2024-2025 General Catalog
Applied Sciences, Technology and Education
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Department Head: Rebecca G. Lawver
Location: Agricultural Systems Technology and Education 101C
Phone: (435) 797-2230
Fax: (435) 797-4002
E-mail: rebecca.lawver@usu.edu
Website: aste.usu.edu
Overview
The Applied Sciences, Technology and Education Department provides instruction to students seeking a certificate or an associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degrees. These innovative degree programs allow students to gain expertise in the fields of agriculture, applied sciences, machinery and technology. Teacher licensure in Agricultural Education, Business Education, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, and Technology and Engineering Education are available.
The Applied Sciences, Technology and Education Department is accessible to students throughout Utah with faculty located at Utah State University campus, in Logan and online. Students are encouraged to enhance their education through the hands-on application using specialized classrooms and laboratories.
Degrees Offered:
Certificate and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Agricultural Machinery Technology
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Agricultural Systems Technology and Agribusiness (Composite), Agricultural Communication, Agricultural Systems Technology, Agricultural Education, Business Education, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Technology and Engineering Education.
Undergraduate Emphases: Community Based Agricultural Education, School Based Agricultural Education, Community Based Family and Consumer Science Education, School Based Family and Consumer Science Education, Technology and Engineering Education, Skilled and Technical Sciences Education
Undergraduate Minors: Non-formal and Community Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Career and Technical Education
Master of Science (M.S.) Agricultural Extension and Education, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Technology and Engineering Education
Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Career and Technical Education
Full details of the learning objectives, assessment plan, student outcomes, and evidence of continuous improvement for these programs of study can be found at aste.usu.edu/assessment.
ASTE Mission Statement
The mission of the Applied Sciences, Technology and Education Department is to apply the Land Grant University philosophy to our teaching and learning, research and discovery, and community connections. The Department applies a multidisciplinary systems science approach to agricultural and applied science interests through the advancement of agricultural systems, formal and non-formal career and technical education, communication, and Extension. The Department brings enthusiasm to the mission, vision, and strategic direction of Utah State University through our commitment to exceptional learning experiences, impactful research, community contributions, and inclusive culture.
Undergraduate Programs
ASTE offers both a one-year technology certificate and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Agricultural Machinery Technology. The one-year certificate program is designed to familiarize students with the agricultural equipment industry, and the associate degree serves as a second-year continuation of the certificate program. This degree may transition into the bachelor’s program in agricultural systems technology or agricultural education if desired.
The Agricultural Systems Technology (BS) degree prepares individuals to manage agricultural systems and agribusinesses with the application of sound technical, economical, and environmental practices. The focal point of the program is on the management, use, and troubleshooting of agricultural technology. Students’ coursework typically involves a broad foundation through real-world instruction in power and machine systems, natural resources conservation, electricity and electronics, precision agriculture technologies, and agricultural structural systems.
Students in the Agricultural Communication (BS) degree take coursework in various agricultural disciplines, including animal science, plant science, agricultural economics, nutrition, and landscape architecture. They also take courses in video production, photography, graphic design, website design, marketing and sales, and agricultural communication. This training provides students with the basic knowledge to draw from as they communicate the importance of the agriculture, food, and natural resource industry.
The Agricultural Education Bachelor of Science program prepares students for careers as educators in agriculture. The School Based Agricultural Education emphasis (BS) prepares students for teacher licensure in Agricultural Education. Students choosing this emphasis must also be admitted to the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) administered by the College of Human Services and complete student teaching. The Community Based Agricultural Education emphasis (BS) prepares students in nonformal and community education including but not limited to Extension education, government agencies, and private and corporate educators. Students take courses in technical agriculture areas, including agricultural economics; agricultural mechanization; animal, dairy, and veterinary sciences; plant and soil science; and natural resources.
The Business Education program is delivered at our Statewide campuses. The Business Education (BS) combines the fundamentals of business with skill in teaching those principles to Junior High and High School students. Students are prepared in topics such as accounting, management, business, web design, and image and video editing. Students explore and apply concepts in the business field through clinical and student teaching experiences. Students choosing this major must also be admitted to the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) administered by the College of Human Services.
Family and Consumer Sciences Education prepares students for family life, work life, and careers in family and consumer sciences by providing learning opportunities and experiences to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors needed for living and working in a global society. The School Based Family and Consumer Sciences emphasis (BS) prepares students to be middle and secondary educators. Students choosing this major must also be admitted to the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) administered by the College of Human Services. The Community Based Family and Consumer Sciences emphasis (BS) prepares students in nonformal and community education including but not limited to Extension education, government agencies, and private and corporate educators.
A Bachelor of Science degree in Technology and Engineering Education prepares students to become highly qualified high school or middle school Technology and Engineering teachers who can help students develop the technological literacy and technical skills that are increasingly necessary in our changing world. The Technology and Engineering Education emphasis (BS) is designed to prepare graduates for rewarding careers as teachers in Technology and Engineering at the middle school and high school levels. Technology and Engineering Education students develop their ability to use technological tools, processes, and systems safely and effectively in a laboratory setting by taking classes in a wide variety of technical areas, including Manufacturing, Automation/Robotics, Construction, Information Technology, Agricultural Technology, Transportation/Logistics, and more. The Skilled and Technical Sciences emphasis (BS) is for students who wish to teach a specific trade, such as welding, automotive mechanics, manufacturing, and more. Graduates from this emphasis work as teachers of Career & Technical Education courses in these areas at the high school or post-high school level.
Academic Advising
Successful completion of an undergraduate degree program in the ASTE department requires that a very close student-academic advisor relationship be established and continued through each student’s bachelor’s degree program. Each student must take the responsibility of establishing this close working relationship with their advisor. Doing this soon after a student’s acceptance into the department can keep academic problems to a minimum.
Undergraduate Academic Advisors:
Marci Chidester, Agricultural Systems Technology, Agricultural Communication, Agricultural Education
AGRS 417 (435) 797-8434, marci.chidester@usu.edu
Caisa Shoop, Business Education, Family and Consumer Sciences
AGRS 420, (435) 797-4275, caisa.shoop@usu.edu
Advising appointments can be made at: caas.usu.edu/advising or call (435) 797-2282
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for the Department of Applied Sciences, Technology and Education are the same as those described for the university for incoming freshman and most transfer students. See individual program listings for additional information and requirements.
University Honors Program
The University Honors Program offers students in all colleges and majors the unique opportunity to deepen their educational experience with hands-on practical applications of their academic knowledge. The Honors Program admits incoming, transfer, and existing USU students based on application. High-achieving students with at least one year remaining are encouraged to apply. See the University Honors Program catalog entry and website (honors.usu.edu) for more information.
Additional Information
For further information about undergraduate programs and requirements, visit the website: aste.usu.edu
Graduate Programs
The graduate programs in the Applied Sciences, Technology, and Education department focus on a wide range of teaching and learning skills for application in formal and nonformal educational settings. The goals of these degree programs are to increase effectiveness as an educator, increase earning potential, and expand career options. The graduate programs in ASTE are 100% Online. Graduate Program Coordinator:
Carrie Milligan
435-797-1833
Degrees Offered:
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Career and Technical Education
Master of Science (M.S.) Agricultural Extension and Education, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Technology and Engineering Education
Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Career and Technical Education
Full details of the learning objectives, assessment plan, student outcomes, and evidence of continuous improvement for these programs of study can be found at aste.usu.edu/assessment.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for the graduate program for the Master of Education, Master of Science, and Doctorate of Philosophy in the ASTE department are found at ASTE Graduate Admissions. Applications must be completed and submitted to the School of Graduate Studies.
Research
The ASTE Department conducts a broad range of basic, applied (action), and evaluation social-science research in the areas of agricultural communication, agricultural literacy, agricultural safety, agricultural systems technology, career and technical education, curriculum and instruction, environmental quality, leadership, non-formal education, Science Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and teaching and learning. In addition to state and federal agencies that support research in the Applied Sciences, Technology and Education Department, the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station, a component of the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, supports research in several areas.
Financial Assistance
On-campus teaching or research assistantships may be 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. Students on a graduate assistantship must be admitted to the program and be based at the Logan campus. Additional departmental or formal grant support may be available to graduate students and is awarded on a competitive basis to students.
Acceptance to pursue graduate study does not guarantee the student financial assistance.
Students interested in graduate assistantships may contact Carrie Milligan carrie.milligan@usu.edu. Applications for graduate assistantships for the following academic year must be submitted by March 1.
Requirement Changes
Graduation requirements described in this catalog are subject to change. Students should check with their academic advisor concerning possible changes.
FACULTY - College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
ProgramsAssociate of Applied Science (AAS)Bachelor of Science (BS)CertificateDoctor of Philosophy (PhD)Institutional Certificate of Proficiency (ICP)Master of Education (MEd)Master of Science (MS)Minor
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