
Interested in technology? Like to work with your hands? Or maybe you’re business-minded?
Then a career in Agriculture may be right for you!
The world needs agriculture and natural resources to survive. From the food you eat to the clothes you wear to the everyday products you use – nearly everything can be tied to these industries. They play a crucial role in our economy, providing a large number of job opportunities.
At Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, we prepare students for these diverse fields with a variety of options. You can even earn money while you learn! Every program offers paid internships with some students earning more than the cost of tuition.
Programs
The EICC Farm Management program is a comprehensive two-year agricultural production program that includes professional training in the classroom and real-world experiences. The areas of marketing, risk management and financial management are emphasized, as well as several production-related courses. The program has highly technical coursework based on industry standards. Professional organizations are included for developing technical skills and leadership. Area agricultural leaders serve as advisory committee members to guide the growth of the program.
As an Agribusiness Management major you learn the ins and outs of retail agricultural and ag supply business management. Feed, seed, fertilizer, fuel, crop protection, grain, operations and management – these are emphasized and critical to retail agribusiness success. Marketing, resource management and risk management are also included as well as sales and human relations. Instructional staff is constantly bringing updated technical information to the students in order to keep them abreast of rapidly changing technology in the business.
In this program, you develop competencies in agronomy, technology and agricultural economics. You are prepared to utilize analytical skills, communication skills and ethical reasoning skills needed to succeed in the workplace. The program includes studies in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Geo-Spatial Data Collection, as well as frequent opportunities for field work and paid internships.
Agribusiness Equipment Technician
In this program you graduate with skills you can use in two different career paths. One path specializes in sales and the human side of the equipment world while the other specializes in the highly skilled area of mechanics technology. Muscatine Community College’s (MCC) Agribusiness Management Department joined forces with Scott Community College’s Diesel Technology Department to create this program. Successful students become well-rounded, employable, third-party certified professionals equipped to enter careers in the Ag equipment field at an entry level or above sales position or as a service technician.
Agriculture Systems Technology
This degree combines some of the classes from our Agribusiness Management and Engineering Technology programs to create a unique opportunity for you. AST is a career field merging the principles of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with agriculture. Agriculture depends on complex technology systems. As an AST graduate you analyze, develop, build and trouble shoot those systems using practical knowledge and skill. Program candidates possess a strong desire to perform in a variety of agriculture and business environments. Technological skills, as well as soft skills, will be achieved by dedicated hands-on activities and experiences.
Earn an Associate’s Degree in agriculture by choosing from general education requirements that match your interests and pairing those with electives focused on the agriculture industry. You’ll graduate prepared to further your studies at the Bachelor’s Degree level.
Schedule a visit with our Admissions Coordinator to learn more! Contact Andrew Snyder at 563-288-6007 or email asnyder@eicc.edu