School of Agriculture

http://www.uwplatt.edu/soa

Director: Mark Zidon
Office: 219 Pioneer Tower
Phone: 608-342-1393
E-mail: soa@uwplatt.edu
Professors:
Kevin Bernhardt
Michael Compton
Michael O. Mee
Robert Nusbaum
Susan G. Price
Mark Zidon
Associate Professors:
Thomas Hunt
Rami Reddy
John Tembei
Assistant Professors:
Christopher Baxter
Richard Bockhop
Annie Kinwa-Muzinga
David Kopsell
Academic Staff:
Dennis Busch
Alicia Prill-Adams
Randy Mentz
Jodi McDermott
Cory Weigel
Phil Wyse

Majors:

Agribusiness Major:
Commodity and Price Analysis Emphasis
Communications and Marketing Emphasis
Comprehensive Emphasis
Engineering Technology Emphasis
International Emphasis
Management Emphasis
Agricultural Education Major:
Agribusiness (Non-Teaching) Emphasis
Comprehensive (Teaching) Emphasis
Animal Science Major:
Agribusiness Emphasis
Dairy Emphasis
International Emphasis
Meat and Livestock Emphasis
Science Emphasis
Ornamental Horticulture Major:
Breeding and Genetics Emphasis
Business and Marketing Emphasis
International Emphasis
Science and Technology Emphasis
Reclamation, Environment & Conservation Major:
Biological Emphasis
Chemistry Emphasis
Physical Emphasis
Soil and Crop Science Major:
Agribusiness Emphasis
Comprehensive Emphasis
International Emphasis
Plant Breeding and Genetics Emphasis

Minors:

Agribusiness
Animal Science
Biotechnology
Horticulture
Soil & Crop Science

Pre-Professional Program Major:

Pre-Veterinary Medicine

About the School and Majors

The School of Agriculture (SOA) offers programs designed to enable graduates to assume responsible positions for the future production and distribution of food in the United States and in the world. The school is particularly proud of alumni achievements including agricultural leadership in Wisconsin, the United States and other countries.

The School has two major objectives:

  1. To provide students with general education in the biological, physical and social sciences and to introduce them to the arts and humanities
  2. To provide a relevant and challenging education that will enable students to enter and advance in the professional agricultural career of their choice

Students in the SOA may choose from six possible majors: agribusiness, agricultural education, animal science, ornamental horticulture, reclamation environment and conservation, and soil and crop science. A non-teaching agribusiness emphasis exists in agricultural education. An engineering technology emphasis in the agribusiness major provides an opportunity for students with career interests in that area. Available minors include agribusiness; animal science; biotechnology, horticulture; and soil and crop science. An international emphasis is available in agribusiness, animal science, ornamental horticulture and soil and crop science. Details are given under each major. Students interested in veterinary medicine may enroll in the pre-veterinary program.

Facilities

Classroom instruction within the field of agriculture requires experimentation, observation, and practical application of scientific information. Students majoring in agriculture use classroom laboratories and a 430-acre laboratory and demonstration farm for their course work. The farm also provides opportunities for applied research with a systems approach. All students have the opportunity to observe and apply approved management practices in animal science; feed processing and storage; farm power and machinery; and crops, soils and water conservation. In classroom laboratories students learn modern applications of biotechnology, computer technology, and engineering technology.

The university farm activities are centered on a systems approach. The university's farm livestock program includes dairy cattle, beef cattle, and swine. Experimental plots of Midwest cereal and forage crops, weed control and agronomic practices are planned and implemented by students as part of their course work. A global positioning system (precision farming) is used for field crops. An orchard, small fruit plantings, and flower beds serve as demonstration areas for classroom use. Agricultural field machinery and farmstead equipment are available for observation, test and analysis.

A new 6,000 square foot greenhouse surrounded by 25,000 square feet designated for gardens is located on campus to support classroom activities and laboratories for biology, horticulture, reclamation, environment and conservation, and soil and crop science. Students are involved in research projects involving resources in the greenhouse.

Internship Program

The internship program involves a supervised program of practices in such areas as plant and animal breeding; soil conservation; farm machinery and equipment; food processing and canning; farm supply and service; agricultural credit; agricultural engineering; marketing; business management; federal crop insurance; statistical reporting services; plant and animal nutrition; and farm management. The program provides SOA majors and potential employees an opportunity to become acquainted with a particular area through work experience. SOA students expressing interest in possible employment with an industry or agency may be selected to participate in this program.

Campus Organizations

Students enrolled in the SOA are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as athletics, music, art, drama and a vast array of social events. In addition, 18 campus organizations serve the special interests of students majoring in agriculture.

The school has many successful judging teams that compete in national contests. The soil judging teams have won more national championships than any other university in the nation. Additional judging teams participate in dairy, meats, meat animal, crops, weeds, flower and marketing competitions.

General Requirements

Bachelor of Science Degree

Agribusiness

Mission of the Agribusiness Program

Wisconsin’s agricultural industry of production, processing, distribution, retail and services generates $84 plus billion in annual state revenue per year, making it the largest industry in Wisconsin. Wisconsin’s agricultural industry means jobs; 22 percent of the workforce relies directly on agriculture. The same story can be told in the surrounding regional states of Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota. With job placement near 100 percent, the baccalaureate degree program in agribusiness is a direct feed into the number one industry of the state and region - Agriculture.

The agribusiness industry is unique in several ways including:

Mission Statement

The purpose and obligation of the Agribusiness program and faculty are to serve students, parents of students, employers and citizens by turning out students who excel in their preparedness and capacity to compete for desired careers in the agribusiness industry, and be successful at accomplishing both business and personal goals. This will be accomplished through the learning and application of business, economic and agricultural science theories, tools and processes, and through the development of the “whole” student via the university’s general education requirements.

The agribusiness program’s curriculum structure includes core courses required to be taken by all students. In addition students must choose either a minor or one of the following Agribusiness Areas of Emphasis:

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will gain knowledge, comprehend, apply, analyze, synthesize and/or evaluate, as appropriate, principles, tools and processes in the following overall areas:

  1. Agribusiness Management Principles
  2. Economic Principles and Concepts
  3. Financial Analysis and Record-Keeping
  4. Agricultural Science
  5. Mathematical and Quantitative Tools of Agribusines Management and Analysis
  6. Commodity and Identity-Based Marketing
  7. Oral and Written Communication Skills
  8. Professional and Personal Development
  9. Experiential - Crash Site - Learning
  10. Working understanding of the current status and trends in the local and global structure of the agriculture and food system.

Specific student learning outcomes for each of the overall areas is available upon request from the director of the program.

Agribusiness Major with Minor

Required Core SOA Courses (12 credits):

Required Agribusiness Courses: (32 credits):

AGINDUS 1500 Introduction to Agribusiness will count within the Agribusiness major. For students in the Engineering Technology Emphasis, AGINDUS 1750 Equipment, Structure and Power Systems will count toward the Agribusiness major.

Electives (12 credits):

Electives can be any course chosen by the student and approved by the advisor.

Minor (24 credits):

Select a 24 credit university minor to complete the degree.

Agribusiness Comprehensive Major

Course work includes completion of required core and an emphasis area.

Required Core SOA Courses (12 credits):

Required Agribusiness Courses (32 credits):

Commodity and Price Analysis Emphasis (34 credits)

Required Courses (17 credits):

Select 3 credits from Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Engineering Technology or Reclamation.

Electives (17 credits):

Select in consultation with advisor

Management Emphasis (34 credits)

Required Courses (19 credits):

Select 3 credits from Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Engineering Technology or Reclamation.

Select one of the following (3 credits):

Electives (15 credits):

Select in consultation with advisor.

Communication and Marketing Emphasis (30 credits)

Required Courses (18 credits):

Select 3 credits from Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Engineering Technology or Reclamation.

Electives (12 credits):

Select in consultation with advisor.

Engineering Technology Emphasis (30 credits)

Required Courses (18 credits):

An additional 16 credits will be elected through consultation with an approval of the advisor.

Electives (12 credits):

Select in consultation with advisor.

International Emphasis

Required (12-21 credits):

One of the following for International Experience (3-12 credits):

Any international experience that is to be counted as credit(s) toward this emphasis must be agreed upon by the student and academic advisor prior to the experience. Of these 3-12 credits, at least 3 credits must have been agriculturally related or adequately related to the student’s major.

Electives (3-12 credits):

Comprehensive Emphasis (33 credits)

A specialized 24 credit program of study (plus 9 elective credits) designed in consultation with and approval of the advisor.

Agricultural Education

Mission Statement

The mission of the Agricultural Education program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is to prepare students to become licensed to teach agricultural education primarily at the middle and secondary levels in Wisconsin public schools. In addition, the purpose of the Agribusiness option of Agricultural Education is to provide a broad-based background of agriculture that will enable the graduate to teach in industry, continue on to a master's degree, to work in the Cooperative Extension Service or work in other areas of agriculture.

Agricultural Education - Comprehensive (Teaching) Option

Students who major in agricultural education in the SOA, upon admission to teacher education, are jointly enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts and Education and must fulfill the requirements for teacher education specified by that college. The agricultural education curriculum meets the requirements of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for the certification of agriculture/agribusiness instructors at the junior/senior high school level. The program also meets the educational requirements for the provisional certificate issued by the Wisconsin State Board of Vocational, Technical and Adult Education for teachers of agriculture at the post-secondary level.

Agricultural Education Majors: An option is available for students in qualifying for dual licensure certification in both agricultural education and technology education; please see your advisor and page 106 of this catalog for details.

Agricultural Education Major

Required Core SOA Courses (12 credits):

Required Agriculture Courses (40 credits):

Agricultural Education (5 credits):
Required Crops/Soils/Horticulture Courses (7 credits):
Required Ag Business Courses (9 credits):
Required Animal Science Courses (10 credits):
Required Engineering Technology Courses (9 credits):

Required Education Courses (40 credits):

The comprehensive agricultural education major provides a balance of course work from among the four technical subject matter areas in agriculture. The major in agricultural education may be complemented with a minor or an emphasis in horticulture or agribusiness management.

Those interested in qualifying for teaching certification in a second field may complete a major in that field as well as in agricultural education. An option is available for students interested in qualifying for dual licensure in agricultural education and technology education; please see your advisor for details. The School of Education (SOE) requirements need not be duplicated for the two majors.

Graduates who qualify for certification to teach agriculture at the junior/senior high school level must have at least 2,000 hours of occupational experience in agriculture. Students not having such experience may meet this requirement through summer employment or by enrolling in AGINDUS 4580 Agricultural Business Internship. The occupational experience required of post-secondary teachers is 12 months for the provisional certificate.

Requirements for Admission to Teacher Education

To be eligible for admission, teacher candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

  1. Successfully complete the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST). Passing scores for the PPST are reading 175, writing 174 and mathematics 173. Teacher candidates should take the PPST during their first year at UWP.
  2. Earn grades of "C" or better in the following courses: Freshman Composition (ENGLISH 1130 and ENGLISH 1230), Speech (SPEECH 2010 is strongly recommended, though SPEECH 1010 will satisfy the requirement), TEACHING 1230 Introduction to Education or PHYED 2320 Introduction to Physical Education, and COMPUTER 2010 Computer Applications in Education.
  3. Attend and have written vertification that the teacher candidate attended the STEPS presentation during TEACHING 1230 Introduction to Education/2320 PHYED Introduction to Physical Education class.
  4. Be recommended for admission by two people (other than friends, relatives or UWP faculty) who can assess the candidate's potential to be a teacher.
  5. Have earned 40 semester credits in an accredited college of which 15 credits have been earned at UWP
  6. Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.65 or better.
  7. Prepare an admission portfolio, present it to an interview committee during Pre-Professional Days, and be recommended for admission by committee.

Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching

To be eligible for admission to student teaching a candidate must:

  1. Meet or exceed the minimum required grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 overall and in major(s), teaching minor(s) and professional education courses.
  2. Have completed appropriate methods course(s) for the major and minor, as well as TEACHING 2130 and 3320 or equivalent courses.
  3. Have grades of "C" or better in required methods courses and in all required professional education courses.
  4. Have documentation of an approved level II portfolio on file.
  5. Have passed the appropriate Praxis II contest test(s). No waives are allowed.
  6. Have been admitted to the SOE for one full semester prior to student teaching.

Agricultural Education - Agribusiness (Non-Teaching)

The Agribusiness Option of Agricultural Education is not intended to provide teacher certification for teaching in public schools. It is rather an option to prepare graduates for (a) teaching or working in the agricultural industry, (b) working in the Cooperative Extension Service, or (c) continuing to complete a Master of Science in Education. A master's degree would be necessary to become employed in the Cooperative Extension Service. The Master of Science in Education would meet the requirements for obtaining a license to teach agriculture at the secondary level.

Requirements for this option are similar to those of the teaching option except that fewer education classes are taken and the student is not required to student teach. In addition, the students are not required to be admitted to the Teacher Education program. As such, they do not need to meet the GPA or PPST requirements listed for the teaching option.

Agribusiness Option Comprehensive

Required Core SOA Courses (12 credits):
Required Agricultural Education Courses (7 credits):
Required Crops/Soils/Horticulture Courses (14 credits):
Required Animal Science Courses (14 credits):
Required Agribusiness Courses (14 credits):
Required Agribusiness Engineering Technology Courses (14 credits):

Agribusiness Option with Minor

Required Core SOA Courses (12 credits):
Required Agricultural Education Courses (7 credits):
Required Crops/Soils/Horticulture Courses (9 credits):
Required Animal Science Courses (11 credits):
Required Agribusiness Courses (9 credits):
Required Agribusiness Engineering Technology Courses (9 credits):
Other:

Agriculture courses must total 36 credits and a university minor of 24 credits must also be completed.

Animal Science

Mission Statement

The Animal Science major will prepare graduates who value and use critical thinking, communication and social skills through liberal arts and science based technology education. They will contribute to the success and profitability of vocations involved in animal care, welfare and production of high quality animal derived food and medicine for national and international consumption. Graduates will also acquire skills that will guide them in designing and applying a synergy of animal production and land use with lasting environmental stability.

Goals

Graduates of the Animal Science program will be:

  1. Conscious of and sensitive to the issues involved with profitable and ethical management, care, welfare and health of animals.

    Outcomes:

  2. Critical thinkers with effective oral and written communication skills as individuals and as team members

    Outcomes:

  3. Able to determine and measure profitable and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices

    Outcomes:

  4. Informed and aware of regional, national and international obligations, opportunities and experiences

    Outcomes:

Animal Science offers two options, a major with a university minor or a comprehensive major with emphases. AGSC 1000 will count as an elective in the Animal Science Major.

Animal Science Major

Required Core SOA Courses (12 credits):

Required Animal Science Courses (16 credits):

Two Courses From (7-8 credits):

One Course From (3 credits):

Electives:

Minor:

Students must choose a 24 credit minor.

Animal Science Comprehensive Major (60 Credits)

Required Core SOA Courses (12 credits):

Required Animal Science Courses (16 credits):

Agribusiness Emphasis

At least two courses from (7-8 credits):

At least one course from (3 credits):

At least three courses from (7-10 credits):

Required Courses (12 credits):

Electives (11-13 credits):

Dairy Emphasis

One course from (3-4 credits):

Required Courses (19 credits):

Electives (21-22 credits):

International Emphasis

Required (12-21 credits):

One course from:

One International Experience course (3-12 credits)*:

*Any international experience that is to be counted as credit(s) toward this emphasis must be agreed upon by the student and academic advisor prior to the experience. Of these 3-12 credits, at least 3 credits must have been agriculturally related or adequately related to the student’s major.

Electives (3-12 credits):

Meat and Livestock Emphasis

Two courses from (7-8 credits):

Required Courses (6 credits):

At least one course from (3 credits):

Electives (25-26 credits):

Science Emphasis

Two courses from (7-8 credits):

One course from (3 credits):

At least two courses from (6 or more credits):

Required Courses (16 credits):

Electives (11-13 credits):

Ornamental Horticulture

Ornamental horticulture is the art and science involved in growing and arranging plants for their aesthetic value. It is a division of horticulture involved in the production and sales of greenhouse, florist and nursery plants as well as the design and management of landscapes and interior spaces for public and private use.

The mission of the ornamental horticulture program is to prepare students for careers as responsible, ethical and competent horticulturists. This is achieved by combining a solid liberal arts education with professional curricular and educational opportunities aimed at combining the important theoretical and practical aspects of the horticultural and biological sciences with the managerial skills necessary for preparing students for a successful career in ornamental horticulture. Specific goals and objectives for the ornamental horticulture program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville are to provide curricular and educational opportunities which result in graduates that:

Ornamental horticulture is a 36-credit major. Students must also choose a 24-credit emphasis offered through the ornamental horticulture major or 24-credit minor. Emphasis areas associated directly with the ornamental horticulture major include business and marketing, breeding and genetics, professional landscape management and international.

Experiential learning is an important part of the ornamental horticulture program. For this reason, students are required to complete a three-credit internship. Internships are available all year throughout the United States, and provide excellent practical experience to earn college credits.

Students that complete the program qualify for jobs in landscape horticulture, turf management, nursery and garden center operations, bedding plant production, greenhouse management, retail floral shops, seed production, or education and research. High school students should prepare for the ornamental horticulture major by completing courses in math, science and ornamental horticulture. Two or more years of Spanish is highly recommended. Summer jobs with a greenhouse, nursery or landscaping firm are beneficial.

Ornamental Horticulture Major (36 Credits)

Required Courses (30 credits):

Electives (10 credits):

** Counts as an elective if not used to fulfill requirement for ornamental horticulture major.

Areas of Emphasis

Business and Marketing Emphasis

Required Courses (6 credits):

Ornamental Horticulture Electives (8-11 credits):

** Counts as an elective if not used to fulfill requirement for ornamental horticulture major.

Business and Marketing Electives (12-15 credits):

Professional Landscape Management Emphasis

Required Courses (21 credits):

Professional Landscape Management Electives (11 credits):

Breeding and Genetics Emphasis

Required (15 credits):

Breeding and Genetics Electives (6-12 credits):

** Counts as an elective if not used to fulfill requirements for ornamental horticulture major.

Ornamental Horticulture Breeding and Genetics Business Electives (3-9 credits):

International Emphasis

Required Courses (44-53 credits):

One of the following for International Experience (3-12 credits)*:

* Any international experience that is to be counted as credit(s) toward this emphasis must be agreed upon by the student and academic advisor prior to the experience. Of these 3-12 credits, at least 3 credits must have been agriculturally related or adequately related to the student’s major.

Ornamental Horticulture Electives (4 credits):

International Electives (3-12 credits):

You may select any International Education course not already used to fulfill the general education International requirement and/or a foreign language course beyond second semester.

Reclamation, Environment and Conservation

Reclamation, Environment and Conservation (REC), is an applied environmental science, which addresses the restoration of natural and cultural resources by the practical application of science, technology and management. Its basis lies in both ethics and sound management of the planet. REC is a natural adjunct to land use activities such as mining and forestry; construction and development; and agriculture and native ecosystems. The program at UW-Platteville was designed with input from industry, government and academic practitioners. The UW-Platteville REC major was the first four-year college program of its kind in the United States. Essential to this program is training in the fields of civil engineering, soil science, biology, geology, ecology, environmental law and chemistry. There are very few universities with accredited programs in all of these required fields.

The courses in the REC program are established and coordinated by the director and a council comprised of major faculty active in REC. In addition to the courses provided by the supporting departments, specific courses in reclamation focus on integrating the knowledge and skills acquired toward reclamation applications. Within the REC major, a student may elect to focus upon either a physical emphasis, a biological emphasis or a chemistry emphasis. This division arises from the general division of emphases at the professional level. The physical emphasis is closely allied with geology and civil engineering, whereas the biological emphasis is closely allied with ecology, soils, agriculture and natural sciences. It is possible to obtain a double major in one of the closely related fields while completing requirements for the REC major. Students who elect a major in REC should have an aptitude for science and technical courses and a strong commitment to the environmental profession.

Reclamation, Environment and Conservation Major

Required Courses (52-68 credits):

Areas of Emphasis

Physical Emphasis

Required Courses (10-11 credits):

Chemistry Emphasis

Required Courses (10 credits):

Biology Emphasis

Required Courses (15 credits):

Soil and Crop Science

Mission and Purpose of the Soil and Crop Science Program

Students majoring in Soil and Crop Science will be prepared for careers as resourceful, ethically responsible and competent agronomists by combining their liberal arts education with professional course work and practical experience. Specific goals and objectives for the soil and crop science program are as listed below:

Program Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes

Students that complete the soil and crop science program are able to:

Soil and crop science is a 36-credit major. Student’s majoring in soil and crop science must complete a set of required courses along with either a 24-credit emphasis or a university minor. Emphasis areas associated directly with the soil and crop science major include agribusiness, plant breeding and genetics, comprehensive and international.

The Soil and Crop Science program supports the UWP mission of providing baccalaureate degree programs that meet regional needs. Students completing this program will be prepared to pursue careers in agronomy or to continue their education through advanced study. Our graduates have enjoyed job placements near 100 percent in careers that support Agriculture, the leading state and regional industry.

Soil and Crop Science Major

Required SOA Courses (12 credits):

Required Courses (27 credits):

Electives (9 credits):

A 24-credit emphasis or minor must be selected.

Agribusiness Emphasis

Required Courses (12 credits):

Soil and Crop Science Electives (12 credits):

Agribusiness Electives (9 credits):

Plant Breeding and Genetics Emphasis

Required Courses (13 credits):

Soil and Crop Science Electives (9 credits):

Plant Breeding and Genetics Emphasis Electives (11 credits):

Comprehensive Soil and Crop Science Emphasis

Required Courses (12 credits):

Biological or Physical Science Electives (7-9 credits):

Comprehensive Electives (12-14 credits):

Select any Agriculture courses

International Emphasis

Required Courses (44-53 credits):

One course from:

One International Experience Course (3-12 credits)*:

*Any international experience that is to be counted as credit(s) toward this emphasis must be agreed upon by the student and academic advisor prior to the experience. Of these 3-12 credits, at least 3 credits must have been agriculturally related or adequately related to the student's major.

Soil and Crop Science Electives (9 credits):

International Electives (3-12 credits):

You may select any International Education course not already used to fulfill the general education International requirement and/or a foreign language course beyond second semester.

Minors

Agribusiness Minor (24 credits)

The remaining credits are selected from agribusiness classes.

Animal Science Minor (24 credits)

Required Courses (8 credits):

One course from (3-4 credits):

One course from (3 credits):

Electives to complete the minor

Ornamental Horticulture Minor (24 credits)

Required Horticulture Courses (16 credits):

One Plant Identification Course (3-4 credits):

Electives (4-5 credits):

*Cannot be used as an elective if used to fulfill a college or major requirement.

Soil and Crop Science Minor (24 credits)

Required Courses (14 credits):

Soil and Crop Science Electives (6-7 credits):

Required Biology/Physical Sciences Courses (3-5 credits):

Biotechnology Minor (29 credits)

Requirements (12 credits):

Physiology Co-requisite: Select 3-4 credits

Tissue Culture Course(s): Select 2-5 credits:

Electives to complete minor: Select 7-10 credits

Up to 3 credits may be selected from:

Note: Elective Courses have individual pre-requisites that may not be listed above.