YVC Opens Application Process For New Ag Degree Program

This week, Yakima Valley College started accepting applications for the first class of the school’s new Bachelor of Applied Science in Agricultural Sciences program. The program, according Tent Ball chair of YVC’s Agriculture Department, is designed for students at the very beginning of their careers who are interested in a four-year degree as well as working adults who are interested in advancing their career. He noted the school’s connection to the regional Ag industry helped them determine what to include curriculum wise to provide the best experience for students and the farm economy as a whole. Ball added they used multiple surveys to determine the exact needs of employers.

“The basic core, you know, is really true for all of agriculture; understanding how crops grow, the influence of soils and irrigation systems.  And then the more complexities as we go into the value added sector where you’re talking about food processing and compliance and all of those elements that are important components of the Ag industry these days.”

Ball noted key features of the program include:

• Hands-on learning is incorporated in all classes.
• Classes are taught by agriculture science faculty with extensive experience in the industry.
• Hybrid courses combine in-person and online instruction, with evening classes meeting once or twice a week.
• Cohort model that enables students to progress through the program together, offering additional opportunities for professional networking.
• Completion of the program in two years for full-time students who have already earned their associate degree.

“I think we’re just looking for individuals who want and love and have a passion for the Ag industry.  It doesn’t matter if they’re working in the business sector or on the farm level or working for one of our processors, I think this degree is going to open up further opportunities for them, give them the skills and abilities they need to move to that next level whatever that interest is that they have.”

Classes start this September.

Visit YVC's Website to learn more about the new Agricultural Sciences program. If you have questions, E-mail Trent Ball or call (509) 834-4522.

Click Here to learn more about the application process.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com