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Future Students

Associates of Science (AS) degree in Agriculture Track

A degree in Agriculture is ideal for students interested in applying science to real world problems

To apply:

Designed for traditional college students planning to transfer to a four-year university, the Associate of Science in Agricultural Sciences provides a strong academic foundation in agricultural theory, science, and industry principles. This transfer-focused degree prepares students to continue their education in advanced agricultural disciplines.

With an articulation agreement in place with East Texas A&M University Agriculture Program, students can seamlessly transition into a bachelor’s degree program. Graduates may choose to enter the workforce or pursue careers in agricultural education, agribusiness, animal science, plant science, and related fields.

Best for: Recent high school graduates or students planning to transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree.

 

Contact Professor Tayler Rice at ricet [at] grayson [dot] edu

Currently offered Agricultural Science courses

  • AGRI 1131 The Agricultural Industry
  • AGRI 1319 Introductory Animal Science
  • AGRI 1119 Introductory Animal Science Lab
  • AGRI 1315 Horticulture
  • AGRI 1115 Horticulture Lab
  • AGRI 1307 Agronomy
  • AGRI 1107 Agronomy Lab
  • AGRI 1325 Marketing of Agricultural Products
  • AGRI 1329 Principles of Food Science
  • AGRI 2317 Introduction to Agricultural Economics
  • AGRI 2330 Wildlife Conservation and Management

Workforce and Career Focused Pathway - AAS in Agribusiness Management

Designed for nontraditional students, working adults, and aspiring agricultural entrepreneurs, this pathway offers flexible, mostly online coursework combined with hands-on practicum and internship opportunities. Stackable credentials allow students to gain skills quickly, enter the workforce, choose a certification level that fits their needs.

To apply:

Occupational Skills Award (OSA): Small Scale Agriculture (16 Credit Hours)

The Small-Scale Agriculture Occupational Skills Award is a 16-credit-hour program designed to be completed in as little as one semester — or over two semesters for students balancing work and family responsibilities. No core classes are required.

This well-rounded program covers plants, animals, basic agribusiness principles, and the agricultural industry as a whole. It is ideal for beginning farmers and ranchers, individuals interested in starting a small agricultural enterprise, or those wanting to expand their knowledge of small-scale production systems.

Best for: Beginning farmers, homesteaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals wanting fast, practical agricultural training.

Level 1 Certificate: Agribusiness (Option 1) (30 Credit Hours)

The Level 1 Agribusiness Certificate builds upon foundational agricultural knowledge and focuses on how agribusinesses operate within the agricultural industry. Students gain practical skills that prepare them to work in farm and ranch supply stores, agricultural service providers, government agencies, and other agriculture-related businesses.

This certificate does not require core academic classes and can be completed as a stand-alone credential or as part of a stackable pathway toward higher certifications or a degree.

 

Best for: Students seeking employment in agricultural businesses or industry support roles.

Elective Focus Area

Students may customize their pathway through Agribusiness oriented electives including:

Agricultural Policies, Safety & Codes, Agricultural Records Management, Livestock Business Management, Computers in Agriculture, etc. Additional focus areas may be added in the future to meet evolving industry needs.

Students seeking employment in agricultural businesses or industry support roles.

Level 1 Certificate: Agricultural Entrepreneurship (Option 2) (30 Credit Hours)

The Agricultural Entrepreneurship Level 1 Certificate is designed for individuals who want to start, manage, or expand their own agricultural business. Coursework emphasizes business planning, financial management, marketing, and operational strategies specific to agricultural enterprises.

Like the Agribusiness Level 1 Certificate, this program does not require core classes and can serve as a stand-alone credential or be combined toward more advanced certifications.

Best for: Future farm and ranch owners, agribusiness startups, and independent producers.

Elective Focus Areas

Students may customize their pathway through elective focus areas, including:

  • Plant / Pest Management (includes preparation for Pesticide Applicator Certification)
  • Viticulture & Enology
  • Livestock Production
  • Equine Studies

Additional focus areas may be added in the future to meet evolving industry needs.

Level 2 Certificate: Agricultural Industry & Technologies (45 Credit Hours which includes some core)

The Agricultural Industry & Technologies Level 2 Certificate provides advanced training in emerging agricultural technologies and industry applications. This credential is available to students who complete either Level 1 certificate and wish to deepen their expertise.

Some core coursework is required at this level. Students gain specialized technical knowledge that enhances career advancement opportunities or prepares them to continue toward an associate degree.

Best for: Students seeking advanced industry knowledge and technical skill development.

Additional Courses:

The Agricultural Industry & Technologies Level 2 Certification will require additional courses in Agribusiness as well as computers in agriculture, elementary statistics, and core classes. 

Elective Focus Areas

Students may customize their pathway through elective focus areas, including:

  • Plant / Pest Management (includes preparation for Pesticide Applicator Certification)
  • Viticulture & Enology
  • Livestock Production
  • Equine Studies
  • Ag Business

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Agribusiness Management (60 Credit Hours which includes core classes)

The Associate of Applied Science in Agribusiness Management is designed for students seeking comprehensive preparation for leadership roles in agriculture and agribusiness. This degree includes all required core courses, advanced agricultural coursework, and electives tailored to career goals.

Coursework is primarily online, with built-in practicum and internship experiences to provide hands-on training in the student’s area of interest.

While this degree is workforce-focused, some credits may transfer to a four-year institution on a case-by-case basis.

Best for: Working adults, individuals interested in a career transition, and entrepreneurs seeking agricultural training.

Additional Courses:

The AAS degree pathway requires courses in addition to the level 2 certification including additional Agribusiness or Ag Focus electives & additional core classes including US Government, Composition, and a humanities course.

Elective Focus Areas

Students may customize their pathway through elective focus areas, including:

  • Plant / Pest Management (includes preparation for Pesticide Applicator Certification)
  • Viticulture & Enology
  • Livestock Production
  • Equine Studies
  • Ag Business

 

Agricultural Science Dual Credit

  • Discuss your interest and course options with your school counselor
  • Go to Dual Credit and submit an application and the appropriate paperwork
  • Contact Professor Rice with specific questions at  ricet [at] grayson [dot] edu

Current dual credit courses offered online or in hybrid format:

  • AGRI 1319 Introductory Animal Science (Lecture and Lab)
  • AGRI 2317 Introduction to Agricultural Economics
  • AGRI 2330 Wildlife Conservation and Management