Agricultural Technology

Get Michigan State University’s world-renown agricultural education right here at SMC!

A unique partnership with Michigan State University allows you to earn a MSU certificate while also working toward an associate degree. 

• About the Agricultural Technology Degree

  Agriculture plays an invaluable role in how the world functions because it fills our most basic needs: food, shelter, clothing, and environmental beauty. The agricultural technology program will prepare you to join the force of people working to keep the world fed and healthy. 

  Whether you aspire to help farms make their practices more efficient, analyze soil health to improve yield, or feed the community in a local garden, the agricultural technology degree will equip you with the agricultural expertise to pursue your goals with confidence.  

  While taking both SMC and MSU classes, you will explore plant biology and crops science, identify insect pests and diseases in crops, prune fruits and vegetables for maximum health and production, use GPS and GIS technology in the field, and more. 

  You’ll graduate with both a certificate from Michigan State University in agricultural operations and an associate degree in agricultural technology from Southwestern Michigan College. 

  With this degree, you’ll be prepared to enter the workforce in agricultural production. It may also transfer to universities for a bachelor’s degree in related fields.

• What You’ll Learn

  View the full curriculum guide for the Associate in Applied Science in Agricultural Technology.

  Note: The courses listed in the curriculum guide reflect courses taken as part of SMC’s associate degree. This courses must be paired with MSU certificate courses.

• What Can I Do With an Agricultural Technology Degree?

  The agricultural technology degree prepares students to work on the production and technology sides of agriculture.

  As society increasingly recognizes the importance of agriculture, career opportunities in agriculture become more varied. Working in agriculture does not simply mean working on a farm. Agricultural professionals work in many different kinds of environments and are needed to analyze and optimize soil health; maximize crop yield; operate drones to detect crop diseases; sell seeds and equipment; provide loans, advice, insurance; and more.

  Career Options 

  • Field Crop Scouts
  • Consultants
  • Field or Lab Technicians
  • Greenhouse, Orchard or Vegetable Farm Supervisors
  • Assistant Growers
  • Sales Representatives
• Difference Between the Ag Tech and Ag Business Degrees

  SMC also offers a similar degree in agricultural business.

  The ag tech degree is for those who want to work more hands-on with plants or animals on a farm, in orchards or in a greenhouse setting.

  The ag business degree is for those who want to work on the business side of agriculture or farming, such as running a small farm, ag-related sales, ag insurance, or ag loans.