Academic Programs Catalog

The Agricultural Industries program is designed to provide students  in gaining in-depth agricultural industry and business knowledge to apply to their own operation or  to launch a career in the industry.  Students have the flexibility to focus on agronomy, horticulture, animal science or agricultural business through integration of hands-on laboratory learning and classroom formats. Students who are interested may be eligible to transfer into a four-year degree program at MSU upon completion of the certificate.

Requirements for Agricultural Industries

The Agricultural Operations program provides students with a solid background in plant and soil science, precision agriculture, water management, entomology, plant pathology and business management. It exposes students to exciting opportunities available in the industry.

Requirements for Agricultural Operations

Students must complete 60 credits from the following:

Because dairy farming is among the leading agricultural enterprises in Michigan, the dairy program has been developed to meet the specialized needs of the herd manager and commercial dairy farmer. Opportunities abound for persons with the combination of classroom training in the areas of dairy husbandry, nutrition, artificial insemination, crops, and farm management and the practical experience that may be obtained on any of the many cooperating dairy farms in Michigan and the surrounding states.

Programs of study tailored to meet the individual’s wants and needs are designed around the subject matter areas of agricultural economics, communications, crop and soil sciences, and agricultural mechanics. Additionally, students learn about the continuing changes in rural living, which have a great influence on agriculture.

Requirements for Dairy Management

The student must complete 48 credits from the following:

The Electrical Technology certificate is an electrical apprenticeship training program with an emphasis on residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial wiring. Students study electrical codes, fundamentals, installations, motor controls, and solid state electronic applications. Throughout the program, students receive training in energy efficiency and alternate power systems. The certificate provides advanced technical training important for a successful career in the electrical field.

Integrated in the 15-month program are a wide range of disciplines through hands-on classroom and laboratory learning, and on-the-job training. The 4,000 square feet laboratory is equipped with electrical systems found in agricultural, commercial, and industrial facilities as well as systems that serve residential homes. The laboratory also has programmable logic controls, variable frequency drives, and standard AC and DC motors used in the field. The skills learned are used to become a licensed journey electrician through the State of Michigan, which is recognized by the State Electrical Administrative Board. Students who are interested may transfer into a four-year degree program at MSU upon completion of the certificate.

Requirements for Electrical Technology

The Food Processing, Technology and Safety program prepares graduates for a wide range of employment and career choices. Each student receives personal, one-on-one help in selecting her/his program of study (including workplace internship).

Requirements for Food Processing, Technology and Safety

Students must complete 60 credits from the following:

The Forest Technology program prepares graduates for a wide range of employment and career choices. Each student receives personal, one-on-one help in selecting their program of study, including a workplace internship. Students will collect and manage forestry-related data, plan and perform forest management activities, prepare timber for harvest and administer timber sales. They also support fire management activities and coordinate forestry workforce.

Requirements for Forest Technology

Students must complete 63 credits from the following:

The Fruit and Vegetable Crop Management program provides students an opportunity to apply practical knowledge and training on the selection, use, and management of fruit and vegetable crops. The program combines classroom instruction and theory with practical experience gained through field laboratories and a professional internship. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in the fruit and vegetable industry.

Requirements for Fruit and Vegetable Crop Management

Students must complete 48 credits from the following:

Horticulture is a complex and diversified, yet fully integrated discipline that encompasses the biological, molecular, physical, management and marketing sciences and the arts to improve the production of nutritious, high-quality and safe food, advance the development and use of new specialty crops, enhance human health and well-being, and positively impact the natural and built environments.

The Fruit, Vegetable, and Organic Horticulture Management program provides students an opportunity to gain the necessary skills for a successful career in the multibillion dollar fruit and vegetable industries. The program combines classroom instruction and theory with practical experience gained through field laboratories and a professional internship. Graduates of the program work as owners, managers, buyers, or salespersons in a wide variety of horticultural food crop industries: fruit and vegetable plant production; farmers’ markets; organic farms and community-supported agriculture programs; urban gardening; irrigation design, installation, and management; public and/or private botanical gardens; and more.

Students will have opportunities to be extensively involved in professional and social activities beyond the classroom including: working in research laboratories; assisting in field-based projects, assisting with food crop production; running the Student Horticulture Association's annual spring show and plant sale; and becoming involved with the Student Organic Farm.

The Fruit, Vegetable, and Organic Horticulture Management program is offered by the Institute of Agricultural Technology in cooperation with the Department of Horticulture.

Requirements for Fruit, Vegetable, and Organic Horticulture Management

Students must complete 48 credits from the following:

Horticulture is a complex and diversified, yet fully integrated discipline that encompasses the biological, molecular, physical, management and marketing sciences and the arts to improve the production of nutritious, high-quality and safe food, advances the development and use of new specialty crops, enhances human health and well-being, and positively impacts the natural and built environments.

The Landscape and Nursery Management program at Michigan State University provides students an opportunity to gain the necessary skills for a successful career in the multibillion dollar green industry. The program combines classroom instruction and theory with practical experience gained through field laboratories and a professional internship. Graduates of the program work as owners, managers, buyers, or salespersons in a wide variety of horticultural industries: landscape design, construction, and management; irrigation design, installation, and management; retail garden center management; herbaceous and woody plant production; urban tree management; and public and/or private botanical gardens.

Students are extensively involved in activities beyond the classroom such as working in research laboratories; assisting in field-based projects, landscape, greenhouse, garden, and nursery operations; running the Student Horticulture Association's annual spring show and plant sale; and participating in academic and field events associated with the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).

The Landscape and Nursery Management program is offered by the Department of Horticulture in cooperation with the Institute of Agricultural Technology.

Requirements for Landscape and Nursery Management

The Landscape Management program provides training for students to select, use, and manage landscape plants and lawns. Students obtain a working knowledge of plant growth, development, and identification which prepares them for careers in the green industry.

Requirements for Landscape Management

Students must complete 48 credits from the following:

The Livestock Industries certificate program is designed to give students a professional advantage in the livestock production career field of their choice. Students are exposed to a broad spectrum of applied course work and hands-on education at the university’s facilities and an extensive industry internship. Students engage with leading professors, researchers, and future professional colleagues in a manner that is directly applicable to a functioning livestock operation and also develop communication skills while bridging the gap between theory and practical best management practices.

Requirements for Livestock Industries

Students must complete 48 credits from the following:

A rapidly expanding turfgrass industry offers many challenging job opportunities for trained personnel.  The growing demand for recreational areas and rededication to the maintenance of beauty in America has created a shortage of turfgrass specialists.

Golf Course Emphasis

The golf course emphasis provides the fundamentals of turfgrass technology necessary primarily for the supervision and management of golf courses.  Attractive starting salaries and many job opportunities are available with excellent potential for advancement.  Previous work experience on a golf course maintenance crew is expected.

Requirements for the Golf Course Emphais

Sports and Commercial Turf Management Emphasis

The sports and commercial turf management emphasis is designed for persons interested in careers in these areas.  These are rapidly growing areas of turfgrass management and offer rewarding job opportunities.

Requirements for the Sports and Commercial Turf Management Emphasis

Program offerings in both emphasis areas are integrated with other areas in turfgrass and landscape and nursery.  Courses  include technical, communication, mathematics, and business content.  Placement training opportunities are offered at many leading industrial businesses.

The Urban Forest Management program prepares graduates for a wide range of employment and career choices. Each student receives personal, one-on-one help in selecting their program of study, including a workplace internship. Students will collect and analyze urban and community forestry data, coordinate planning activities, manage field operations, provide technical expertise and lead staff. Students also implement bidding and contracting processes and develop and maintain stakeholder relationships.

Requirements for Urban Forest Management

Students must complete 60 to 61 credits from the following:

The Viticulture certificate is delivered in partnership between Northwestern Michigan College, the Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance (VESTA), and the Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology.  The combination of online viticulture courses delivered by experts from throughout the United States, hands-on experience at local vineyards, fresh markets, juice processors, packing plants and wineries and fundamental plant science courses provide graduates with the specific expertise and skills needed for careers in the rapidly expanding grape industry – supplying grapes for table, juice and wine making.

Requirements for Viticulture