Agricultural Operations Technology
The technological revolution which has, and is, occurring in American agriculture allows a small number of producers to meet domestic needs for food and fiber and still supply commodities for global export. This ongoing revolution is driven by people. People who understand agriculture and who have a sound and comprehensive education in agricultural sciences and processes.
Agricultural Operations Technology curriculum prepares people for entry into this vital agricultural industry. Within the industry graduates can enter a variety of careers. Employment opportunities exist on farms and ranches, with agribusinesses, agricultural industry, and government agencies. Jobs are available in Montana.
Students receive both academic and applied instruction. The curriculum foundation focuses on the sciences with coursework in chemistry, biology, physics, and technology. Broad aspects of agriculture are investigated through coursework in animal, plant, and soil science. The curriculum is built on a selection of courses in the general areas of power and machinery, soil and water, and structures and environment and technologies in precision agriculture. Applied work occurs in the areas of welding, machining, drawing (computer aided), and surveying. An additional package of elective courses in selected agricultural areas, business and/or economics round out the program.
The student is given the opportunity to test and hone educational skills acquired in basic classes. For example, classes in computer analysis of agricultural operations and the optimal selection of machinery give the student the necessary tools to effectively manage these vital resources. Structures and environment courses teach the principles of layout and construction of agricultural and residential buildings and handling of waste.
The Agricultural Operations Technology curriculum uniquely combines necessary fundamental courses with those that will meet the needs of agribusiness. The graduate is truly prepared for a gratifying career serving agriculture, Montana, and the world.
Curriculum in Agricultural Operations Technology
| Freshman Year | F | S |
|---|---|---|
| ARNR 100--Intro Animal Science | 3 | |
| ARNR 101--Prin of Rnglnd Mgmt | 3 | |
| BIOL 100--Organism Function | 3 | |
| CHEM 121--Intro Gen Chemistry | 4 | |
| ECON 101--Econ Way of Think | 3 | |
| WRIT 101W--College Writing I | 3 | |
| MATH 150--Liberal Arts Math | 3 | |
| PS 102--Plnt Sci,Res,& Envir | 3 | |
| AGED 251--Leadership Dev | 3 | |
| University Core and Electives | 4 | |
| 16 | 16 | |
| Sophomore Year | F | S |
| TE 207--Materials and Processes | 4 | |
| AGED 105--Microcomputers in Agri | 3 | |
| AOT 201--Surveying Applications | 1 | |
| ARNR 240--Prin Natrl Res Ecology | 3 | |
| ARNR 320--Animal Nutrition | 4 | |
| BUS 201--Managerial Communication | 3 | |
| GEOG 211--Map Skills | 3 | |
| PHYS 205--College Physics I | 4 | |
| LRES 201--Soil Resource | 3 | |
| University Core and Electives | 2 | 2 |
| 19 | 13 | |
| Junior Year | F | S |
| AGEC 337--Ag Law | 3 | |
| AGED 333--Const Tech | 3 | |
| AGED 314--Power Syst Oper Contrl | 4 | |
| AGED 316--Agricult Trans Systems | 4 | |
| AOT 401--Ag Struct & Envrmt | 3 | |
| AOT 405--Ag in Precision Ag | 3 | |
| MET 315--Welding Tech I | 4 | |
| TE 230--2-D Comp Aided Draftng | 3 | |
| University Core and Electives | 3 | 2 |
| 16 | 16 | |
| Senior Year | F | S |
| LRES 357--GPS Fundamentals | 3 | |
| AOT 417--Food/Fiber | 3 | |
| AOT 419--Machinery Management | 3 | |
| AOT 425--Water Management | 3 | |
| 3 | ||
| University Core and Electives | 5 | 7 |
| 11 | 13 |
| Electives include the following: | Credits |
|---|---|
| Business/Economics | 6 |
| Agriculture | 8 |
| Open & Core electives | 11 |
A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be numbered 300 and above.
