Agricultural Operations Technology Degree to be Offered Jointly

06/30/98 BOZEMAN -- Montana State University-Northern and MSU-Bozeman will jointly offer a four-year bachelor of science degree in agricultural operations technology.

The program allows students to take a core of classes locally and use distance learning technologies to take specialized classes at the other campus.

"The program draws on the strengths of both campuses and incorporates the newest in learning technology," says Tom Welch, an MSU-Northern professor of agricultural technology.

"Integrated knowledge in both technology and agriculture will be featured in the AOT degree," adds Van Shelhamer, MSU-Bozeman professor of agricultural education.

The AOT degree program will expose students at both campuses to resources unique to each school. For example, students at MSU-Bozeman can benefit from courses in applied mechanical technology offered only at MSU-Northern. Similarly, students at MSU-Northern can benefit from courses like the one on range watershed management offered only at MSU-Bozeman.

The agricultural operations technology program will prepare students for careers requiring integration of applied technologies, agricultural sciences and agribusiness.

The curriculum includes both hands-on learning with technologies and instruction in agricultural sciences and agribusiness. Students complete a common set of basic classes and then complete their program with agribusiness, production agriculture or agricultural mechanics electives specific to their career goals and interests.

Graduates typically would be hired by companies and agencies that provide products and services to agricultural or agribusiness, would be owners or operators of farms or ranches, or in ag-related consulting.

"Agriculture needs people able to use, service and manage today's advanced agricultural technologies," says Welch. "The AOT degree is a marvelous match for students who have a strong interest in technologies and agriculture."

The cooperation also is a step toward fulfilling the Montana Board of Regents' request that state campuses combine resources and use distance learning technologies.

"With this sharing of resources, the campuses compliment rather than compete with each other," adds Clay Marlow, associate dean of MSU-Bozeman's College of Agriculture.

Send questions or comments to Carol Flaherty, MSU Communications Services, Bozeman, MT 59717 or to Flaherty with this link: carolf@montana.edu.

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