Program Overview

Dive into our specialized two-year associate’s program, focusing on beef cattle, small ruminant production, and end-product expertise. Gain valuable hands-on livestock experience and essential knowledge in small business management. Elevate your career prospects in the competitive agriculture industry with our comprehensive program.

Embarking on a career in agriculture opens doors to a myriad of professional pathways, providing a versatile skill set that transcends traditional boundaries. Graduates with a degree in agriculture can venture into roles such as Animal Nutritionist, Quality Assurance Specialist, Agricultural Educator, and positions within meat facilities or any setting involving animals. The spectrum extends to roles such as Meat Inspector, Food Supply Chain Manager, Feedlot Specialist, Livestock Buyer, and Food Safety Specialist, among others.

Opportunities for employment also exist with companies like Bellisio's, General Mills, Cargill, and various butcher shops. Graduates may find fulfilling roles in universities, schools, farms, feedlots, feed mills, and within the operations and product management sectors of agricultural companies, both remotely and in-person. The prospects extend beyond the local landscape, presenting opportunities with numerous companies nationwide.

One of the distinctive advantages of an agriculture degree is its flexibility. Graduates can seamlessly pivot to different fields of study or choose to advance their education at any time, specializing in their area of interest. This degree serves as an ideal foundation for those aspiring to pursue Veterinary School, as the program values the diverse expertise offered by Meat Science. Notably, roles such as a USDA inspector require a veterinary background. The degree equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in these specialized roles.

In essence, a career in agriculture unfolds limitless possibilities, offering a gateway to a dynamic and ever-evolving professional landscape.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate competencies and skills that will contribute to a competitive advantage in seeking jobs in the agricultural industry.
• Demonstrate competency by actively participating in hands-on learning experiences in the livestock industry end products (meat science).
• Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for the vast American agricultural industry.
• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the meat science industry.

Potential Jobs

• Animal Nutritionist
• Feedlot Specialist
• Food Safety Specialist
• Food Supply Chain Manager
• Livestock Buyer
• Meat Inspector
• Quality Assurance Specialist

Potential/Average earnings rage with degree type:

$75,000 median annual salary

Sample courses:

• BBQ Science
• Fundamentals of Meat Science
• Ruminant Production with On-Farm Hands-On Experience
• Meat Animal Evaluation – Both Evaluation and Processing at a local Butcher Shop for a more immersive hands-on experience in the day-to-day lives of a meat packing facility
• Meat Animal Processing
• Meat Animal Anatomy and Physiology