Person inspecting plant and documenting on tablet in the field.
Agricultural and Food Systems

Agricultural Technology & Production Management

AgTM students have a passion for integrating traditional and pioneering knowledge in efficient production of food and agriculture systems.
CAHNRS > Academics > Undergraduate Programs > Agricultural Technology & Production Management

Explore the Possibilities

In this hands-on major, students gain a science-based overview of agriculture and food systems, with an emphasis on the practical application of technology to agricultural production systems.

The program combines students’ inherent creativity and interest in physical and biological sciences, technology, mathematics, business, and related subjects with their desire to develop innovative solutions to a variety of agricultural challenges.

AFS Degree

The Agricultural and Food Systems (AFS) degree focuses on vital aspects of food systems ranging from plant and animal production to agricultural markets, sustainability, and access to healthy food. In AFS, you will learn the science informing practice, policy, and consumer behavior in a wide range of careers in agriculture and food systems. 

Contact

509-335-8406
cahnrs.majors@wsu.edu

Agricultural & Food Systems website

Career Opportunities

  • Agriculture Technology or Production Sales Rep.
  • Multinational Marketing Manager
  • Precision Technology Specialist
  • Agronomist
  • Food Quality Assurance Specialist
  • Farm and Field Manager
Young scientist holding tray with seedlings above microscope in greenhouse. Plant protection and biotechnology concept.

Quick Facts

$50-65k+ Average starting salary of AgTM graduates
$77,000+ Awarded annually in scholarships
2 Associated minors
16:1 Student to faculty ratio

Major Requirements

Minimum Total Credits: 120 credits

Your program may include different courses. Consult with your advisor about the best combination and order of courses for you. Visit the WSU Catalog for a list of required courses for this major and course descriptions.

General Education Requirements: 40 credits

AFS Core Requirements: 24 credits

  • AFS 201: System Skills Development for AFS – 3 credits
  • ANIM_SCI 101: Intro to Animal Science or FS 110: Intro to Food Science – 3 credits
  • BIOLOGY 106: Intro to Organismal Biology, BIOLOGY 107: Cell Biology & Genetics, or BIOLOGY 120: Botany –  3 credits
  • CHEM 102: Principles of Chemistry II – 3 credits
  • CROP_SCI/HORT 102: Cultivated Plants – 3 credits
  • ECONS 350: Intro to Farm & Ranch Management or ECONS 352: Business Management Economics – 3 credits
  • SOIL_SCI 201: Soil: A Living System – 3 credits
  • System Based Courses – 3 credits

AgTM Core Requirements: 34 credits

  • ACCTG 220: Accounting for non-Business Majors – 3 credits
  • AFS 102: Professional Development in Ag –  1 credit
  • AFS 103: Field Experience in Agricultural & Food Systems – 1 credit
  • AFS 336: Ag Environment & Community or SOE 312: Natural Resources, Society, & the Environment – 3 credits
  • AGTM 305: Ag Precision Systems – 3 credits
  •  AGTM 314: Ag Power Units & Mobile Electrical Systems – 3 credits
  •  AGTM 315: Irrigation Systems & Water Management – 3 credits
  •  AGTM 330: Electrical Power Systems for Ag – 3 credits
  •  AGTM 405: Advanced Ag Precision Systems – 2 credits
  •  AGTM 412: Human & Machinery Risk Management – 3 credits
  •  AGTM 416: Fluid Power Systems – 3 credits
  •  CROP_SCI 305: Ecology & Management of Weeds – 3 credits
  •  ENGLISH 402: Technical & Professional Writing – 3 credits

Electives Outside the Major: 13-22 credits

As a WSU student, I learned business economics, crop management, and precision technology – all of which prepared me for my future career in agronomy.

Francisco “Paco” Gonzalez, BS in AFS-AgTM, PhD in Horticulture
WSU personnel inspecting equipment for plants.