Agriculture and Food Studies
- Certificate
- Department of Biology
Cultivate the skills you need for a career in food production, processing, and safety
You don't have to be a farmer to work in agriculture—and no college prepares you better for this growing field than Monroe Community College. Our agriculture and food studies certificate provides hands-on training in the skills that are most needed by employers in agriculture, food processing, food safety, and related industries.
This innovative program— developed in collaboration with local industry partners—will get you job-ready for 200+ professions, including farm management, food science, and technical product development.
Plant the Seeds for a Long and Interesting Career
The agriculture and food studies certificate program is offered through Monroe Community College's state-of-the-art Agriculture and Life Sciences Institute (ALSI), and combines hands-on experience and classroom instruction. You'll build the skills you need to land jobs (and earn promotions) with many employers in this agriculturally rich region.
In this certificate program, you'll take courses in microbiology, ecology, and sustainability. In addition, you'll develop leadership skills in management, communication, and computer courses.
MCC's agriculture and food studies certificate program has a strong reputation among local employers. Start your agriculture career at companies like these:
- Alpina Foods
- O-AT-KA Milk Products
- Yancey's Fancy New York Artisan Cheese
- Holley Cold Storage
- Sweeteners Plus
- Monroe Tractor
- Carolina Eastern - Crocker
- Harris Seed
With an agriculture and food studies certificate from MCC, you'll be ready to excel in a variety of roles. Your job title could be:
- Agricultural and food science technician
- Farm and ranch manager
- Machine operator and tender
- First-line supervisor
- Technical and scientific product developer
- Food preparation worker
- Food safety specialist
To find out more about the agriculture and food studies certificate program from Monroe Community College, contact the admissions office at admissions@monroecc.edu or (585) 292-2200.
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD STUDIES
Certificate Program
Department:Biology
School(s): Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
MCC Program Code: AG02
Description
The certificate offers students the fundamental knowledge and skills required to perform tasks and responsibilities that support the agricultural and food related industry from farm to fork. Task and responsibilities include food quality, food safety, supervision, communication, inventory management, documentation, team skills, and problem solving skills.
(Housed in the Biology Department)
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Identify and describe a variety of educational and career opportunities in the agriculture and food related industry.
2. Identify and explain the presence and impact of food pathogens and contaminants at various points of food production.
3. Explain and apply principles of food safety and sanitation.
4. Describe and assess issues related to food quality assurance.
5. Communicate effectively using terms and knowledge related to agriculture and food production.
6. Solve problems related to agriculture and food production.
7. Work effectively in team building environments.
8. Document work related information involving agriculture and food related processes.
Employment Potential
For related jobs: Career Coach
Occupational Resource: https://www.onetonline.org
Requirements for Program Entrance
High school graduate or high school equivalency diploma.
|
Distribution Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| FIRST SEMESTER: 12 Credit Hours |  |
| AGS 150 General Microbiology for Food and Agriculture | 4 |
| BUS 104 Introduction to Business | 3 |
| CRC 125 Microsoft Office | 4 |
| AGS 101 Introduction to Agriculture | 1 |
| Total | 12 |
| SECOND SEMESTER: 12 Credit Hours | |
| ENG 101 College Composition OR ENG 200 Advanced Composition | 3 |
| SPC 141 Interpersonal Speech Communication | 3 |
| SUS 101 Introduction to Sustainability OR BIO 116 Introduction to Environmental Science OR BIO 118 Practical Botany | 3 |
| BUS 208 Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| Total | 12 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 24 |