Agriculture Minor
The minor in Agriculture at the University of Providence provides students with an understanding of key concepts, practices, and issues in agriculture. Through a combination of coursework, experiential learning opportunities, and interdisciplinary exploration, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to address the challenges and opportunities facing the agricultural industry. Upon completion of the minor in Agriculture, students will have developed a strong foundation in agricultural science, business management, and practices and key agricultural practices. Graduates are prepared for careers in farming, agribusiness, rural development, environmental conservation, research, policymaking, and related fields.
Agriculture Minor Program Outcomes
- Agriculture in Human Experience courses provide an understanding of various agricultural systems, especially historical and contemporary practices. Among other things, these courses will examine how agriculture (e.g., food production, environmental practices) benefit the common good of individuals and communities, how diverse cultures rely on agriculture, and how disciplines from English to Sociology influence the way human existence is intertwined with agriculture. These courses will also engage with ethical issues related to agriculture enabling students to navigate complex ethical dilemmas, and understand how, when appropriate, the Catholic Intellectual Tradition helps addresses questions regarding agriculture and care for creation.
- Agriculture in Sciences courses introduce students to scientific principles related to agricultural practices such as harvest techniques, soil science, plant physiology, animal biology, and genetics that relate to agriculture production, animal welfare and management, and strategies for developing sustainable practices. They explore, among other things, sustainable agriculture practices, resource conservation techniques along with environmental impact assessment methods to promote ecological balance and long-term viability in agricultural operations.
- Agriculture in Business courses introduce students to the relationship of business practices with agricultural markets. These courses help students cultivate skills in budgeting, financial planning, and management specific to agriculture. In addition, students explore the relationship between agriculture and economics, organizational behavior, supply chain management, and the relationship between agribusiness, marketing, and ethical considerations in the promotion of agriculture. Finally, these courses will introduce students to career related jobs in agriculture and business including crop insurance, government policies, and the diversity among business practices globally relative to agriculture production.
- Agriculture in the Professions courses introduce students to the interaction between agriculture and professional education. Drawing on education, healthcare and other professional areas, students learn effective communication skills to engage diverse audiences, problem-solving skills to analyze and evaluate situations that require understanding professional dynamics as they relate to agriculture professions. Among other things, students begin to understand the frameworks where agriculture is applied where professional readiness is required.
- Agriculture in Practice courses introduce students to hand-on practical experience in agriculture. Through internships, on-site training, apprenticeships and other practical situation, students engage community stakeholders to understand their needs and how these are best addressed by agriculture. Students will have a goal understanding the importance of outreach strategies to promote agriculture awareness locally and beyond.
Agriculture Studies Minor
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| AGR 100 | INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURE | 3 |
| AGR 110 | AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL SCIENCE | 3 |
| AGR 210 | AGRICULTURE AND BUSINESS | 3 |
| Elective Courses | 6 | |
| AGRICULTURE IN HUMAN EXPERIENCE | ||
| AGRICULTURE IN THE PROFESSIONS | ||
| Experiential Learning | 3 | |
| AGRICULTURE IN PRACTICE | ||
| Total Credits Required: | 18 | |