Agriculture Information
You might be surprised to know that students preparing for careers in agriculture don't just come from farming backgrounds. The study of agriculture is a great fit if you want to contribute to the areas of sustainability, human health, and natural resources. The field incorporates principles from science, engineering, business, and education. Courses in AGRI at Heartland cover subjects such as:
- agricultural economics
- soil science
- horticulture
- animal science
Heartland offers six introductory courses in various agriculture topics that are designed to transfer to a four-year program at a college or university. Each emphasizes hands-on, practical experiences and are designed to help you connect with the agriculture field. You can expect an introduction to these topics:
- Agricultural economics
- Animal science
- Soil science
- Agronomy
- Horticulture
People with degrees in agriculture are employed in a wide variety of industries, including but not limited to:
- Agriculture Research and Development
- Farm and Livestock Management
- Animal Welfare
- Sales and Marketing
Although the nature of agricultural jobs is changing, workers entering the field between 2021 to 2031 should have good job prospects overall. Opportunities will continue to emerge as new technologies are introduced.*
Earn your Heartland degree and transfer to a four-year college or university:
Associate in Arts Degree: Concentration in Agriculture
60 Credit Hours
The Associate of Arts degree is designed to prepare students for continuing their studies as an agriculture major at a four-year institutions in Illinois. The program gives students a broad overview of the agriculture field with seven agriculture courses available to transfer, while completing the general studies coursework needed to transfer. Students will be exposed to topics in computer applications in agriculture, economics, horticulture, agronomy, soil science, animal science, and precision agriculture.Earn an Associate in Applied Science degree:
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Agriculture
60 Credit Hours
The Associate of Applied Science degree is designed to give students a broad overview of the agricultural field, with an emphasis on regenerative agriculture. Students will combine general education and agriculture core classes with hands-on experience from one of three specialized occupational certificates in Agriculture Business, Agronomy or Precision Agriculture to further hone their skills and knowledge in their preferred career pathway.Upon completion of the AAS in Agriculture, students will also have completed the Regenerative Agriculture certificate and at least one additional occupational certificate, and will be prepared for employment in positions including chemical applicator, purchasing analyst, herdsman, crop adjuster, sales associate, production manager, and more.
Earn a Certificate:
Certificate: Agriculture Business
16 Credit Hours
The Agriculture Business Certificate is designed for students who have an interest in the accounting, economics, marketing, or management side of agri-business. This program teaches students basic principles in the areas previously mentioned, as well as how to use key industry software and gain hands-on experience through required internships. 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.Certificate: Agronomy
19 Credit Hours
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. Students will prepare to take the General Standards Exam through the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and gain hands on experience through a required internship. 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.Certificate: Cannabis Cultivation
16 Credit Hours
The Cannabis Cultivation Certificate prepares students with an understanding of the growth cycle of cannabis and introduces students to innovative cultivation methods that maximize quality and efficiency with a focus on indoor growing operations. Students gain an in-depth examination of business aspects and the regulatory environment of the cannabis industry including applicable federal, state and local regulations with a focus on safety, quality, and supply chain. The certificate explores the historical, legal, social, and political aspects of cannabis and career opportunities in the cannabis industry.Certificate: Cannabis Dispensary Operations (pending ICCB approval)
14 Credit Hours
The Cannabis Dispensary Operations Certificate prepares students with an understanding of Cannabis for the various end users: recreational, medical, child, opioid alternative, terminal, and care giver. Students gain an in-depth examination of business aspects and the regulatory environment of a dispensary including applicable federal, state and local regulations in the retail setting. The certificate includes business skills necessary for success, and discussion of career opportunities in the cannabis industry.Certificate: Precision Agriculture
18 Credit Hours
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 build foundational knowledge in GIS/GPS, remote sensing, variable rate technology, collecting, interpreting, and making management decisions with data. Students will train with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to sit for the Federal Aviation Administration’s small UAG, Part 107 exam. Last, students will gain hands on experience through a required internship.Certificate: Regenerative Agriculture
16 Credit Hours
The Regenerative Agriculture Certificate is designed 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 degree for students wishing to pursue further education and increased career opportunity.