Michigan State University
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Contact Information
Dr. Thomas O. Green
Outreach Coordinator
Academic Advising and Resource Center
David C. Briegel Building
tgreen10@swmich.edu
269-782-1291
Michigan State University at SMC
Earn a Michigan State University certificate right here at SMC!
SMC has partnered with Michigan State University’s Institute of Agricultural Technology to bring MSU’s world-renown agricultural education to southwest Michigan.
In these programs, you’ll take both SMC and MSU classes to earn an MSU certificate while also working toward an associate degree. SMC classes (31 credits worth) are recognized by MSU for the completion of the certificate, thus significantly lowering the overall cost of the program.
Most courses in these practical, hands-on programs are taught on-site by MSU faculty and highly qualified industry leaders using campus resources including MSU labs, greenhouses, and farms. Other courses are taught by SMC faculty or are offered online. An industry-related professional internship is required, giving you the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom and build connections with employers.
About the Degrees and Certificates
Get an MSU certificate and an SMC agricultural degree. SMC degrees transfer completely to Michigan State University and may also transfer to other Michigan universities.
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MSU CERTIFICATE
Agricultural Operations
The Agricultural Operations program allows you to customize your educational program to fit your personal career goals. This program has two main areas of study—agronomy and agribusiness. The combination of technical and agribusiness skills prepares graduates for a variety of related career fields.
Academics
You will take courses in plant pathology, soil and crop science, entomology, irrigation, and water resource protection. You may also take courses in crop scouting, agriculture regulations and compliance, and using GPS and GIS technology in the field.
Job Opportunities
Employment in agriculture is expected to grow 14-20% in the next five years. Southwest Michigan’s diversity lends itself especially well to employment and career growth for students who have training and educational preparation.
Graduates work as field crop scouts, consultants, and technicians.
A number of scholarships are available for returning agricultural operations students through MSU's Department of Plant, Science and Microbial Sciences. Browse possible scholarships online.
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SMC ASSOCIATE DEGREES
Agricultural Technology
The agricultural technology 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.
Learn more about the agricultural technology degree here.
Agricultural Business
The agricultural 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. Learn more about the agricultural business degree here.
Learn More
To learn more about the Michigan State University/Southwestern Michigan College partnership or for more information about any of the certificates, visit the MSU’s Institute of Agricultural Technology website.
Get Ahead
Michigan high school students who have completed the state-approved Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education Program in their schools and have received the State FFA degree may receive six MSU college credits toward the completion of a MSU certificate. More information can be found on MSU's website.
MSU Student Benefits
Students are considered MSU students and have full access to academic support services, health services, and library services.
SMC ag students who complete the MSU certificate receive preferential admittance to SMC.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
The MSU/SMC partnership makes earning a MSU certificate more affordable, as students are able to take SMC courses—and pay SMC's low tuition rate—for a portion of the program. MSU courses are charged at MSU’s tuition rate.
Scholarships and financial aid are also available.
SCHOLARSHIPS
- SMC awards ten $2,500 scholarships each year to students who have been involved in FFA or an agricultural program through the Edward A. Guse Agricultural Scholarship.
- The George Wuszke Memorial Agricultural Scholarship awards $1,000 to two qualified students in an MSU IAT program at SMC.
- MSU offers scholarships for Fruit and Vegetable Crop Management certificate students.
- MSU also offers scholarships for Agricultural Operations certificate students.
Take the Next Steps
You must apply to both SMC and to MSU’s Institute of Agricultural Technology.
Click here for information on applying to SMC.
Click here for information on applying to MSU.
Want to learn more? Contact Dr. Thomas O. Green, at greenth7@msu.edu.