Agriculture
Rend Lake College's Agriculture program will prepare students for a variety of careers, ranging from biology and chemistry to business management and equipment repair. Prepare for transfer to a four-year institution or enter the workforce. Consider our degree and certificate options listed below.
Degrees & Certificates in Agriculture
All curriculum guides reflect the RLC official catalog. Please check the latest catalog and addendum for possible changes.AGRICULTURE — Degree
Associate in Arts Degree
This two-year transfer program leads to an Associate in Arts Degree. The curriculum is designed for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree in various areas of agriculture. It provides students with the background in agriculture and general studies necessary for advanced work at a four-year college or university. Students are advised to check with the institution to which they are transferring and an advisor at Rend Lake College for any additional requirements.
►Total = 64 Hours
1 Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.
AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS — Degree
Associate in Applied Science DegreeAPPLIED SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
A two-year program leading to an Associate in Applied Science Degree. Courses are designed to meet the needs of students who wish to pursue a career in the broad area of agricultural business at the mid-management level. Graduates should find interesting and rewarding opportunities in agricultural sales and services. Upon completion of this program, the student has the option to capstone into a participating four-year institution.
► Total = 68 Hours
Third Semester (19 Cr. Hrs.)
- AGRI 1263 Crop Science (4)
- AGRI 2225 Food and Agricultural Policy (3)
- AGRI 2223 Agricultural Finance (3)
- COMM 1101 Principles of Effective Speaking (3)
- CSCI 1102 Intro to Computers w/ Business Applications (3)
- PSYC 2101 Introduction to Psychology 1 or
PSYC 2106 Human Relations (3)
Fourth Semester (19 Cr. Hrs.)
- AGRI 1181 Introduction to Animal Science (4)
- AGRI 2241 Farm Management (3)
- AGRI 2242 Marketing Agricultural Products (5)
- AGRI 2210 Supervised Occupational Experience (4)
- Elective – General Education 1, 2 (3)
1 Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.
2 See Division Chairperson for list of approved courses.
AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS — Degree
Associate in Applied Science DegreeAPPLIED SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
A two-year program leading to an Associate in Applied Science Degree. The program is designed to prepare students for occupations involving the maintenance and repair of implements such as tractors, combines and other farm machinery. Upon completion of the curriculum, the student should have a thorough knowledge of engine and equipment repair, servicing, sales and management. Also upon completion, the student has the option to capstone into a participating four-year institution.
► Total = 69 Hours
Second Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)
- AGRI 1204 Physics of Hydraulics (4)
- AGRI 1210 Supervised Occupational Experience (4)
- AGRI 1221 Intro to Agricultural Occupations (1)
- CSCI 1101 Intro to Computers or
CSCI 1102 Intro to Computers w/ Business Applications (3) - COMM 1101 Principles of Effective Speaking 1 (3)
- DIEL 1202 Basic Diesel Fuel Systems (2)
1 Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.
AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS — Certificate
APPLIED SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
► Total = 30 Hours
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION & MANAGEMENT — Degree
APPLIED SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
The two-year Agricultural Production and Management program leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree combining many of the features in mechanical and business curricula to help students stay abreast with the dynamic, ever-changing agriculture industry. These changes are increasing the need and the opportunities for individuals who possess both technical knowledge and management ability. RLC students develop decision- making abilities by being exposed to such areas as farm management, economics and marketing. Courses like those dealing with feeds and feeding, soils and fertilizers and ag chemicals are intended to help develop technical skills. Unique to this program are the mechanical courses designed to develop skills needed to service the machines common in today’s agriculture. The Agricultural Production and Management program originally was designed for students who already have an opportunity to farm. However, many other employment opportunities are available as managers and herdsmen on large grain and livestock farms or as fertilizer, chemical and seed suppliers to ag service companies. Upon completion of this program, the student has the option to capstone into a participating four-year institution.
► Total = 71 Hours
Second Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)
- AGRI 1141 Agricultural Economics (3)
- AGRI 1223 Intro to Ag Business (3)
- AGRI 1262 Agricultural Chemicals (3)
- AGRI 1210 Supervised Occupational Experience (4)
- AGRI 1221 Intro to Agricultural Occupations or
BUSI 1202 Employability Skills (1) - COMM 1101 Principles of Effective Speaking (3)
Third Semester (18 Cr. Hrs.)
- AGRI 1205 Assembling, Adjusting and Reconditioning Farm Equipment (5) or
AGRI 1207 Machinery Reconditioning Restoration (5) - AGRI 1263 Crop Science (4)
- AGRI 2225 Food & Agricultural Policy (3)
- AGRI 1285 Agricultural Technologies (3)
- PSYC 2101 Introduction to Psychology 1 or
- PSYC 2106 Human Relations (3)
1 Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.
2 Highly recommended for students in Ag Production / Management.
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION & MANAGEMENT — Certificate
APPLIED SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
► Total = 30 Hours
PLANT & SOIL SCIENCE — Degree
APPLIED SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
This degree program prepares a student to transfer into a four-year Plant and Soil Science program. The last two years of a student’s program concentrate on professional objectives. Students are encouraged to consult an Academic Advisor for details regarding this program.
Many job opportunities exist for baccalaureate graduates in Plant and Soil Science ... soil conservationist, water conservationist, plant and soil laboratory technologist, production manager, plant pest control inspector, farm manager, plant breeding expert, plant pathologist, etc.
► Total = 64 Hours
SPRAY APPLICATOR - Certificate
APPLIED SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
This program is a two semester certificate training program to prepare students for employment in the field of custom application. Graduates will be prepared to enter the agricultural work force as an operator of custom applicator rig. The program is presented in the classroom and with hands-on activities driving an applicator. Students will receive preparation for the general standards pesticide exam as well as the CDL written exam.
► Total = 18 Hours
DIGITAL AGRICULTURE - Degree
Associate in Applied Science Degree
Applied Science & Technology Division
This program is designed to prepare students for employment in the field of digital agriculture. The AAS degree incorporates both skill sets of Agronomy and Computer Science to provide knowledge and involvement in agricultural technology and computer programming. The AAS degree also prepares students for upward mobility within the industry through a curriculum that goes beyond technical knowledge only. Classroom instruction and hands-on training will be conducted using agricultural computer software, GPS hardware, and drone technology used in the agricultural industry. Students will learn how to effectively implement farm software programs within the farm and industry settings, as well as prepare for a career in Agricultural Technical Services.
► Total = 64 Hours
DIGITAL AGRICULTURE - Certificate
Occupational Certificate
Applied Science & Technology Division
► Total = 18 Hours
This program is designed to prepare a student with the basic knowledge of computer science and the technical skills of Agronomy. Classroom instruction and hands-on training will be conducted utilizing agriculture computer software, GPS hardware, and drone technology used in the agriculture industry. Students will learn how to effectively create farm databases, assign tasks, create variable rate prescriptions, document applications, and learn the fundamentals of Ag and Computer Science.
Program Outcomes
|
Ag Business/Ag Production 1. Demonstrate the ability to gather and synthesize information pertinent to Agriculture |
| 2. Communicate effectively the current issues and challenges of the Agriculture industry |
| 3. Demonstrate the ability to calculate and interpret results of specific agricultural scenarios |
| 4. Demonstrate professionalism and work ethics that will allow students to succeed in the Agriculture industry |
|
Ag Mechanics/Diesel Technology 1. Communicate effectively the current issues and challenges of the Agriculture industry. |
| 2. Demonstrate the ability to gather and synthesize information pertinent to Agriculture. |
| 3. Demonstrate the ability to calculate and interpret results of specific agricultural scenarios. |
| 4. Exhibit an in-depth understanding of internal combustion engines common to the agriculture industry. |
| 5. Develop critical thinking skills in order to troubleshoot DC electrical systems. |
| 6. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of fluid power. |
| 7. Demonstrate a basic understanding concerning function and adjustment of various agricultural implements. |
| 8. Demonstrate a personal work ethic and perspective necessary to be successful in the agriculture industry. |
Articulation
Articulation agreements document a pathway between Rend Lake College and the following schools for the academic program(s) listed.
Transfer Information
Rend Lake College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional accreditors in the United States. Accreditation is vital to what we do. It serves as a measure of quality, allows us to access and distribute federal student aid, facilitates the transfer of classes between institutions and more. The Higher Learning Commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.Rend Lake College has been accredited since 1969. Voluntary accreditation is an activity of great importance to Rend Lake College and the community it serves. The process ensures that RLC is accountable – that our programs are effective and that we are delivering on our guarantees of educational quality.
Students who graduate with an Associates in Science (AS) or an Associates in Arts (AA) have the ability to transfer to institutions that will allow them to continue towards a goal of a Bachelors degree (BA or BS).
Rend Lake College works with other institutions to allow for an easy transition to a four-year university. Some of the Universities that have this working relationship are:
Faculty & Staff
Applied Science & Technology Division
Phone: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1261
Email: [email protected]
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Applied Science
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Applied Science
Connect with us!
Academic Advisement Center
Administration Building, Office 115
[email protected] • 618.437.5321, Ext. 1266
College office hours
Monday - Thursday: 8 AM – 4:30 PM • Friday 8 AM – 4 PM
Monday – Thursday: 8 AM – 4 PM During Summer
Upcoming Events
| Barre Basics - CANCELED Sep 10 2024 |
| Board of Trustees - September Meeting Sep 17 2024 |
| Fun Fest (No classes from Noon-3:00 pm; morning and night classes will meet) Sep 18 2024 |
| Advanced Pasta Sep 20 2024 |
| Barn Quilt Basics Sep 23 2024 |
| Board of Trustees - October Meeting Oct 08 2024 |
| DIY Fall Doormat Oct 09 2024 |
| Midterm Oct 11 2024 |
| Columbus Day Holiday - Campus Closed Oct 14 2024 |
| Faculty & Staff In-Service Day (No classes day or night, on-or off-campus) Oct 15 2024 |