Our Program
What better place to start your career in agriculture than in central Illinois, home of some of the most fertile farm ground in the world? Parkland College offers a variety of certificates and degrees in agriculture, so you can find your niche. The Tony Noel Agricultural Technology Applications Center provides modern, new classroom space.

Parkland College also operates the Land Laboratory, 30 acres of demonstration plots that serve as a teaching tool for many of our courses. At the Land Lab students receive hands-on experience in yield checks, harvest loss estimates, weed, insect, and disease identification, population counts, crop identification, and residue cover.

Students also participate in the Ag Club, the annual Farm Toy Show, Illinois and National Post-Secondary Agriculture Student Organization contests, the Equine Club, the Riding Team, and the Livestock Judging Team.

Parkland's agriculture faculty also work with international ag organizations and have traveled to Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America exchanging information on global agricultural issues.

The agriculture degrees
Parkland's agriculture certificates and degrees start with many of the same core courses, including introductory economics, ag computer applications, soil science, and hands-on work experience. As with all Parkland programs, students will also study English, math, and other general electives.

• The Agriculture Business Management certificate and A.A.S. degree prepares students for entry-level positions in a variety of agribusinesses and farming operations. Agriculture Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degrees • Certificate • Associate in Science (A.S.) Transfer DegreeStudents will choose an area of concentration ranging from international agriculture to soils and fertilizers.

• The A.A.S. degree in Precision Ag Technology offers training in satellite-controlled soil sampling, fertilizer application, crop scouting, and yield mapping. Farmers, soil testing labs, fertilizer and chemical companies, banks, and other agribusinesses hire workers trained in these new techniques.

• The Parkland district, as well as most of Illinois, is a popular geographic area for locating research farms for seed, chemicals, and other agricultural products. The A.A.S. degree in Ag Research Technology offers training for technicians interested in developing innovative agricultural practices and products.

• The Grain Merchandising and Management A.A.S. prepares students for entry-level jobs in the grain and feed industry. Coursework includes merchandising, grain marketing, and ag finance as well as the basics of grain grading, drying, and handling.

• The A.A.S. degree in Ag Equipment Management and Marketing prepares students to work as parts assistants, setup technicians, and office support in ag equipment businesses. Area businesses have reported difficulty in filling such positions with qualified employees, so career opportunities are good.

• If you wish to pursue a four-year or advanced degree in agriculture, consider starting at Parkland in the two-year A.S. Agriculture Transfer Degree. You will work closely with the ag faculty to prepare to transfer successfully as you gain a solid foundation in agriculture. Tuition and fees at Parkland are about a third of the costs at a state university.

Length of study
Each of the degrees can be achieved in two years of full-time study; the agri-business certificate may be completed in one year. All programs may be completed on a part-time basis as well.Employment opportunitiesBecause Parkland's agriculture certificates and degrees.

Entry requirements
High school graduation or equivalent is required for admission to Parkland. Computer skills are highly recommended, along with course work in mathematics and science.

Required courses
• Ag Equipment Management and Marketing A.A.S. Degree
• Applied Agronomy A.A.S. Degree
• Grain Merchandising and Management A.A.S. Degree
• Precision Ag Technology A.A.S. Degree
• Agri-Business Certificate
• Agriculture Transfer Degree

For more information
Contact the Business and Agri-Industries department at 217/351-2213.