Overview

The future of agriculture depends on the next generation of professionals who are interested in learning about agroecology, animal science, policy, plants, technology, soil and sustainability. Students must first complete an associate-level degree before applying to the BAS program.

The most direct pathway is to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in one of the following pathways:

• Agri-Business
• Animal Science
• Enology & Viticulture
• Irrigation Business Management
• Plant & Soil Science
• Turf Management

The BAS in Agricultural Systems 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.

Career Opportunities

• Agronomist
• Agricultural/Research Technician
• Agriculture Extension Agent
• Crop Advisor/Consultant
• Ecologist
• Farmer/Owner/Operator
• International Development Officer
• Livestock Manager
• Loan Officer
• Natural Resource Conservation Specialist
• Nursery and Greenhouse Manager
• Precision Agriculture Specialist
• Production Supervisor
• Sales Manager

Degree Options

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Agricultural Systems
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Agricultural Systems with a Concentration in Ag Business

Program Outcomes

Students in the Agricultural Systems degree at Walla Walla Community College will:

• Develop critical thinking skills
• Analyze the interactions between the natural, human, climatic, political and economic components of the agroecosystem
• Adjust or identify pathways to minimize the many potential negative effects on environmental, societal and human health
• Contribute to the agricultural industry through hands-on exposure to diverse experiences and perspectives grounded in applied science and reality

Entrance 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
  • AGSC114 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.

Applicants for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Agricultural Systems with a concentration in Ag Business 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
  • ACCT& 201 – Principles of Accounting I (or AGRI 102 – Farm Records and Analysis)
• 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.

Scholarships Available

Many scholarships are available for agricultural systems students through the Walla Walla Community College Foundation office. Please contact the Foundation at (509) 527-4275 or [email protected] with questions. The Agriculture and Natural Resource Center of Excellence has a scholarship site for students: https://agcenterofexcellence.com/washington-scholarships/. Other scholarships may be available as well; check with the BAS Navigator for details.

Other Information

For additional information including regional employment data, completion rates, student characteristics, and employment see http://www.careerbridge.wa.gov.

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