WWCC is now offering a Bachelor of Applied Science in Agricultural Systems. A Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree expands on the knowledge gained in a two-year applied associate degree program by using higher order thinking skills gained in upper division coursework to prepare the student for today’s demanding workforce. This unique degree offers hands-on career training. Employers actively seek graduates of BAS programs because they have gained the necessary knowledge and applicable skills to immediately enter the workforce with minimal to no additional training.

Agricultural systems science is an interdisciplinary science, which systematically analyzes the interactions between the natural, human, climatic, political and economic components of the agroecosystem. The Agricultural Systems degree at WWCC provides successful students with a broad and complete understanding of these complex interactions. Students will learn to adjust current pathways as well as identify new pathways to minimize the many potential negative effects on environmental, societal and human health. In addition to classes in foundational agricultural knowledge, like that of basic soil, plant and animal science, students will be engaged in topics such as agroecology, policy, technology and sustainability to develop their critical thinking skills. This perspective is essential for meeting the increasing demands placed on today’s agricultural systems. The Agricultural Systems degree prepares students to make an active contribution to the agricultural industry through hands-on exposure to diverse experiences and perspectives grounded in applied science and reality. Students who achieve a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Agricultural Systems may also continue their education and enroll in graduate programs.

Entry Requirements

Applicants for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Agricultural Systems must have:

  • Achieved at least an associate-level degree
  • Completed the following courses prior to acceptance in the program:
    • ENGL& 101 – English Composition I
    • AGSC 201 – Basic Soil Science
    • At least one of the following plant science courses:
      • AGSC 113 – Cultivated Plants
      • AGSC 114 – Plant Physiology
      • BIOL& 213 – Plant Biology
    • At least one of the following economics courses:
      • AGBS 201/ECON& 201 – Microeconomics
      • AGBS 221 – Introduction to Food and Agricultural Markets
      • AGBS 222/POLS 222 – Agricultural and Water Policy

Note: Substitutions may apply for applicants with degrees from other colleges. Contact the Baccalaureate Navigator for assistance or questions regarding the entrance requirements.

General Education Requirements

General Education Requirements

50 Credits

Communications 15 Credits
ENGL& 101English Composition I5
ENGL& 235Technical Writing5
CMST 201 or CMST& 210Intercultural Communications or Interpersonal Communications5
CMST& 220Public Speaking5
Quantitative Skills 5 Credits
MATH& 146Introduction to Statistics5
Humanities 10 Credits
PHIL 131Introduction to Ethics5
PHIL 330Professional Ethics5
Social Science 10 Credits
AGBS 201 or ECON& 201Microeconomics in Agriculture or Microeconomics5
AGBS 222/POLS 222Agricultural and Water Policy 5
Natural Science 10 Credits
AGSC 201Basic Soil Science5
AGSC 130Fundamental Agroecology 5

Lower Division Major Course Requirements

Lower Division Major Course Requirements

76 Credits

AGSC 105Weed Biology and Identification5
AGSC 1131Cultivated Plants5
AGSC 1202Agricultural Chemistry5
AGSC 140Agriculture Safety and Pesticides5
AGSC 202Soil Fertility and Management5
AGSC 2153Field Crop Production5
ANSC 224Pasture and Range Management5
AGSC 230 or ANSC 115Plant Diseases and Insects or Animal Health and Disease5
AGBS 221Introduction to Food and Agricultural Markets5
GIS 150Introduction to GIS3
GIS 151Advanced GIS 3
GIS 152Practical Agricultural Applications of GIS 3
IRR 112Irrigation Principles 5
IRR 220Drip Irrigation2
Agricultural Systems Elective415

1AGSC 114 or BIOL& 213 can be substituted for AGSC 113.
2A college-level chemistry course can be substituted for AGSC 120, upon approval by the BAS Instructor.
3AGBS 103 can be substituted for AGSC 215.
4Students will work with the Baccalaureate Navigator to select an approved Agricultural Systems elective.

Upper Division Major Course Requirements

Upper Division Major Course Requirements

62 Credits

BUS 300 or BUS 310Foundations of Management or Foundations of Leadership5
BUS XXXUpper Division Business Elective5
PHIL 330Professional Ethics5
AGSY 310Principles of Sustainability5
AGSY 330Soil Ecology and Biogeochemistry5
AGSY 340Integrated Pest Management5
AGSY 360Agricultural Management Systems5
AGSY 420The Political Ecology of Agriculture and Natural Resources5
AGSY 440Advanced Cropping Systems I5
AGSY 450Advanced Cropping Systems II5
AGSY 470Food Systems Science5
AGSY 494Capstone Project Design6
AGSY 495 Agricultural Systems Capstone 1
 Total Credits 183

Note: Students may begin upper division coursework in the fall or winter quarter. Part-time options are available. Please contact the Baccalaureate Navigator for details.