The online catalog includes the most recent changes to courses and degree requirements that have been approved by the Faculty Senate, including changes that are not yet effective.
Program in Agricultural and Food Systems
afs.wsu.edu
Hulbert Hall 423
509-335-8406
Animal Sciences Department Chair and Professor, G. Murdoch; Crop and Soil Sciences Department Chair and Professor, L. Carpenter-Boggs; School of Economic Sciences Director and Professor, J. McCluskey; Plant Pathology Department Chair and Professor, L. du Toit; Horticulture Department Interim Chair and Associate Professor, S. Ficklin; Entomology Department Chair and Professor, L. Lavine; School of Food Science Director and Professor, Soo-Yeun Lee; Professors, I. Burke, L. Carpenter-Boggs, A. Carter, D. Crowder, A. Felsot, M. Flury, J. Goldberger, P. Jacoby, R. Koenig, V. McCracken, K. Murphy, M. Neff, H. Pappu, C. Peace, M. Pumphrey, N. Rayapati; Associate Professors, M. Brady, L. DeVetter, C. Neely, J. Owen, K. Sanguinet T. Sullivan, A. Warner; Assistant Professors, J. Antonangelo, D. Griffin-LaHue, G. LaHue, H. Neely; Teaching Associate Professors, J. Baser, H. Henning, C. Perillo; Instructor, J. Holden; Teaching Assistant Professors, L. Brueggeman, M. Maquivar, T. Wheeler; Associate in Research, B. Jaeckel; Adjunct Faculty, C. Campbell; D. Cobos.
Feed the world. Power the planet. Save the environment. It’s a tall order by any measure, but especially when you consider that experts predict that by 2050, the world population will grow to more than 9 billion human beings. Join WSU’s Agricultural and Food Systems (AFS) degree program and focus on vital aspects of agricultural and food systems ranging from plant and animal production to marketing and education. This innovative program provides students with what they need to build or work in a modern food system that is productive, competitive and sustainable.
Delivered collaboratively by departments within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, the AFS program provides foundational education in a wide array of disciplines, including crop and soil sciences, animal science, food science, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, and economics. Students can choose among five Bachelor of Science degree majors: Agricultural Education; Agricultural Technology and Production Management; Agricultural and Food Business Economics; Human Nutrition and Food Systems; and Organic and Sustainable Agriculture. The college offers a minor in Agricultural Systems, which is specifically designed to complement a major in Communications, for students interested in careers in the communications sector of the agricultural industry. Additional minors in Agricultural Systems, Precision Agriculture, and Agricultural Technology and Production Management are also available. The college also offers an interdisciplinary Master of Science in Agriculture degree, an undergraduate Certificate in Organic Agriculture, and a graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture.
A student may be admitted to an AFS major upon making their intention known to the department. For complete information about all majors within the AFS degree programs, please see the AFS webpage at: http://afs.wsu.edu.
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Food Systems (Pullman campus)
Systems not silos. The AFS degree program emphasizes the highly integrated nature of the science disciplines involved in growing food. All students take a core set of courses designed to provide them with a broad interdisciplinary background as well as the decision-making skills they’ll need to succeed and excel in the workplace.
Capstone courses. At the end of their program, most students take an AFS capstone course. Agricultural Education students take a teaching experience capstone. These capstone courses are designed specifically to provide a culminating experience to help in preparing students to be “job-ready, day one”. In the standard AFS capstone, guest lectures from industry professionals challenge students on topics including developing your personal brand, project management, sales 101, private agricultural business ownership and succession planning, and the performance review process. A fundamental part of the capstone experience is a team-based, semester-long project where small groups of students address an emerging issue or problem and provide recommendations to one an industry partner (co-ops, private companies, etc.). Students meet regularly with industry partners (face-to-face, videoconference, phone) to define their project, collect research information, and develop a project plan. They prepare meeting agendas, take minutes and report back to instructors to identify what worked, what did not work, and what changes they plan to make for the next meeting. Besides introducing students to their business and colleagues, industry partners provide in-house research background information, assist in distributing employee surveys and provide excellent professional mentoring for students. At the end of the semester, student teams provide both a comprehensive written report and an oral presentation about their project and industry recommendations both to their peers and to industry leaders. In the teaching experience capstone (Agricultural Education majors), students teach their last semester as their internship in education. Students are required to complete the Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) as part of the course. Additionally, Agricultural Education student teachers supervise students in and outside of a classroom and laboratory setting. Extensive lesson planning, materials preparation, SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) supervision, FFA activity involvement, and professional engagement are major components of the field experience of student teaching.
In addition to WSU's Six Learning Goals of the Baccalaureate, graduates with a major in AFS will be able to:
- Agricultural Systems: Identify the basic human, socioeconomic, environmental, and biophysical dimensions of agricultural and food systems at the local, regional, and global levels.
- Apply systems thinking and principles to explore linkages and leverage points in agricultural and food systems.
- Describe how physical, social, and political factors impact global agriculture and food systems.
- Scientific Reasoning: Describe the context and scientific basis of current practice and future changes in agricultural and food systems.
- Interpret and integrate basic and applied science knowledge to explain and evaluate agricultural and food systems.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret scientific data to inform decision making.
- Discern appropriate scientific evidence and research to inform decisions.
- Critical Thinking: Evaluate real-world agricultural and food systems and paradigms considering agricultural science, social, economic, and environmental outcomes.
- Obtain and apply scholarly information to expand student understanding and knowledge of agricultural systems.
- Identify the scientific, cultural, economic, and environmental context and diverse perspectives influencing agricultural food systems.
- Understand the students’ own values and perspectives in shaping agricultural food systems.
- Draw conclusions and make recommendations based on an understanding of the system, scientific evidence, contextual factors, and desired outcomes.
- Science and Professional Communication: Communicate scientific principles, research, and findings to diverse audiences.
- Deliver professional oral and written communication.
- Use graphic representation to present data and scientific findings.
- Work effectively as a member of a team and collaboratively across disciplines.
Depth (Major-Level Outcome): Demonstrate major-specific mastery of a topic with specialized knowledge and skills in at least one area of inquiry within the AFS degree.
- Agricultural Education
- Demonstrate the necessary subject matter knowledge for success as an agricultural teacher.
- Develop and deliver effective lessons based upon sound pedagogy and student needs in a culturally responsive manner.
- Construct, analyze, and appraise formative and summative assessment data in order to inform teaching practice.
- Implement the components of a complete agricultural education program.
- Agricultural and Food Business Economics
- Apply appropriate economic principles, analysis, and quantitative methods to analyze problems and issues of social importance.
- Collect, organize, evaluate, and analyze appropriate economic data to apply economic theory to AFS managerial problems.
- Illustrate and communicate analytical results, conclusions, and limitations of the econometric testing in real world applications.
- Human Nutrition and Food Systems
- Being developed by the curriculum committee
- Agricultural Technology and Production Management
- Being developed by the curriculum committee
- Organic and Sustainable Agriculture
- Locate, access, and interpret principles and certification guidelines (if applicable) of organic and other agroecological systems, such as conservation agriculture, and mixed crop-livestock.
- Be competent with using important sustainable agriculture website sources, including the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), OrganicMaterials Review Institute (OMRI) and National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA).
- Understand agricultural sustainability metrics in the areas of social wellbeing, financial performance, environmental quality, and productivity for measuring these components of any farming system.
- Develop the ability to plan, certify, and manage production on an organic farm, including practical skills in farm production, marketing, and teamwork.
Hands-on opportunities with the AFS degree are numerous. Students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research projects, work as part-time employees with research and extension personnel, study abroad, and/or participate in professional internships to put their classroom training to work. Student clubs also provide a variety of ways to interact with peers, faculty, and staff within the college, yet another way to enrich the educational experience (https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/academics/clubs/).
Scholarships
Scholarships for AFS majors are available on a competitive basis, and are awarded based on ability, need, and interest in a career path in associated professions (https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/academics/scholarships/).
Transfer Students
Students planning to transfer into the AFS program should take courses that meet the University Common Requirements (UCORE) and the AFS core requirements, when possible. Transfer articulation agreements have been developed with several Washington state community colleges degree programs. More information can be found on our Transfer Student website: https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/academics/transfer/, as well as the general major website: https://afs.wsu.edu. Prospective transfer students are strongly encouraged to consult with an advisor within the AFS program for further guidance.
Graduate Studies
Master of Science in Agriculture (Pullman and Global Campus)
The MS in Agriculture is an advanced degree program that focuses on the agricultural professional, practitioner, and educator to meet the growing need for prepared individuals to apply new and emerging technologies and science to the advancement of agriculture and to prepare these individuals for leadership opportunities. This degree offers individuals already working in the field, or those with a personal want for more training, the opportunity to continue their education. Students may elect to customize their program or choose from three options: General Agriculture, Food Science and Management, or Plant Health Management (online only). Access complete program description on-line at: http://msag.wsu.edu/.
Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are also offered in Crop Science, Economics, Entomology, Food Science, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, and Soil Science. More information can be found on the CAHNRS Graduate Studies website: https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/academics/graduate-studies/.
Schedules of Studies
Honors students complete the Honors College requirements which replace the UCORE requirements.
Agricultural and Food Business Economics (120 Credits)
A student may be admitted to the Agricultural and Food Business Economics major upon making their intention known to the department.
| First Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| ANIM SCI 101 | 3 |
| ECONS 101 [SSCI] or 102 [SSCI] | 3 |
| HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
| HORT / CROP SCI 102 | 3 |
| MATH 2011 | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| [COMM] Course (COM 102 [COMM] or H D 205 [COMM] recommended) | 3 or 4 |
| ECONS 101 or 102 | 3 |
| ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
| MATH 202 [QUAN]1 | 3 |
| UCORE Inquiry2 | 3 |
| Second Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AFS 201 | 3 |
| CHEM 101 [PSCI] or 105 [PSCI] | 4 |
| STAT 212 or MGTOP 215 | 4 |
| UCORE Inquiry2 | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| ACCTG 220 or 230 | 3 |
| CHEM 102 or 106 | 4 |
| SOIL SCI 201 [BSCI] | 3 |
| UCORE Inquiry2 | 3 |
| Complete Writing Portfolio | |
| Third Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AFS Core Systems Elective3 | 3 |
| BIOLOGY 120 | 4 |
| ECONS 301 | 3 |
| ECONS 3504 | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| BIOLOGY 106 | 4 |
| ECONS 302 | 3 |
| ECONS 311 [M] | 3 |
| ECONS 335 | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Fourth Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| 300-400-level Electives | 6 |
| CROP SCI 360 | 3 |
| ECONS 452 [M] | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| 300-400-level Electives | 3 |
| AFS 401 [CAPS] | 3 |
| ECONS 450 [M] or 453 | 3 |
| ECONS 451 | 3 |
| Electives | 4 |
Footnotes
| 1 | An alternative to MATH 201 is MATH 106, 172, or 220. An alternative to MATH 202 is MATH 171. |
| 2 | Must complete 3 of these 4 UCORE designations: ARTS, DIVR, EQJS, HUM. |
| 3 | AFS Core Systems Electives: AGTM 310, ANIM SCI 464 [M], 472 [M], 474 [M], BIOLOGY 372 [M], CROP SCI 302, ECONS 351, HORT 320, SOE 300, SOIL SCI 368, or other systems courses approved by your advisor. Coursework must include a total of two [M] courses. |
| 4 | ECONS 352, which is only offered in the spring, may be used as an alternative for ECONS 350. |
Agricultural Education (125 Credits)
This major requires students to complete the AFS core courses and agricultural education required courses, as well as a series of teaching and learning courses to meet initial teacher certification requirements. Students also spend a semester student teaching in an agricultural education program in a Washington high school.
A student may be admitted to an AFS major upon making their intention known to the department.
| First Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AG ED 110 | 2 |
| BIOLOGY 120 [BSCI] | 4 |
| ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
| HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
| HORT / CROP SCI 102 | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| AGTM 201 | 3 |
| ANIM SCI 101 | 3 |
| BIOLOGY 106 or 1071 | 4 |
| ENGLISH 201 [WRTG] | 3 |
| UCORE Inquiry2 | 3 |
| Second Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AFS 201 | 3 |
| CHEM 101 [PSCI] | 4 |
| ECONS 101 [SSCI] | 3 |
| TCH LRN 301 | 3 |
| UCORE Inquiry2 | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| CHEM 102 | 4 |
| SOIL SCI 201 | 3 |
| STAT 212 [QUAN], MATH 140 [QUAN], 171 [QUAN], or 202 [QUAN] | 3 or 4 |
| UCORE Inquiry2 | 3 |
| 300-400-level Agricultural Elective3 | 3 |
| Apply to College of Education | |
| Complete Writing Portfolio | |
| Third Term | Credits |
| TCH LRN 317 | 2 |
| Third Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AFS Core Systems Elective4 | 3 |
| AG ED 471 | 2 |
| CROP SCI 360 | 3 |
| ECONS 3505 | 3 |
| 300-400-level Agricultural Elective3 | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| AGTM 402 | 3 |
| TCH LRN 464 | 3 |
| TCH LRN 465 | 3 |
| TCH LRN 466 | 2 |
| 300-400-level Agricultural Elective3 | 3 |
| Fourth Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AG ED 440 [M] | 2 |
| AG ED 450 | 3 |
| ED PSYCH 468 | 3 |
| TCH LRN 467 [M] | 3 |
| TCH LRN 469 | 2 |
| TCH LRN 470 | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| AG ED 407 [CAPS] | 8 |
| TCH LRN 415 | 8 |
Footnotes
| 1 | BIOLOGY 106 is recommended. |
| 2 | Must complete 3 of these 4 UCORE designations: ARTS, DIVR, EQJS, HUM. |
| 3 | Agricultural 300-400-level Electives (minimum 9 credits) - required for teacher certification in Agricultural Education. Any 300-400-level course with one of the following subjects: AGTM, AFS, ANIM SCI, CROP SCI, ECONS, ENTOM, FS, HORT, IPM, LND ARCH, PL P, SOE, SOIL SCI, or VIT ENOL not used to satisfy major requirements can be accepted to fulfill this requirement, per advisor approval. AG ED 430 and/or 431 are suggested for CASE Certification. |
| 4 | AFS Core Systems Electives: AGTM 305, 310, ANIM SCI 464 [M], 472 [M], 474 [M], BIOLOGY 372 [M], CROP SCI 302, ECONS 351, HORT 320, SOE 300, SOIL SCI 368, or other systems courses approved by your advisor. |
| 5 | ECONS 351 and 352, which are only offered in the spring, may be used as an alternative for ECONS 350. |
Agricultural Technology and Production Management (120 Credits)
Areas of application include precision agricultural operations and services, management of agricultural businesses, production operations, sales, and promotional work in domestic and international agricultural communities. Graduates are prepared to own, operate, and manage their own enterprises or to provide services for private or governmental entities.
A student may be admitted to the Agricultural Technology and Production Management major upon making their intention known to the department.
| First Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AFS 103 | 1 |
| ANIM SCI 101 | 3 |
| CHEM 101 [PSCI] or 105 [PSCI] | 4 |
| HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
| HORT / CROP SCI 102 | 3 |
| UNIV 104 or Electives1 | 2 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| CHEM 102 or 106 | 4 |
| ECONS 101 [SSCI] | 3 |
| ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
| MATH 140 [QUAN], 171 [QUAN], 202 [QUAN] or STAT 212 [QUAN] | 4 |
| SOIL SCI 201 [BSCI] | 3 |
| Second Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AFS 201 | 3 |
| AGTM 314 | 3 |
| AGTM 315 | 3 |
| BIOLOGY 120 | 4 |
| UCORE Inquiry2 | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| [COMM] Course (COM 102 [COMM] or H D 205 [COMM] recommended) | 3 or 4 |
| ACCTG 220 | 3 |
| AFS 102 | 1 |
| BIOLOGY 106 or 107 | 4 |
| UCORE Inquiry2 | 3 |
| Complete Writing Portfolio | |
| Third Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AFS 3363 | 3 |
| AGTM 305 | 3 |
| CROP SCI 305, 403, ENTOM 343 [M], or PL P 4294 | 3 |
| CROP SCI 360 | 3 |
| ECONS 3505 | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| AGTM 330 | 3 |
| AGTM 405 | 2 |
| ECONS 450 [M] or [M] Elective6 | 3 |
| MGMT 301 or Elective6 | 3 |
| UCORE Inquiry2 | 3 |
| Third Term | Credits |
| Internship (recommended)7 | 0 - 2 |
| Fourth Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| 400-level Business or Elective6 | 3 |
| AFS Core Systems Elective8 | 3 |
| ENGLISH 402 [M], ENGLISH 403 [M], or COM 400 | 3 |
| MKTG 360 or Elective6 | 3 |
| Electives | 4 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| AFS 401 [CAPS] | 3 |
| AGTM 412 | 3 |
| AGTM 416 | 3 |
| Electives6 | 3 |
Footnotes
| 1 | UNIV 104 recommended. |
| 2 | Must complete 3 of these 4 UCORE designations: ARTS, DIVR, EQJS, HUM. |
| 3 | SOE 312 [DIVR] can be taken in the spring as an alternative to AFS 336. |
| 4 | ENTOM 351 can be taken in the spring as an alternative to the other courses listed. |
| 5 | ECONS 352, which is only offered in the spring, may be used as an alternative for ECONS 350. |
| 6 | Completion of a Business minor is recommended. Working with their advisors, students are encouraged to apply electives towards a minor of their choice. |
| 7 | Completion of a 2-credit AGTM 495 internship is recommended. |
| 8 | AFS Core Systems Electives: AGTM 310, ANIM SCI 464 [M], 472 [M], 474 [M], BIOLOGY 372 [M], CROP SCI 302, ECONS 351, HORT 320, SOE 300, SOIL SCI 368, or other systems courses approved by your advisor. Coursework must include a total of two [M] courses. |
Human Nutrition and Food Systems (120 Credits)
Students learn to understand the complexity of relationships within agricultural ecosystems, how external factors influence these systems, and how research advances our ability to provide nutrient-rich food without incurring undue risks to human or environmental health. Course offerings begin with a strong scientific base in biology, chemistry, and human biochemistry; and expand to focus on crop science, soil science, nutrition and health.
The major is an exciting blend of classroom instruction and field experience that is tailored to the eventual employment goals of the student. Excellent employment opportunities exist within research and development programs for state, federal, and international agricultural, environmental, and regulatory agencies, agricultural and environmental consulting firms, local health departments, nutritionists, food processing companies, and a wide range of other agribusiness enterprises.
A student may be admitted to the Human Nutrition and Food Systems major upon making their intention known to the department.
| First Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| ANIM SCI 101 | 3 |
| CHEM 101 [PSCI] | 4 |
| ECONS 101 [SSCI] | 3 |
| HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
| HORT / CROP SCI 102 | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| [COMM] Course (COM 102 [COMM] or H D 205 [COMM] recommended) | 3 or 4 |
| CHEM 102 | 4 |
| ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
| HORT / CROP SCI 202 | 4 |
| Second Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AFS 201 | 3 |
| BIOLOGY 107 [BSCI] | 4 |
| SOIL SCI 201 | 3 |
| UCORE Inquiry1 | 6 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| AFS Core Elective2 | 3 |
| BIOLOGY 106 | 4 |
| FS 220 | 3 |
| STAT 212 [QUAN] | 4 |
| UCORE Inquiry1 | 3 |
| Complete Writing Portfolio | |
| Third Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| BIOLOGY 333 | 3 |
| CROP SCI 305 | 3 |
| CROP SCI 360 | 3 |
| ECONS 3503 | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| IPM 452 | 3 |
| NEP 330 | 3 |
| SOIL SCI/AFS 302 [M]4 | 3 |
| Electives | 5 |
| Fourth Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AFS 336 | 3 |
| CROP SCI 403 | 3 |
| FS 436 | 3 |
| NEP 400 | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| 400-500-level Seminar in CAHNRS5 | 1 |
| AFS 401 [CAPS] | 3 |
| NEP 402 | 3 |
| NEP 431 | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
Footnotes
| 1 | Must complete 3 of these 4 UCORE designations: ARTS, DIVR, EQJS, HUM. |
| 2 | AFS Core Systems Electives: AGTM 310, ANIM SCI 464 [M], 472 [M], 474 [M], BIOLOGY 372 [M], CROP SCI 302, ECONS 351, HORT 320, SOE 300, SOIL SCI 368, or other systems courses approved by your advisor. Coursework must include a total of two [M] courses. |
| 3 | ECONS 352, which is only offered in the spring, may be used as an alternative for ECONS 350. |
| 4 | SOIL SCI 414 and 415 can be taken as an alternative to SOIL SCI 302 [M]. However another [M] course will be required. |
| 5 | 400-500-level Seminar: AGTM 451, CROP SCI/SOIL SCI 412, HORT/VIT ENOL 409, or as approved by advisor. |
Organic and Sustainable Agriculture (120 Credits)
Students wanting a hands-on degree experience thrive in the organic major. WSU has over a four-acre certified organic teaching farm where students learn to produce certified organic vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers that they distribute through local food banks, on-campus food service, a 100-member CSA (community supported agriculture), and a local farmers’ market. Students have the opportunity to tailor their program of study to specific areas of emphasis, such as organic animal and dairy production, economics and marketing, crop production, food science, pest management, soil management, etc. in consultation with their advisor.
The Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Program at WSU prepares students to work on or develop their own organic farm. It also prepares students for employment opportunities with nonprofit organizations and government agencies involved in environmental and food safety, as well as private-sector food processing, marketing, organic certification, and product development industries.
Students may be admitted to the Organic and Sustainable Agriculture major upon making their intentions known to the department.
| First Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| ANIM SCI 101 or FS 110 | 3 |
| CHEM 101 [PSCI] or 105 [PSCI] | 4 |
| ECONS 101 [SSCI] | 3 |
| ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
| HORT / CROP SCI 102 | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| CHEM 102 or 106 | 4 |
| HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
| HORT / CROP SCI 202 | 4 |
| SOIL SCI 101 | 3 |
| Second Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AFS 201 | 3 |
| BIOLOGY 106 [BSCI] or 120 [BSCI] | 4 |
| STAT 212 [QUAN] | 4 |
| UCORE Inquiry1 | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| [COMM] Course (COM 102 [COMM] or H D 205 [COMM] recommended) | 3 or 4 |
| BIOLOGY 107 | 4 |
| ENTOM 351 | 3 |
| SOIL SCI 201 | 3 |
| UCORE Inquiry1 | 3 |
| Complete Writing Portfolio | |
| Third Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AFS 336 | 3 |
| CROP SCI 305 | 3 |
| CROP SCI 360 | 3 |
| Horticulture Production Elective2 | 3 |
| PL P 429 | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| AFS 445 | 3 |
| ECONS 3523 | 3 |
| SOIL SCI 302 [M] | 3 |
| SOIL SCI 478 | 2 |
| UCORE Inquiry1 | 3 |
| Fourth Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AFS Core Systems Elective4 | 3 |
| SOIL SCI 443 | 3 |
| SOIL SCI 479 | 2 |
| Electives | 10 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| AFS 401 [CAPS] | 3 |
| SOIL SCI 303 | 2 |
| SOIL SCI 441 | 3 |
| SOIL SCI 480 | 2 |
| SOIL SCI 498 | 3 |
Footnotes
| 1 | Must complete 3 of these 4 UCORE designations: ARTS, DIVR, EQJS, HUM. |
| 2 | Horticulture Production Electives: CROP SCI 403, HORT 310, HORT 313, HORT 357 (spring), or as approved by advisor. |
| 3 | ECONS 350, which is only offered in the fall, may be used as an alternative for ECONS 352. |
| 4 | AFS Core Systems Electives: AGTM 310, ANIM SCI 464 [M], 472 [M], 474 [M], BIOLOGY 372 [M], CROP SCI 302, ECONS 351, HORT 320, SOE 300, SOIL SCI 368, or other systems courses approved by your advisor. Coursework must include a total of two [M] courses. |
Minors
Agricultural Systems
The minor in Agricultural Systems requires a minimum of 18 credits, 9 of which must be upper-division and earned in WSU courses or through WSU-approved education abroad or educational exchange courses. The requirements are 6 credits from AFS 201, ANIM SCI 101, CROP SCI/HORT 102, and SOIL SCI 101; 3 credits from CROP SCI/HORT 202, ECONS 101 and SOIL SCI 201; and 3 credits each from approved courses in three of four areas: Biotic Influences on Crop Production (CROP SCI 305, ENTOM 343, PL P 429), Economic Aspects of Agricultural Systems (ECONS 350, 351, 352), Sustainability (AFS 336, AGTM 305, SOIL SCI 302, 441, SOIL SCI/AFS 445), and Production (CROP SCI 403, HORT 310, 313, 320, 357, 413, 418, 421).
Agricultural Technology and Production Management
The Agricultural Technology and Production Management minor is composed of a minimum of 18 credits, 9 of which must be upper-division courses earned in WSU courses or through WSU-approved education abroad or educational exchange courses. Course that may apply to the Agriculture and Production Management minor include: AFS 201; AGTM 305, 314, 315, 330, 405, 412, 416, 495; CROP SCI/HORT 102; and SOIL SCI 201. Students majoring in Agricultural Technology and Production Management are not eligible to declare a minor in Agricultural Technology.
Precision Agriculture
The Precision Agricultural minor is composed of a minimum of 18 credits, 9 of which must be upper-division courses earned in WSU courses or through WSU-approved education abroad or educational exchange courses. Required courses include CROP SCI/HORT 102, SOIL SCI 201, and one from CROP SCI/HORT 202; CROP SCI 403; SOIL SCI 302, 414/415, 441. The Precision Agriculture minor also requires 9 credits from the following technical courses AGTM 305, 315, 405, 495; SOIL SCI 368, 374, 468.
Certificates
Organic Agriculture (Online and in Pullman)
The Certificate in Organic Agriculture is an 18-credit undergraduate program that can be taken along with a major in another field, or as a stand-alone educational experience. The certificate is ideal for professionals working in agriculture or related fields who require in-depth knowledge of organic systems, those wanting to pursue a career in organic agriculture, anyone interested in beginning a community-supported agriculture (CSA) enterprise, home gardeners, as well as current WSU students in other majors at WSU with an interest in organic agriculture. Students develop knowledge and skills that are applicable to industries and agencies involved in the food chain-from production, processing, and delivery to policy, regulation, and education.
The 18-credit certificate program is designed with 3 core courses (9 credit hours) required for all students, 3 credit hours of “experiential learning”, plus a minimum of 6 additional credit hours (electives) selected from a range of courses. All courses already exist as permanent courses, and the certificate can be fulfilled through on-line delivery or in-class participation on the Pullman campus.
Requirements: Core: 9 credit hours from SOIL SCI 101, 201, and 302 (cross-listed as AFS 302); Experimental Learning: 3 credit hours from SOIL SCI 480 (for on-campus students) or 498 (for online students); Electives: 6 credit hours from AFS 445, BIOLOGY 140, CROP SCI 102, 360, 443, CRS 336, ECONS 101, 102, or SOIL SCI 441.
Sustainable Agriculture
The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture provides post-baccalaureate students with an interdisciplinary understanding of practices and current issues in sustainable agriculture, along with the science that makes it work. Students who earn the Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture may take these skills into all industries and agencies involved in the food chain; from production, processing, and delivery to policy, regulation, and education. Students in any WSU graduate degree program are eligible for the certificate if they meet the prerequisites of the courses needed for the certificate. Students pursuing a graduate certificate may only accumulate 6 credits toward a master’s degree and 9 credits towards a Ph.D. degree.
Students not in degree programs are also eligible to earn the certificate by enrolling as non-degree students, again providing that they meet the prerequisites of the courses needed for the certificate. Apply for admission to an academic department, indicating your intention to be classified as a part-time, certificate graduate student.
Courses
The online catalog includes the most recent changes to courses and degree requirements that have been approved by the Faculty Senate, including changes that are not yet effective. Courses showing two entries of the same number indicate that the course information is changing. The most recently approved version is shown first, followed by the older version, in gray, with its last-effective term preceding the course title. Courses shown in gray with only one entry of the course number are being discontinued. Course offerings by term can be accessed by clicking on the term links when viewing a specific campus catalog.
Agricultural Education (AG_ED)
110 Introduction to Agricultural Education 2 Introduction to Agricultural Education Model, requirements for becoming an agricultural teacher; roles of the agricultural teacher. Typically offered Fall.
342 Methods of Teaching Agriculture 3 Course Prerequisite: TCH LRN 303; admitted to teacher education (Secondary Education). Methods and strategies for teaching agricultural science.
407 [CAPS] Student Teaching in Agricultural Education V 4-16 Course Prerequisite: AG ED 440; AG ED 450; AG ED 471; senior standing. Supervised teaching in public schools including seminars reflecting effective teaching. Required preparation: Includes applying; paying certification fees; completing all other coursework for degree and teacher certification; receiving fingerprint clearance from WSP, FBI, and Office of Professional Practices; maintaining 2.5 GPA overall and in endorsement and professional core classes. Placement by interview only. Typically offered Fall and Spring. S, F grading.
430 Reinforcing Core Academics in Agricultural Education 4 (3-3) Strategies of reinforcing core academics in secondary agricultural education. This course leads to CASE certification. Typically offered Spring.
431 Applied Instructional Strategies in Agricultural Education 4 (2-6) Introduction to agriculture, food, and natural resource systems, and strategies for reinforcing core academics in secondary education. Leads to CASE certification in AFNR. Typically offered Odd Years - Spring.
440 [M] Principles of Career and Technical Education V 2-3 Course Prerequisite: TCH LRN 464 or concurrent enrollment; TCH LRN 465 or concurrent enrollment; TCH LRN 466 or concurrent enrollment. Local, state, and national vocational technical educational legislation, policies, programs, and organizations. Typically offered Fall.
442 Program Planning in Agricultural Education 2 Organization and management of a total vocational agricultural program.
450 Planning, Curriculum, and Techniques in Ag Ed 3 Course Prerequisite: TCH LRN 301; TCH LRN 317; admitted to teacher education (Secondary Education). Focus on career and technical education program planning, curriculum development, and instructional techniques for agricultural education programs. Typically offered Fall.
471 Student Organizations in Agricultural Education 2 Role of Future Farmers of America (FFA) in student organizations; role of advisor; principles of leadership; characteristics of successful FFA chapters. Course equivalent to OSU's Ag 421/521. Typically offered Fall.
497 Internship in Agricultural Education V 2-12 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 12 credits. Course Prerequisite: By interview only. Off-campus professional experience. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. S, F grading.
499 Special Problems V 1-4 May be repeated for credit. Course Prerequisite: By department permission. Independent study conducted under the jurisdiction of an approving faculty member; may include independent research studies in technical or specialized problems; selection and analysis of specified readings; development of a creative project; or field experiences. Typically offered Fall and Spring. S, F grading.
504 Special Topics in Vocational Education V 1-3 Special topics in agricultural education or agriculture that will provide advanced training for teachers of agriculture.
508 Foundations of Vocational Education 3 Historical, philosophical, social, political and economic factors that influence education in vocational environments. Typically offered Summer Session.
511 Seminar in Career and Technical Education V 1-2 Seminar addressing new and emerging legislation and educational programs in vocational education.
Agricultural And Food Systems (AFS)
101 Introduction to Agricultural and Food Systems 3 Introduction to the disciplines and integration of the fields of agriculture, food production, manufacturing and distribution to define and solve real-world problems. Typically offered Fall.
102 Professional Development in the Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences 1 Professional skill development with an emphasis on behavior, goal setting, internship selection, and building a portfolio. Typically offered Fall.
103 Field Experience in Agricultural and Food Systems 1 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Professional development with hands on experience through interactive class sessions and field trips with faculty and external partners. Two field trips required. Typically offered Spring.
201 Systems Skills for Agricultural and Food Systems 3 Introduction to the foundational concepts and vocabulary of food systems, building skills and critical systems thinking. Typically offered Fall.
250 Civic Engagement in Sustainable Food Systems 2 Introduction to sustainable food systems through lecture, discussion, and engagement. Spring Break field trip required. Typically offered Spring.
302 [M] Introduction to Agroecology 3 Agroecological crop production through case study analyses and applications of ecological principles in traditional and modern farming systems. Recommended preparation: SOIL SCI 201. (Crosslisted course offered as SOIL SCI 302, AFS 302.) Typically offered Spring.
336 [SSCI] Agriculture, Environment, and Community 3 Course Prerequisite: Sophomore standing Sociological perspectives on major agrifood trends, alternative agrifood movements, and impacts on human communities and the natural environment. Typically offered Fall.
350 Food Systems in Western Washington 3 Course Prerequisite: CROP SCI/HORT 102; ECONS 101; SOIL SCI 201. Introduction to local and regional food systems unique to western Washington with an emphasis on the farm-to-table processes of foods and beverages. (Course offered as HORT 350, AFS 350). Typically offered Odd Years - Fall.
401 [CAPS] [M] Advanced Systems Analysis and Design in Agricultural and Food Systems 3 Course Prerequisite: AFS 201; junior standing. Problem solving methodologies as applied to integrated agricultural systems analysis and design problems; strong emphasis on teamwork. Typically offered Spring.
401 (Effective through Summer 2024) [CAPS] [M] Advanced Systems Analysis and Design in Agricultural and Food Systems 3 Course Prerequisite: AFS 201; STAT 212 or 412; junior standing. Problem solving methodologies as applied to integrated agricultural systems analysis and design problems; strong emphasis on teamwork. Typically offered Spring.
418 Soil Health and Regenerative Agriculture 2 Expert guest seminars and group discussions explore concepts in soil health and regenerative agriculture from microscale mechanisms to policies and practices for improving the food system. Recommended preparation: SOIL SCI 201. Typically offered Spring.
435 Leadership for Agriculture and Natural Resources Professionals 2 Exploration of skills, goals, philosophies, and other qualities of leadership related to agriculture and natural resources in Washington state. Typically offered Spring.
445 Field Analysis of Sustainable Food Systems 3 Course Prerequisite: By instructor permission. Experiential course visiting farms, food processing and marketing sites to develop understanding of issues in food systems sustainability. Field trip required. Credit not granted for both AFS 445 and 545. Offered at 400 and 500 level. Typically offered Spring.
445 (Effective through Fall 2024) Field Analysis of Sustainable Food Systems 3 Experiential course visiting farms, food processing and marketing sites to develop understanding of issues in food systems sustainability. Field trip required. Credit not granted for both AFS 445 and 545. Offered at 400 and 500 level. Typically offered Spring.
483 Special Topics in Study Abroad V 2-6 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Interdisciplinary course that integrates experiential learning activities in agricultural food systems in an international context. Typically offered Summer Session.
501 Current Research in Organic and Sustainable Agriculture 3 Multidisciplinary framework to assess the sustainability of a range of farming and food systems. Typically offered Even Years - Fall.
505 Topics in Computational and Analytical Methods for Scientists V 1-6 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Applied computational methods for researchers processing, managing, and analyzing data in scientific and engineering fields. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer.
511 Statistical Methods for Graduate Researchers 4 (3-2) Fundamentals of experimental design and statistical methods for graduate students in the sciences. Covers t-test for one and two means, ANOVA through completely randomized designs with one and two factors, chi-square tests and regression analysis using R. Recommended preparation: One prior course in statistics. Cannot be used for credit in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics graduate programs. (Crosslisted course offered as STAT 511, AFS 511.) Typically offered Fall and Spring.
545 Field Analysis of Sustainable Food Systems 3 Experiential course visiting farms, food processing and marketing sites to develop understanding of issues in food systems sustainability. Field trip required. Credit not granted for both AFS 445 and 545. Offered at 400 and 500 level. Typically offered Spring.
545 (Effective through Fall 2024) Field Analysis of Sustainable Food Systems 3 Experiential course visiting farms, food processing and marketing sites to develop understanding of issues in food systems sustainability. Field trip required. Credit not granted for both AFS 445 and 545. Offered at 400 and 500 level. Typically offered Spring.
590 Sociology of Agriculture and Food Systems 3 Theories, concepts, debates, and methods associated with the sociology of agriculture and food systems. Typically offered Odd Years - Spring. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
Agricultural Technology And Management (AGTM)
201 Metal Fabrication 3 (1-6) Credit not granted for students who have already completed AGTM/ENGR 202, 203, or 204. Theory, applications, and practices of welding, machining, and associated techniques in fabricating with metals. (Crosslisted course offered as AGTM 201, ENGR 201.) Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer.
202 Welding 1 (1-3) Credit not granted for students who have already completed AGTM/ENGR 201. Theory application and practices of welding and associated techniques in fabricating with metals. One of 3 two-week sessions of Metal Fabrication. Each session includes 3 hours lecture and 12 hours lab per week. (Crosslisted course offered as AGTM 202, ENGR 202.) Typically offered Summer Session.
203 Machining 1 (1-3) Credit not granted for students who have already completed AGTM/ENGR 201. Theory application and practices of machining and associated techniques in fabricating with metals. One of 3 two-week sessions of Metal Fabrication. Each session includes 3 hours lecture and 12 hours lab per week. (Crosslisted course offered as AGTM 203, ENGR 203.) Typically offered Summer Session.
204 Metal Fabrication 1 (1-3) Credit not granted for students who have already completed AGTM/ENGR 201. Theory application and practices of cutting and associated techniques in fabricating with metals. One of 3 two-week sessions of Metal Fabrication. Each session includes 3 hours lecture and 12 hours lab per week. (Crosslisted course offered as AGTM 204, ENGR 204.) Typically offered Summer Session.
305 Agricultural Precision Systems 3 (2-3) Systems for precision agriculture, equipment, software uses, principles, construction, care, tillage, planting, spraying, harvesting, and materials handling machinery. Field trips required. Typically offered Fall. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
310 Small Engine Maintenance and Repair 3 (2-3) Safety, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting engines; understanding of engine systems and components including compression, carburetion, cooling, fuel, and lubrication. Typically offered Fall. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
314 Agricultural Power Units and Mobile Electrical Systems 3 (2-3) Principles of thermodynamics, engine cycles, transmissions, electrical, starting, braking, steering, suspension systems, differentials and hydraulic systems. Typically offered Fall. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
315 Irrigation Systems and Water Management 3 (2-3) Principles of irrigation and drainage, water measurement, irrigation methods and practices, selection of irrigation system components. Typically offered Fall. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
330 Electrical Power Systems for Agriculture 3 (2-3) Course Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Methods of selecting and installing electrical power circuits in agricultural operations; light frame construction; motor and control circuits; Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Typically offered Spring.
402 Methods, Materials, and Machines for Teaching Ag Mechanics 3 Course Prerequisite: AGTM 201. Development of shop programs in project planning, demonstrations, and skills performance; safety and management of materials, tools, and machines. Typically offered Spring.
405 Advanced Agricultural Precision Systems 2 (1-3) Course Prerequisite: AGTM 305. Advanced principles of precision agricultural systems, software uses, management of controllers on equipment, geographical information systems and global positioning systems. Typically offered Spring.
412 Human and Machinery Risk Management 3 Legal guidelines and best practices for reducing risk in agricultural settings; topics include equipment, electrical, chemical, livestock, and other hazards around the farm as well as worker protection standards and injury compensation programs; includes an opportunity to prepare and test for a WSDA Private Pesticide Applicators License. Typically offered Spring.
416 Fluid Power Systems 3 (2-3) Fluid power principles applied to the selection, design, operation, and management of agricultural and industrial machinery. Field trips required. Typically offered Spring.
444 Teaching Practicum 1 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 3 credits. Course Prerequisite: By instructor permission. Laboratory and research techniques for AgTM. Typically offered Fall and Spring.
451 Seminar 1 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 2 credits. Course Prerequisite: Junior standing. Readings and interviews, research, and oral presentation of professional subjects. Typically offered Fall.
481 Independent Research V 1-4 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 8 credits. Course Prerequisite: By instructor permission. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer.
495 Internship in Agricultural Technology and Management V 2-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Course Prerequisite: Sophomore standing; prior approval of internship coordinator and advisor required. Work experience related to academic learning. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. S, F grading.
499 Special Problems V 1-4 May be repeated for credit. Course Prerequisite: By department permission. Independent study conducted under the jurisdiction of an approving faculty member; may include independent research studies in technical or specialized problems; selection and analysis of specified readings; development of a creative project; or field experiences. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. S, F grading.
General Agriculture (AGRI)
501 Agriculture Master's Practicum V 2-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Course Prerequisite: Admission to graduate program in Masters of Science in Agriculture. Course individually designed to provide practical participation/experience under professional supervision in areas related to student's specialization.
502 Graduate Seminar 3 Presentations and discussions of contemporary issues, trends, and recent research and development by graduate students, faculty, and visiting scholars.
560 Contemporary Issues in Agricultural Technology and Policy 3 Contemporary issues in agricultural technology and policy implications.
562 Advanced Topics V 1-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 4 credits. Directed group study of selected advanced topics in agriculture and related areas. Typically offered Fall and Spring.
587 Research and Extension Communications in Agriculture 3 Ways to effectively communicate research and extension information to diverse audiences, including scientific writing and oral presentations in each style. Typically offered Fall and Summer.
700 Master's Research, Thesis, and/or Examination V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Course Prerequisite: Admission to the MS Agriculture thesis plan. Independent research and advanced study for students working on their master's research, thesis and/or final examination. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor/committee chair before enrolling for 700 credit. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. S, U grading.
702 Master's Special Problems, Directed Study, and/or Examination V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Independent research in special problems, directed study, and/or examination credit for students in a non-thesis master's degree program. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor/committee chair before enrolling for 702 credit. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. S, U grading.
- Agricultural and Food Systems
Courses
- Agricultural And Food Systems
- Agricultural Education
- Agricultural Technology And Management
- General Agriculture
Schedules of Studies
- Agricultural and Food Business Economics
- Agricultural Education
- Agricultural Technology and Production Management
- Human Nutrition and Food Systems
- Organic and Sustainable Agriculture
Minors
- Agricultural Systems
- Agricultural Technology and Production Management
- Precision Agriculture
Certificates
- Organic Agriculture (Online and in Pullman)
- Sustainable Agriculture