Agriculture Science Program Map

The AS Degree in Agriculture Science program connects plant science and soil science to crop production practices such as fertility, irrigation, and pest management in agriculture systems. Courses cover areas of scientific principles, economic marketplaces, societal food systems, and crop production to equip you with the skills to grow agriculture commodities. Challenges facing agriculture are opportunities for you to dig in, get dirty, and solve problems. Come and explore how agriculture science can support communities in California and beyond. California ranks first in the nation in annual gross agricultural returns. The livestock industry and over 400 specialty crops provide a variety of career choices. Employment is found on ranches and farms, as well as the vast agriculture service industry. Career opportunities also exist with governmental agencies and non-profits as well as agriculture education.

Program detailsAward, code, department, CIP/TOP

Community of interest: ITAG Industrial Technologies & Agriculture
Award: AS Degree
Program code: 01298.02AS
Department: AG Plant/Animal Sci
CIP code: 01.0000: Agriculture, General.
TOP code: 0101.00 - Agriculture Technology and Sciences, General*

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Agriculture Science

AS Degree

The Associate of Science is typically awarded for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. Like every Butte College associate degree, it has two parts: a general-education curriculum that gives you a broad base of knowledge, and an academic program where you specialize.

About General Education. GE is an integrated program of learning designed to foster intellectual curiosity, cultural understanding, critical thinking, creative reasoning, oral and written communication, and the capacity for ethical reasoning. By graduation, you'll have developed the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, apply quantitative reasoning, understand how the major academic disciplines ask their questions, comprehend diverse cultures and historical periods, and assess ethical problems — alongside the depth you build in your major.

See the 2026-27 Catalog for official program details

Semester-by-Semester Map

Term 1

Class Schedules

16 units

AB 20

Careers in Agriculture, Environmental Science and Natural Resources

1 units

Meets Graduation Requirement.

This course is a study of the agriculture, environmental science and natural resources industries with a focus on career opportunities, self evaluation, and skills necessary for successful job procurement. Topics include job trends, resumes and cover letters, interviewing skills, and the types of careers available in agriculture, environmental science, and natural resources.

View full course outline for AB 20

AB 25

Computer Applications in Agriculture

3 units

This course covers computer use in the workplace with emphasis on agribusiness situations. Computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation managers will be covered. Also included will be accessing information through the internet and telecommunications, an introduction to web page design and other software appropriate to agribusiness. Application of these concepts and methods through hands-on projects developing computer-based solutions for agriculture business. (C-ID AG-AB 108).

View full course outline for AB 25

AGS 10

World Food and Hunger Issues

3 units

Meets Area 4.

This course is a study of the world's food needs with emphasis on the problems and policies of developing nations. The course will examine the evolution from hunter-gatherer to domesticated agriculture and the role agriculture currently plays in the sustainability of economic and political progress of developing nations and the ethical and environmental implications.

View full course outline for AGS 10

AGS 20

Plant Science

3 units

Meets Area 5.

This course is an introduction to plant science including structure, growth processes, propagation, physiology, growth media, biological competitors, and post-harvest factors of food, fiber, and ornamental plants. (C-ID AG-PS 104).

View full course outline for AGS 20

EH 60

Principles of Integrated Pest Management

3 units

Examines the origin, history, and management of insect, plant pathogen, weed, and other pests of agricultural, horticultural, and landscape crops. Consideration of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and practices in conventional, organic, residue-free, and sustainable agriculture. Pest biology and ecology is studied to demonstrate the various IPM technologies used for economic crop production. Pesticide regulations, toxicity, application, and materials for specific uses are examined.

View full course outline for EH 60

General Education: Area 6

Ethnic Studies

The histories, experiences, and contributions of the four autonomous disciplines: Black / African American / Africana studies, Native American studies, Chicano/a/x and Latino/a/x studies, and Asian American studies.

Term 2

Class Schedules

17–18 units

AET 34

Farm Machinery

3 units

This course involves the design principles, uses, maintenance, adjustment, calibration, and repair of machinery used in California agriculture. Emphasis is placed on primary and secondary tillage, planting, chemical application, and harvesting equipment. Selection and operation of both machinery and tractors will be practiced. Safety will be stressed throughout.

View full course outline for AET 34

AGS 50

General Soils

4 units

Meets Area 5.

The study of soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Soil use and management including erosion, moisture retention, structure, cultivation, organic matter and microbiology. Laboratory topics include soil type, classification, soil reaction, soil fertility and physical properties of soil. (C-ID AG-PS 128L).

View full course outline for AGS 50

EH 38

Greenhouse Production

3 units

This course is a survey of the greenhouse industry. Emphasis will be placed on analysis, description, and operation of greenhouses and other forcing structures. The relationship of light, temperature, moisture, aeration, and humidity to plant growth will be described. Emphasis will be placed on potted plants grown for foliage or flowers, cut flowers and bedding plant production.

View full course outline for EH 38

Select one: Meets Area 2

Required

4 units

Choose one of 2 choices

STAT C1000
Introduction to Statistics
4 units
course details
This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines. (C-ID MATH 110).
Prerequisite: Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra
View full course outline for STAT C1000
+−
STAT C1000E
Introduction to Statistics
4 units
course details
This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines. This course has embedded support. (C-ID MATH 110).
Prerequisite: Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra
View full course outline for STAT C1000E
+−

General Education: Area 1A

English Composition

Baccalaureate-level academic writing — expository and argumentative. The foundation for every other course you'll write in.

Term 3 (Summer intersession)

Class Schedules

2 units

AGS 99

Work Experience-AGS

0.5–8 units

Work experience is an experiential course where students apply what they have learned in the classroom to a work environment. The course offers students the opportunity to develop technical skills, explore possible career choices, build confidence, network with people in the field, and transition into the world of work. Work experience may include paid or unpaid employment. Students may earn one semester unit of college credit in this course for every fifty-one hours of work experience. Students may enroll in this course up to 8 unit(s) to complete the entire curriculum of the course. A maximum of sixteen units can be earned in work experience courses during a student’s enrollment with Butte College.

Prerequisite: Permission of Work Experience Education instructor and employment supervisor

View full course outline for AGS 99

Term 4

Class Schedules

16 units

AB 22

Agricultural Economics

3 units

Meets Area 4.

This course covers the place of agriculture and farming in the economic system. Topics include basic economic concepts, problems of agriculture, pricing and marketing problems, factors of production, and state and federal farm programs that affect the farmer's economic position. (C-ID AG-AB 124).

View full course outline for AB 22

COMM C1000

Introduction to Public Speaking

3 units

Meets Area 1B/C.

In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. (C-ID COMM 110).

View full course outline for COMM C1000

Select one:

Required

3 units

Choose one of 2 choices

AGS 40
Introduction to Animal Science
3 units
course details
A scientific approach to the livestock industry encompassing aspects of animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, genetics and epidemiology. Emphasis on the origin, characteristics, adaptations and contributions of livestock to the modern agriculture industry. Field trips may be required. (C-ID AG-AS 104).
View full course outline for AGS 40
+−
AGS 45
Feeds and Feeding
3 units
course details
This course is a study of the basic nutrients involved in animal nutrition: protein, energy, vitamins, minerals and feed additives and their utilization by the animal's body. An analysis of the feeding value of common feedstuffs in practical livestock rations will be completed. Students will be introduced to the formulation of balanced rations for species of livestock including least cost computer formulated rations.
View full course outline for AGS 45
+−

Elective (any course numbered 1-199 or C1000-C2999)

Only necessary if the 60 units needed to graduate have not been completed. Consider taking a Cal-GETC General Education course. Visit www.assist.org to see options.

Term 5

Class Schedules

9–10 units

EH 66

Orchard Production and Management

3 units

This course is an introduction to the management of fruit and nut trees. Topics include climate zones, soil selection, financing, farm organization, irrigation systems, field layout, varietal selection, nutritional needs, harvesting, labor management, marketing, and budgeting.

View full course outline for EH 66

Electives (Select one):

Required

3 units

Choose one of 3 choices

AGS 30
Ecology of Insect and Disease Management
3 units
course details
A study of the scientific principles and concepts of ecologically based pest management, with emphasis on economically important insects and pathogens in agriculture, environmental horticulture, natural resources, parks and recreation. Included is an introduction to insects and disease organisms including their biology, ecology, identification and management with a focus on plants of the local geographic area.
View full course outline for AGS 30
+−
AGS 51
Fertilizers and Plant Nutrition
3 units
course details
This course examines the composition, value, selection, and application of fertilizer materials and soil amendments, including natural organic and synthetic amendments, in relation to soil, plant, and fertilizer interactions. Emphasis is placed on current application practices utilized in California agriculture.
View full course outline for AGS 51
+−
AGS 75
Introduction to Agricultural Education
3 units
course details
This course is an overview of agricultural education in California. The principle components of agricultural education are evaluated, including classroom instruction, student leadership development, and student workplace preparation. Effective program development for a secondary agriculture education program will also be evaluated.
View full course outline for AGS 75
+−

General Education: Area 3

Arts and Humanities

How people and cultures, across time, respond to themselves and the world through artistic and cultural creative production. Visual and performing arts, art history, foreign languages, literature, philosophy, religion.

Career Connections

2-Year Degree Paths

Entry points students may pursue after associate-level study, technical preparation, or licensure pathways.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset point cleanly to an immediate 2-year outcome for this program.

4-Year Degree Paths

Roles that more often open up after transfer and a bachelor's degree.

Example roles: 4

Soil and Plant Scientists
Food Scientists and Technologists
Animal Scientists

Graduate School Paths

Advanced roles commonly associated with graduate, professional, or post-baccalaureate study.

Example roles: 1

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Local Job Market

Soil and Plant ScientistsSOC 19-1013no nearby openings indexed

No nearby openings matched any of: agricultural scientist, soil scientist. Browse this occupation on Adzuna for postings outside the mapped keyword set.

Food Scientists and TechnologistsSOC 19-1012no nearby openings indexed

No nearby openings matched any of: food scientists and technologist, food scientist. Browse this occupation on Adzuna for postings outside the mapped keyword set.

Animal ScientistsSOC 19-1011no nearby openings indexed

No nearby openings matched any of: animal scientist. Browse this occupation on Adzuna for postings outside the mapped keyword set.

Agricultural TechniciansSOC 19-4012no nearby openings indexed

No nearby openings matched any of: agricultural technician. Browse this occupation on Adzuna for postings outside the mapped keyword set.

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, PostsecondarySOC 25-1041no nearby openings indexed

No nearby openings matched any of: Agricultural Sciences instructor, Agricultural Sciences teacher, agricultural sciences teachers postsecondary, agricultural sciences teacher. Browse this occupation on Adzuna for postings outside the mapped keyword set.

Posting counts come from Adzuna's index of US job boards, covering the last up to 90 days within up to 100 miles of ZIP 95965. Coverage and salary visibility vary by employer. Empty searches expand the radius and posting window before the section gives up.

Source Notes

Course sequencing is generated from the Acadia Program Mapper cache. Career groupings use local CIP-to-SOC mappings and BLS occupation data when available. Confirm education plans with Counseling and Advising.

Live wage data was not available from the BLS helper for the mapped occupations, so some pay fields may be blank.

Last generated 2026-07-05T16:47+00:00

Program Snapshot

Next Steps

2-Year Degree Paths

4-Year Degree Paths

Graduate School Paths

Source Notes