Mar 28, 2024  
2011-2012 General Catalog 
    
2011-2012 General Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

Agricultural Systems Technology and Education


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Departments and Programs

Department Head: Bruce E. Miller
Location: Agricultural Systems Technology and Education 101C
Phone: (435) 797-2230
FAX: (435) 797-4002
E-mail: bruce.miller@usu.edu
WWW: http://www.usu.edu/aste/

Undergraduate Advisor for Agricultural Systems Technology, Agricultural Education, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, and Agricultural Machinery Technology:

Taylor Adams, AGSC 254, (435) 797-7091, taylor.adams@usu.edu

Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Agricultural Education; BS in Agricultural Communication and Journalism (offered jointly with Journalism and Communication Department); BS, Master of Science (MS) in Agricultural Systems Technology; BS in Family and Consumer Sciences Education; Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Agricultural Machinery Technology; One-year Certificate in Agricultural Machinery Technology

Undergraduate emphases: BS—Agricultural Systems Technology: Agribusiness and Agricultural Mechanization

Graduate specializations: MS—Agricultural Extension Education, Agricultural Mechanization, Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Extension, International Agricultural Extension, and Secondary and Postsecondary Agricultural Education

Undergraduate Programs

Objectives

The programs offered in the Agricultural Systems Technology and Education Department are for students who are preparing for positions as family and consumer sciences or agricultural education teachers, as well as for positions in family and consumer sciences education or agricultural extension, agricultural mechanization, agribusiness and communication, and agricultural production and management.

The facilities for these programs include laboratories with specially designed equipment for practical instruction in agricultural systems and mechanization, including computer applications, agribusiness, agricultural buildings, engines, electricity, hydraulics, machinery, and repair welding. Family and Consumer Sciences Education students use laboratories equipped for instruction in secondary education, clothing production, textile science, early childhood education, nutrition, and interior design.

Requirements

Departmental Admission Requirements

Admission requirements  for the Department of Agricultural Systems Technology and Education are the same as those described for the University. Students in good standing may apply for admission to the department.

Suggested Four-year Plans

Suggested semester-by-semester four-year plans for students working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in majors are available in the Department of Agricultural Systems Technology and Education.

Students should consult with their advisor  to develop a plan of study tailored to their individual needs and interests.

Departmental Honors

Students who would like to experience greater academic depth within their major are encouraged to enroll in departmental honors. Through original, independent work, Honors students enjoy the benefits of close supervision and mentoring, as they work one-on-one with faculty in select upper-division departmental courses. Honors students also complete a senior project, which provides another opportunity to collaborate with faculty on a problem that is significant, both personally and in the student’s discipline. Participating in departmental honors enhances students’ chances for obtaining fellowships and admission to graduate school. Minimum GPA requirements for participation in departmental honors vary by department, but usually fall within the range of 3.30-3.50. Students may enter the Honors Program at almost any stage in their academic career, including at the junior (and sometimes senior) level. The campus-wide Honors Program, which is open to all qualified students regardless of major, offers a rich array of cultural and social activities, special classes, and the benefit of Honors early registration. Interested students should contact the Honors Program, Main 15, (435) 797-2715, honors@usu.edu. Additional information can be found online at: http://www.usu.edu/honors/

Additional Information

For further information about undergraduate programs and requirements in the Department of Agricultural Systems Technology and Education, see the major requirement sheets, which can be obtained from the department.

Graduate Programs

Admission Requirements

See general admission requirements . Applications will be considered throughout the year. However, students who wish to be considered for financial aid must apply by February 1 for the coming academic year. No application will be considered until all required information arrives at the office of the School of Graduate Studies.

Research

The Utah Agricultural Experiment Station, a component of the College of Agriculture, supports graduate work in several areas of Agricultural Systems Technology and Education. Other state and federal agencies also support research in agricultural systems.

Financial Assistance

Both departmental and formal grant support are available to graduate students and are awarded on a competitive basis. Students requesting financial support should apply to the department.

Research assistantships are available through faculty members who have ongoing projects with the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station or who hold special research grants from the University, private companies, or state-federal agencies. Acceptance to pursue graduate study does not guarantee the student financial assistance.

Requirement Changes

Graduation requirements described in this catalog are subject to change. Students should check with their departments concerning possible changes.

Agricultural Systems Technology and Education Faculty

Professors
Bruce E. Miller, agricultural systems and mechanization
Gary S. Straquadine, agricultural education/extension

Adjunct Professor
Kevin C. Kesler, 4-H and youth development programs

Professors Emeritus
Gilbert A. Long, agricultural education
Weldon S. Sleight, extension education

Associate Professors
F. Richard Beard, research and extension, agricultural engineering
Rhonda L. Miller, sustainable agriculture/agricultural systems

Assistant Professors
Rebecca Lawver, agricultural education, teacher preparation
Michael Pate, agricultural machinery technology, agricultural systems
Lindsey Shirley, family and consumer sciences education, teacher preparation
Brian K. Warnick, agricultural education, teacher preparation

Lecturers
Royce Hatch, agricultural machinery technology
Luella Oaks, apparel production and textiles
Afifa Sabir, education and outreach, Biotechnology Center
Eric B. Worthen, agricultural systems
Julie P. Wheeler, family and consumer sciences education

Academic Advisor
Taylor Adams, Agricultural Systems Technology and Education, Family and Consumer Sciences Education

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Departments and Programs