Agriculture

Why Agriculture?

The study of agriculture is a great fit if you want to contribute to the areas of sustainability, human health and natural resources. Agriculture incorporates principles from science, engineering, business and education. You might be surprised to know that students preparing for careers in agriculture don't just come from farming backgrounds.

Agriculture courses at Heartland are designed to help you gain the practical knowledge required to work for the leading agriculture employers. Our program works routinely with an industry advisory board to ensure that our courses and programming is at the highest level of industry needs. Here at Heartland, we flipped the script – we worked with employers first to develop courses that would prepare you to succeed in their companies.

Program Details

Agriculture

In-District Tuition
$169/credit hour
Out-of-District Tuition
$337/credit hour
Degrees
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Certificates
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Degrees

Associate in Applied Science - Agriculture

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) - Agriculture offers students a broad foundation in agricultural sciences while providing the flexibility to shape their own career path. Students complete general education and core agriculture courses, then build on that foundation with specialized certificates—Agriculture Business, Agronomy, Cannabis Cultivation, Cannabis Dispensary, Precision Agriculture, or Regenerative Agriculture. This structure allows each student to tailor their program to fit individual interests and career goals.

Graduates of the program earn the AAS degree along with at least one occupational certificate. With this combination of credentials, students are prepared for a variety of entry-level careers in the agriculture industry. 

Career Pathways

Application Specialist, Field Technicians, Agriculture Technician, Product Support Specialist, Equipment Operator, Agronomy Associate, Operations Specialist, Crop Nutrient Specialist, Precision Agriculture Specialist, Conservation Specialist, Agronomy Operations Assistant

Local employers hiring Heartland graduates include: Golden Harvest, Brandt, Precision Planting, Heartland Community College, Rader Farms, Evergreen FS, BCS, Casey’s Garden Shop, AB Hatchery, Progressive Agriculture, Epiphany Farms, Tru Healthcare and Wellness, Local Family Farms

Heartland and Industry Credentials

CPR, Stop the Bleed

Special Program Information

Students who pursue the AAS - Agriculture are required to select an emphasis option and complete a certificate. Students can choose from: Agriculture Business, Agronomy, Cannibis Cultivation, Precision Agriculture, or Regenerative Agriculture.

An Associate of Applied Science is designed to give you practical, hands-on instruction in to prepare you to directly enter the workforce in a specific field. These programs are not generally transferable for a Bachelor's degree.

A transfer agreement is in place with ISU for a Bachelor of Art in Agriculture for the AAS Agriculture: Agribusiness. See an advisor for more details.

Program is located in our brand new Agriculture Complex with state of the art labs.

Average Class Size

24 Students - receive more individualized attention

 

Course Information

  • Some classes are offered in-person during the day, in the evening, or online
  • Classes are 12 weeks and 16 weeks
  • Math and Literacy placement are required
  • High school or college chemistry course within the last five years is required 

Completion Time

  • 24 months, 4 semesters 
  • 60 credit hours 
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you 

Get Involved

Collegiate Farm Bureau

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60 Credit Hours

General Education Requirements
Course Hours

COMM 101 - Introduction to Oral Communication and

ENGL 101 - Critical Reading & Writing or ENGL 105 - Writing for Industry

*ENGL 105 does not count as IAI General Education credit

6

Mathematics - Any college-level Mathematics course or TMAT 103 - Technical Mathematics

*TMAT 103 does not count as IAI General Education credit

3-4

Humanities or Fine Arts - Any one IAI Humanities or IAI Fine Arts course: 

PHIL 114 recommended

3

Any one IAI Life Sciene or Any one IAI Physical Science course:

BIOL 131, BIOL 132, CHEM 120 or EASC 111 recommended

3-4

Total Credit Hours

15-17
Agriculture Core Requirements
Course Hours
AGRI 102 - Agriculture Safety

1
AGRI 103 - Agricultural Employment or BTEC 145 - Employment Succes Strategies

1
AGRI 104 - Computer Technology in Agriculture

3
AGRI 110 - Introductory Agriculture Economics

3
AGRI 150 - Principles of Agronomy

4
AGRI 157 - Introductory Soil Science

4
AGRI 170 - Introduction to Animal Science

4
AGRI 299 - Agriculture Internship or TECH 299 - Internship in Technology

2

Emphasis Options - Choose at least one emphasis option to complete requirements: 

23

Total Credit Hours

45

Information is subject to change. Please check with an academic advisor for current course offerings and program requirements. Current students with continual enrollment may graduate under the current program requirements or any program requirements in effect since first enrollment.

Associate in Arts or Science - Agriculture

The AA or AS in Agriculture is designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year university. The program builds a strong foundation in agricultural science alongside general education courses, providing flexibility for students to focus on areas such as agribusiness, agronomy, animal science, or agricultural education. With seamless transfer pathways, students can continue their studies toward a bachelor’s degree while saving time and money by starting at Heartland.

Many of our transfer students choose to do internship work while studying at Heartland. After they obtain their 4 year degree, we have seen students obtain careers at Penn Landscaping, UPL North America, various High Schools as agriculture teachers. 

Certificates

Agriculture Business

The Agriculture Business Certificate prepares students for the business side of today’s agriculture industry. Courses emphasize hands-on learning, real-world agribusiness applications, and connections with industry partners. You’ll build skills in farm management, finance, marketing, sales, and agribusiness operations while gaining a solid understanding of agricultural systems.

This certificate is designed for:

  • Students wanting to enter the workforce quickly in sales, supply, or service roles.
  • Current agriculture workers seeking to expand their business knowledge.
  • Students planning to continue into an associate or bachelor’s degree in agriculture, business, or related fields. 
Graduates may pursue opportunities in: 
  • Agribusiness sales and service 
  • Farm and agribusiness management 
  • Supply chain, marketing, and customer relations

Coursework from this certificate will stack seamlessly into the Associate of Applied Science degree for students wishing to pursue further education and increased career opportunities. 

Career Pathways

  • Agricultural Sales Representative
  • Retail Agriculture Associate
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Office Coordinator
  • Equipment Inventory Clerk
  • Logistics Coordinator

Local employers hiring Heartland graduates include: 

  • Golden Harvest
  • Precision Planting
  • Heartland Community College
  • Central Illinois Agriculture
  • Various Family Farms

Heartland and Industry Credentials

Agriculture Business Certificate  

Special Program Information 

Program is located in our brand new Agriculture Complex with a state of the art Agriculture Labs. We have students do simulations for grain marketing and merchandising, track commodities, etc. We bring in guest speakers from industry regularly and help them develop their network. All certificates can be stacked into the AAS in Agriculture.

Average Class Size

24 Students - receive more individualized attention   

Course Information

  • Classes are offered in-person during the day
  • Classes are 12 or 16 weeks
  • Literacy placement is required 

Completion Time 

 
  • 12 months 
  • 2 semesters 
  • 16 credit hours 
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you

Get Involved 

 
  • Collegiate Farm Bureau  
  • Professional Ag Students (PAS) 
Certificate Requirements
Course Hours
ATEC 120 - Small Business Accounting or ACCT 200 - Financial Accounting

3-4
AGRI 103 - Agricultural Employment or BTEC 145 - Employment Success Strategies

1
AGRI 104 - Computer Applications in Agriculture

3
AGRI 110 - Introductory Agricultural Economics

3

AGRI 111 - Marketing Agricultural Products or BUSN 230 - Principle of Marketing

3
AGRI 112 - Farm and Agribusiness Management or BTEC/BUSN 250 - Small Business Management

3

Total Hours

16

Request Agriculture Business Info

Agronomy

The Agronomy Certificate is designed for students who have an interest in field crop production and soil science. Students will learn basics of agronomy, identify and manage weeds, insects and plant diseases, and make soil management decisions related to fertility, degradation, and tillage. Coursework from this certificate will stack seamlessly into the Associate of Applied Science degree for students wishing to pursue further education and increased career opportunity. 

Gain hands-on skills in crop production, soil science, and pest management while exploring the latest practices in sustainable farming. This certificate prepares you for work in crop scouting, seed and chemical sales, and field research support. Credits earned can also be applied toward Heartland’s AAS in Agriculture degree.

Career Pathways 

  • Agronomy Associate 
  • Crop Application Specialist 
  • Farm Worker 
  • Crop Production 
  • Farm Production 
  • Sales/Client Services 
  • Soil Conservation Technician

Local employers hiring Heartland graduates include:

  • Evergreen FS
  • United Soils
  • Local Farmers
  • Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
  • Precision Planting - PTI Farm
  • University of Illinois Extension
  • McLean County Fair
  • Casey's Garden Shop and Floral
  • Rader Family Farms
  • AB Hatchery
  • Brandt's  

Heartland and Industry Credentials

  • Agronomy Certificate
  • Prepared to take:
    • General Standards Exam, through the Illinois Department of Agriculture
    • Certified Crop Advisor
    • Commercial Pesticide Applicators License 

Special Program Information

Program is located in our brand new Agriculture Complex with a state of the art Agriculture Labs.  

Average Class Size 

24 Students - receive more individualized attention  

Course Information

  • Classes are offered in-person during the day
  • Classes are 12 or 16 weeks
  • Literacy and math placement is required
  • High School or College Chemistry in the last five years is required 

Completion Time

  • 12 months 
  • 2 semesters 
  • 19 credit hours 
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you 

Get Involved

  • Collegiate Farm Bureau  
  • Professional Ag Students (PAS) 
Certificate Requirements
Course Hours
AGRI 102 - Agriculture Safety

1
AGRI 103 - Agricultural Employment or BTEC 145 - Employment Success Strategies

1
AGRI 153 - Pest Management

3
AGRI 154 - Agronomic Field Applications

4
AGRI 157 - Introductory Soil Science

4
AGRI 160 - Introduction to Precision Agriculture

3

Elective - Choose from the following elective options:

Any AGRI course, EASC 151, or CHEM 115

3

Total Hours

19
Request Agronomy Certificate Info

Cannabis Cultivation

The Cannabis Cultivation Certificate program empowers students to become accomplished professionals ready to contribute to the cannabis industry's growth and navigate its unique challenges with expertise and foresight.

Cannabis courses at Heartland are designed to help you gain the practical knowledge required to work for the leading area employers. Our program works routinely with an industry advisory board to ensure that our courses and programming are at the highest level of industry needs. Here at Heartland, we flipped the script – we worked with employers first to develop courses that would prepare you to succeed in their companies.

Students will gain a multifaceted perspective on the cannabis industry, enabling them to identify their niche and forge a rewarding career path. They will dive into the various facets of the industry, developing a comprehension of its dynamic nature and ever-evolving regulations.

Heartland offers additional program options to prepare you for a career in Cannabis with a certificate in Cannabis Dispensary Operations or you can get an Associate in Applied Science in Agriculture.

Career Pathways 

  • Cultivation Technician 
  • Assistant Grower 
  • Harvest Worker 
  • Trimmer Technician 
  • Master Grower 
  • Extraction Technician 

Local employers hiring Heartland graduates include:  

  • Cresco Labs 
  • Revolution Global 
  • Pharmacann 

Heartland and Industry Credentials

  • Cannabis Cultivation Certificate  

Special Program Information

There is no age limitation on enrolling in cannabis courses or earning cannabis-related certificates, but state regulation requires individuals to be 21 or older to handle cannabis. Many employers also have a requirement that individuals be 21 or older to be hired into positions that are physically located on the premises or would come into contact with cannabis.

Program is located in our brand new Agriculture Complex with a state of the art agriculture labs.

Average Class Size

24 Students - receive more individualized attention

Course Information

  • Some classes are offered in-person during the day and in the evening
  • Classes are 16 weeks
  • Literacy placement is required

Completion Time

  • 12 months
  • 2 semesters
  • 16 credit hours
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you

Get Involved

  • Collegiate Farm Bureau
  • Professional Ag Students (PAS)
Certificate Requirements
Course Hours
AGRI 102 - Agricultural Safety

1
AGRI 103 - Agricultural Employment or BTEC 145 - Employment Success Strategies

1
AGRI 120 - Introductory Horticulture

3
AGRI 140 - Introduction to Cannabis

3
AGRI 141 - Cannabis Regulatory Compliance

3
AGRI 142 - Cannabis Cultivation

4
BTEC 150 - Customer Relations

1

Total Hours

16
Request Cannabis Cultivation Info

Cannabis Dispensary Operations

Due to the legalization of cannabis in numerous states and the proliferation of local dispensaries, there is a significant demand for proficient retail workers who possess expertise in regulatory compliance, product management, and catering to diverse cannabis consumers. Heartland provides a certificate program designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in this competitive job market.

Cannabis courses at Heartland are designed to help you gain the practical knowledge required to work for the leading area employers. Our program works routinely with an industry advisory board to ensure that our courses and programming are at the highest level of industry needs. Here at Heartland, we flipped the script – we worked with employers first to develop courses that would prepare you to succeed in their companies.

Heartland offers additional program options to prepare you for a career in Cannabis with a certificate in Cannabis Cultivation or you can get an Associate in Applied Science in Agriculture.  

Career Pathways

  • Budtender
  • Dispensary General Manager/Manager
  • Inventory Manager
  • Compliance Officer
  • Brand Ambassador
  • Marketing Specialist
Local employers hiring Heartland graduates include: 
  • Cresco Labs 
  • Revolution Global 
  • Pharmacann 

Heartland and Industry Credentials

Cannabis Dispensary Operations Certificate

Special Program Information

There is no age limitation on enrolling in cannabis courses or earning cannabis-related certificates, but state regulation requires individuals to be 21 or older to handle cannabis. Many employers also have a requirement that individuals be 21 or older to be hired into positions that are physically located on the premises or would come into contact with cannabis.

Program is located in our brand new Agriculture Complex with a state of the art Agriculture Labs.

Average Class Size

24 Students - receive more individualized attention

Course Information

  • Some classes are offered in-person during the day and in the evening
  • Classes are 16 weeks
  • Literacy placement is required for one class but other options are available

Completion Time

 
  • 12 months 
  • 2 semesters 
  • 14 credit hours 
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you

Get Involved 

 
  • Collegiate Farm Bureau  
  • Professional Ag Students (PAS) 
Certificate Requirements
Course Hours
AGRI 103 - Agricultural Employment or BTEC 145 - Employment Success Strategies

1
AGRI 140 - Introduction to Cannabis

3
AGRI 141 - Cannabis Regulatory Compliance

3
AGRI 143 - Cannabis Dispensary Operations

3
BTEC 150 - Customer Relations

1
BTEC 250 - Small Business Management or BUSN 110 - Introduction to Business

3

Total Hours

14

Request Cannabis Dispensary Info

Precision Agriculture

The Precision Agriculture Certificate is designed for students who have an interest in agriculture technology and want to change agriculture management through data. Students will learn to use drones, GPS, GIS and data analytics to improve efficiency and decision-making in the field. This certificate prepares you for roles in precision ag support, equipment sales, and agronomic services.

Coursework from this certificate will stack seamlessly into the Associate of Applied Science degree for students wishing to pursue further education and increased career opportunities.  

Career Pathways 

  • Precision Agriculture Technician,
  • Field Service Technician,
  • Drone Operator,
  • Agronomy Support

Local employers hiring Heartland graduates include:

  • Precision Planting
  • Birkey’s Farm Store
  • Brandt
  • Progressive Agriculture Services
  • Golden Harvest
  • Various Family Farms as well

Heartland and Industry Credentials 

  • Precision Agriculture Certificate  
  • Prepared to take the Part 107 -  Commercial Drone Pilot License  

Special Program Information

Program is located in our brand new Agriculture Complex with a state of the art agriculture labs. We prepare students to take the Part 107 exam through the Federal Aviation Administration but cannot test on campus. 

Average Class Size

24 Students - receive more individualized attention

 

Course Information

  • Classes are offered in-person during the day
  • Classes are 12 or 16 weeks
  • Literacy placement is required
  • High School or College Chemistry in the last five years is required

Completion Time

  • 12 months
  • 2 semesters
  • 18 credit hours
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you

Get Involved

  • Collegiate Farm Bureau
  • Professional Ag Students (PAS)
Certificate Requirements
Course Hours
AGRI 102 - Agricultural Safety

1
AGRI 103 - Agricultural Employment or BTEC 145 - Employment Success Strategies

1
AGRI 160 - Introduction to Precision Agriculture

3
AGRI 163 - UAS Certification & Operations in Agriculture

3
Electives - Choose Eight-hours from the following elective options: 

8

Total Hours

16

Request Precision Agriculture Info

Regenerative Agriculture

The Regenerative Agriculture Certificate is designed to for students who have an interest in organic, locally sourced products and principles. This certificate intertwines the growth of plants and animals without chemical application to increase soil health and provide produce to their local community. Coursework from this certificate is also included in the core of the Associate of Applied Science - Agriculture degree for students wishing to pursue further education and increased career opportunity.  

Career Pathways

  • Farmhand 
  • Resource Conservation Planner 
  • Farm Field Technician 
  • Restoration Field Technician 
  • Habitat Technician 
  • Soil Conservation Technician 
  • Farm Owner

Local employers hiring Heartland graduates include: 

  • Epiphany Farms
  • Illinois Department of Agriculture
  • University of Illinois Extension
  • Ogle County Soil and Water Conservation District

Heartland and Industry Credentials

Agriculture Business Certificate

Special Program Information 

Program is located in our brand new Agriculture Complex with a state of the art Agriculture Labs.  

Average Class Size

24 Students - receive more individualized attention  

Course Information

  • Classes are offered in-person during the day
  • Classes are 12 or 16 weeks
  • Literacy placement is required
  • High School or College Chemistry in the last five years is required  

Completion Time 

 
  • 12 months 
  • 2 semesters 
  • 16 credit hours 
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you

Get Involved 

 
  • Collegiate Farm Bureau  
  • Professional Ag Students (PAS) 
Certificate Requirements
Course Hours
AGRI 102 - Agricultural Safety

1
AGRI 103 - Agricultural Employment or BTEC 145 - Employment Success Strategies

1
AGRI 157 - Introductory Soil Science

4
AGRI 170 - Introduction to Animal Science

4
AGRI 180 - Principles of Regenerative Agriculture

3

Elective - Choose from the following elective options:

AGRI 120, AGRI 121, AGRI 122, AGRI 150, AGRI 154, BIOL 145, CHEM 115

3

Total Hours

16

Request Regenerative Agriculture Info

Information is subject to change. Please check with an academic advisor for current course offerings and program requirements. Current students with continual enrollment may graduate under the current program requirements or any program requirements in effect since first enrollment.

Special Program Information

All certificates can be applied toward Heartland’s AAS Agricultural degree.

Our programs are taught fully in person and built around hands‑on learning. Students work directly with industry‑standard equipment, real tools, and real projects — the kind of experience employers look for. 

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Career Pathways

The U.S. Department of Education's gainful employment regulations require disclosure of certain program information to students and prospective students.

Please review the employment information pertaining to your degree or certificate by selecting your intended program at the Heartland Community College Career Coach.

For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions visit the U.S Department of Education College Scorecard site.

  • 70+

    Programs of Study

  • 19

    Average Class Size

Contact Information

Career & Technical Education Division

SCB 2400
1500 W Raab Road
Normal, IL 61761
Phone: 309-268-8860
Fax: 309-268-7963
Email: jess.washington@heartland.edu

 

Career & Technical Education Contacts

Jess Washington 

Program Assistant – Career & Technical Education Division
Email: Jess.Washington@heartland.edu
Phone: (309) 268-8871

Career & Technical Education Leadership

Adam Campbell

Dean, Career & Technical Education
SCB 2410

Kortney Watts

Associate Dean, Career & Technical Education
SCB 2409