Agriculture & Food Studies

Grow your skills for a career in agriculture and food production.

Are you interested in how our food is grown, processed, and kept safe? MCC’s Agriculture and Food Studies certificate gives you hands-on training for many fast-growing jobs in agriculture, food safety, and food production. You’ll learn in both the classroom and in MCC’s Agriculture and Life Sciences Institute, building real skills that employers look for. 

This program was created with help from local industry partners, so you’ll study exactly what the field needs — from microbiology and ecology to leadership, communication, and computer skills. When you finish, you’ll be ready to apply for entry-level jobs in agriculture, food processing, and food safety, or continue your education in related areas. 

AREA OF INTEREST

Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)

DEPARTMENT

Biology

Getting Started?

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585-292-2200

admissions@monroecc.edu

Program Options

CERT

Certificate

What You’ll Learn

In our Agriculture and Food Studies program, you’ll learn:

• How food is grown, processed, and kept safe from farm to table.
• How to identify food pathogens and understand their impact on food production.
• The basics of food safety, sanitation, and quality assurance.
• Clear communication using terms related to agriculture and food science.
• Problem-solving techniques related to food production and teamwork.
• How to document information and follow procedures used in food and agriculture industries. 

Build Key Skills

Agricultural Science

Food Safety

Industry Procedures

Interested in something else? Explore by your interests

 

Where Can a Future in Agriculture & Food Science Take You?

Career Services

MCC’s Agriculture & Food Science Program can lead to exciting career opportunities.

Explore Career Options

With an Agriculture and Food Studies certificate, you’ll be ready for a range of careers across the food and agriculture industry. You could become a food science technician, farm or ranch manager, machine operator, first‑line supervisor, product developer, food prep worker, or even a food safety specialist. Our Career Counselors are committed to helping you explore careers, research salaries and projected job growth, and can even help you write a resume.  

Where You Could Work

Our certificate program is known and trusted by employers across the region. With skills that match what local companies need, you could grow your agriculture career at places like Alpina Foods, O‑AT‑KA Milk Products, Yancey’s Fancy, Holley Cold Storage, Sweeteners Plus, Monroe Tractor, Carolina Eastern–Crocker, Harris Seed, and more. It’s a great way to start building real connections—and a future you’re excited about. 

Ready to Apply?

Applying to MCC is free, with no college essay or test scores required.

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Program Details

Build hands-on skills in agriculture, food safety, and food production with MCC’s Agriculture & Food Studies Certificate. Prepare for in-demand jobs in a growing industry.

CERT

Certificate

The Agriculture & Food Studies certificate program provides the core knowledge and hands-on skills needed to support a career in the agriculture and food industry. You’ll learn about food safety, food quality, communication, supervision, inventory management, documentation, and more.

Length

1 year / 24 credit hours

Students typically complete this program in two semesters of full-time study.

Location

Brighton Campus

Courses

Certificate Requirements & Courses

Important Links

Transfer Resources

Beyond the Classroom

Join one of MCC’s student-led science clubs alongside fellow science enthusiasts. In the Biology Club, you’ll explore fascinating topics in life sciences and discover potential career paths. Through the Sustainability Club, you’ll engage in meaningful conversations and activities focused on environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and a more sustainable world.

Discover Clubs & Organizations

Where You'll Learn

Explore the professional-grade spaces where you’ll dive into hands-on learning.

Greenhouse

We maintain a diverse collection of plants in our greenhouse which are used in several of our courses. 

Agriculture and Life Sciences Institute

The Agriculture and Food Studies certificate program is offered through Monroe Community College's Agriculture and Life Sciences Institute (ALSI). You’ll gain hands-on experience as you complete your coursework in our state-of-the-art facility. 

Natural Science Education Center

The Natural Science Education Center (NSEC) provides a place for students to study and use models, charts, and microscopes in a supportive learning environment.

Quality Education That Fits Your Budget

MCC’s low tuition, plus financial aid like grants and scholarships, make your education possible. 

Financial Aid Available Scholarships

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