teaching experience. Student teaching is combined with the student teaching experience required for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in Agriculture.

If you are interested in obtaining your credentials, confer with the appropriate credential advisor(s) early in your university career. Credential advisors can assist you in planning an educational program that will prepare you for both the BS in Agricultural Science and the teaching credential requirements. Students pursuing this career objective should also complete the single subject program prerequisite courses and pass the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST).

Course Requirements

10 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
AGED 201	Introduction to Agricultural Education	3.0	FA
Objectives, nature, and scope of teaching vocational agriculture. Types of programs and career opportunities in vocational education. 3 hours lecture. (000203)
AGED 210	Directed Field Experience Agricultural Education	2.0	FA
An individualized class in gaining teaching experience through observation and critique of high school students and teachers in the classroom, at FFA events, and in supervised occupational experiences. 2 hours lecture. (000204)
AGED 321	Program Development in Agriculture Education	2.0	SP
Up-to-date approaches in integrated program development based on occupational opportunities and community needs. Philosophy, organization, and administration of agricultural education programs. Development of curriculum, supervised occupational experience, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and summer programs. 1 hour seminar, 2 hours activity. (000220)
AGED 420	Techniques in Vocational Agricultural Instruction	2.0	SP
Prerequisites: AGED 201 or faculty permission. Preparation for student teaching in agriculture. Orientation to classroom situations. Development of plans for teaching, including daily lessons and unit plans, utilization of source information, and resources. Class demonstration in teaching procedures, analysis, and evaluation. 1 hour seminar, 2 hours activity. (000208)
AGED 421	Curriculum and Methods in Teaching Agricultural Mechanics	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: AGET 120, AGET 150 or equivalent. Curriculum development and methods of teaching and motivating students in agricultural mechanics. 2 hours seminar, 3 hours laboratory. (000230)
EDTE 302	Access and Equity in Education	3.0	FS
Prospective teachers examine socio-political issues of education relative to current demographics of California schools, integration of multicultural education, and promotion of social justice. Candidates identify, analyze, and minimize personal and institutional bias and explore the complexities of living and teaching in a pluralistic, multicultural society. Candidates identify barriers English Learners experience in becoming full participants in the school program and strategies for assisting students in overcoming these barriers. 3 hours lecture. (002977)
EDTE 451	Health Education for Secondary School Teachers	3.0	FS
Addresses major health issues affecting the adolescent, including, but not limited to, health promotion and disease prevention, nutrition, substance use and abuse, and sexuality. Fulfills the state health education requirement for a preliminary teaching credential. 3 hours discussion. (004394)
EDTE 530	Fundamentals of Teaching Practice for Secondary Teachers	3.0	FS
Teaching is an intellectual challenge that involves planning, facilitating, and reflecting on the process of student learning. Teacher candidates develop strategies necessary to create safe and structured learning environments and explore relationships among curriculum, instruction, assessment, and classroom climate to meet the needs of a diverse student population within a democratic society. This is a Single Subject Program course and is not applicable to a master's degree. 3 hours seminar. ABC/no credit grading. (002935)
EDTE 534	Teaching Special Populations	2.0	FS
This course focuses on legal mandates and practical instructional strategies for general education instructors working with the exceptional student. Content includes the general education teachers' obligations under IDEA and ADA, the nature and range of exceptional students, models within schools for supporting special populations and selection of appropriate instructional materials and teaching strategies. The course addresses teachers' attitudes toward inclusion and emphasizes the development of a positive climate of instruction for all special populations in the general classroom. This is a Single Subject Program course and is not applicable to a master's degree. 2 hours lecture. ABC/no credit grading. (002938)
ENGL 471	Intensive Theory and Practice of Second Language Acquisition	3.0	FS
An intensive introduction to the theory and practice of second language acquisition and teaching. 3 hours lecture. (020485)

9 units selected from:

Any combination of upper division courses in AGET, AGRI, ANSC, PSSC or ABUS. Choose courses in consultation with your advisor to meet the subject matter competency requirements.

Students are strongly encouraged to gain practical skills and knowledge through an approved internship or directed work experience in areas where additional experience is needed to become a successful agricultural teacher. With the approval of your advisor, single subject credential program pre-requisite courses may be used as electives in this option. Students pursuing this career objective should also see the School of Education Credential Advisor to learn about additional credential program prerequisite requirements.

The Option in Agricultural Communication and Leadership: 31 units

8 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
AGRI 380A	Agricultural Leadership	3.0	FA
An investigation of leadership from an individual perspective. Study of introduction to the principles and practices of positive interpersonal relationships for leadership development in the Agricultural Industry. 3 hours seminar. (000216)
AGRI 380B	Leadership in the Workplace	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: AGRI 380A or permission of the instructor. An exploration of real world leadership. Development of leadership and interpersonal skills valued in the Agricultural sector. Tropics include job search skills, professional resumes, cover letters, and interviewing as well as the skills needed in the workplace. 3 hours seminar. (000217)
CMST 133	Speech and Debate Practicum	1.0	FS
Using speeches developed for other communication classes, students will compete in a speech tournament held on a weekend designated at the beginning of each semester. Students will practice public speaking, argumentation and debate skills and will receive written feedback from a minimum of two different critics. This course is for students without any previous competitive public speaking experience. 1 hour lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 2.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002209)
CMST 235	Intercultural Communication Theories and Practice	3.0	FS	GE USD
Focus is on the problems of communication between cultural groupings inside and outside of the U.S. Various historical and political contexts in which intercultural communication occurs are examined. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (021193)
JOUR 255	Digital Literacy and Media Technology	3.0	FS	GE
Tightly focused on the evolution of digital information technologies, particularly with regard to legacy and digital media, and the rapid-fire communication technology changes that have impacted virtually every aspect of American life. Information technology is explored from historical, cultural and critical perspectives, with particular emphasis on how technology has changed what it means to be part of a community and to engage in civil discourse as a democracy. The course also delves into the domestic and global digital divides and their significance for division and opportunities for connection. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (020555)
JOUR 260W	Writing for Mass Media (W)	3.0	FS	W
Prerequisite: ENGL 130W or JOUR 130W. Techniques of information gathering and writing for various audiences in the mass media. Required course for the Options in News-Editorial and Public Relations. Students must earn a grade of C or higher to advance to subsequent writing courses in the Department of Journalism. Students who do not receive at least a C may repeat the course. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Writing Course. (004838)
JOUR 265	Survey of PR and Media Relations	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing; JOUR 260W (may be taken concurrently) for Journalism majors. A survey of public relations: problems and issues, organization and operations, skills and techniques, careers and opportunities. 3 hours lecture. (001995)
JOUR 341W	Writing for Public Relations (W)	3.0	FS	GW W
Prerequisites: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, JOUR 260W, JOUR 265. Principles and practices of writing styles for public relations. Emphasis will be on writing tailored to an organization's communication needs. Required for majors. Journalism majors in the public relations option who earn below a C- in JOUR 341 are required to repeat the course and are expected to earn a C- or higher to receive writing proficiency credit. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (004844)

9 units selected from:

Any combination of upper division courses in CMST or JOUR. Choose courses in consultation with your advisor.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.

Honors in the Major:

Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires 6 units of honors course work completed over two semesters.

The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.

Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:

You must take 6 units of Honors in the Major course work. All 6 units are honors classes (marked by a suffix of H), and at least 3 of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each class with a minimum grade of B.
You must have completed 9 units of upper-division course work or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the 6 units of course work over the two semesters of their senior year.
Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.

While Honors in the Major is part of the Honors Program, each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.