Agroecology, Associate of Applied Science
Agroecology integrates ecological, social, economic, and agricultural principles into research, education, and the practices of our food system and land management. This two-year program provides a broad understanding of the various aspects of ecology and agriculture, with the health and well-being of local populations and the workforce. Courses may include topics that discuss soil nutrient and building, orchard maintenance, vegetable production, native plant propagation, agroforestry, and mushroom cultivation. In addition to the agriculture core courses, there are pathways for business courses to give students the business framework to make their ideas into a successful and sustainable business. Students will have hands-on internship experiences to develop and use the skills that are essential to be a successful vegetable farmer, nursery manager, landscaper, watershed technician, or an entrepreneur.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 90 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the degree is awarded.
Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Apply scientific concepts and practices within the disciplines of ecology, soil science, and plant biology to methods of sustainable farming and ecological land management.
- Employ agroecology principles to support ecosystems and communities.
- Understand the role of the existing biodiversity and design systems to support and enhance and improve conditions.
- Examine principles and examples of successful and viable farms or business and marketing plans.
- Review history, ethics, and trends in agriculture systems.
- Develop hands-on ecological food production and land management skills and assess techniques through field-based instruction and internships.
- Communicate effectively with others, both verbally and in writing.
Math and writing placement are unique to each student and are determined during the admissions and intake advising process. Additional math or writing courses may be required prior to taking the math or writing program requirements in this degree.
| Prerequisites | ||
|---|---|---|
| Completion of MTH20 or placement into MTH82 | ||
| Completion of WR90R or placement into WR115 | ||
| Credits | 0 | |
| First Year | ||
| Fall | Credits | |
| AG101 | Introduction To Agroecology | 5 |
| ENV235 | Introduction to Soil Science | 4 |
| Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Elective 1 | 2 | |
| Elective 1 | 1 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Winter | ||
| BI140 | Practical Ecology | 3 |
| COMM111Z | Public Speaking 2 | 4 |
| WR115 | Fundamentals of Report Writing 3 | 4 |
| Elective 1 | 5 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| AG102 | Agroecology II | 5 |
| AG150 | Applied Plant Biology | 3 |
| AG180 | Agroecology Internship 5 | 3 |
| BA285 | Human Relations in Organizations 4 | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| AG201 | Horticulture Science | 4 |
| BA150 | Introduction to Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| MTH82 | Business Mathematics 7 | 4 |
| Elective 1 | 2 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Winter | ||
| AG202 | Integrated Pest Management | 4 |
| ANTH202 | Introduction to Archaeology 8 | 3 |
| NR210 | Restoration And Fire Ecology | 3 |
| Elective 1 | 2 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| AG203 | Plant Ecology Of The Pacific Northwest | 4 |
| AG277 | Agroecology Capstone | 2 |
| AG280 | Cooperative Work Experience- Agroecology 5 | 4 |
| Elective 1 | 2 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Summer | ||
| AG103 | Agroecology III | 5 |
| PE231 | Wellness for Life 6 | 3 |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 90 | |
- 1
Electives to reach 90 credits must be Lower Division Courses above 100-level. Recommended Electives: Any AG, ENV, NR, GS, G or F class or (FS131, CRT115, GEOG265, WLD100, SPAN101, CIS125S, or FN225) See an advisor for recommendations.
- 2
COMM100Z, 218Z, or 219 may be substituted for COMM 111Z.
- 3
May substitute for WR121Z.
- 4
BA101Z, BA120, BA285, PSY100, PSY201Z, PSY202Z, PSY203 will satisfy this requirement.
- 5
Internship: Call 541-888-7405 to schedule with Internship Coordinator one month prior to term.
- 6
PE231 or Three (3) credits of PE185 sport/activity courses will satisfy this requirement.
- 7
- 8