Online Agriculture Degree from Oregon State University
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that food scientists and agriculture field jobs will increase by 9% through 2006-2016. Some of the occupations available with this degree: farmer/rancher, food scientists and technologists, business consulting, plant scientists, soil scientists, and animal scientists. In 2006 14% of the agricultural sector was employed by local, state, and the federal government. According to the Bureau of Labor “Opportunities for agricultural and food scientists are expected to be good over the next decade, particularly for those holding a Master’s or Ph.D. degree”
Overview of Requirments for Bachelor of Science in General Agriculture
Oregon State University wants students to work closely with an academic advisor for the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. There is a lot of flexibility within this degree. The student can emphasize more on animal science, crop and soil science, agricultural business management, or pursue a specific minor that will help them prepare for the career choice they are looking to pursue in the industry.
There are no out of state fees for this degree since Oregon State does not receive State funding assistance for their E-programs. Total credit hours are 180 with a maximum of 124 credits that can be transferred in. Cost per credit hour is $208 including all fees. Books are either Ebooks or can be bought through the student store online.
All online courses are through Ecampus using a system named Blackboard which can be accessed 24/7. Professors will lecture, assign homework, and conduct discussions online.
Courses that have to be taken at your local college not offered through B.S. General Agriculture Online Program:
- One full year of biology 200 level series with lab component
- Two terms of chemistry with lab component
The reasoning behind the brick and mortar classes is the importance of the lab component aspects of these science classes. Lab components will prepare the student for field work and also give their degree more depth in the sciences. You need to contact your student advisor to make sure classes you are going to sign up for at your local college meet Oregon State University’s requirements.
Examples of Nature of Work to Expect From the Agricultural Industry
- Production of biofuels, partnerships with chemists and biologists to turn crops into energy like ethanol produced from corn.
- Food scientists are taking advantage of nanotechnology. They are researching and using nanotechnology to accurately and quickly detect molecules that can contaminate foods.
- Applied research and development of crops. Agricultural scientists are researching roles of genes in plant growth. This research can lead to discovering the mechanism to improve safety, quality, and quantity of the crop being researched.
- Soil scientists are involved with the research of plant growth related to soil. They study the make up of minerals, chemicals, and biological components of soil. They also study crop rotations and how soil responds to different fertilization techniques.
- Animal Scientists can focus on breeding animals, study of genetics in animals, reproduction techniques, and growth of domestic farm animals.
How do I get Started?
Once you are accepted and declare Agricultural Science as your major you need to set up an appointment with an advisor. If you are planning to transfer classes, have your official transcripts sent to OSU first, and then set up a phone appointment with your advisor to get you going on your Agricultural Science Degree!
If you are considering a Concentration in Agricultural Science at the Master Degree level, then read more here.
