Inspire the Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders
Are you passionate about agriculture, education, and shaping the future of the industry? The Agriculture Education Transfer Major at Iowa Lakes provides a comprehensive foundation in agricultural studies, agronomy, soil science, and natural sciences, preparing you to teach and inspire the next generation of agricultural professionals.
The Ag Education Transfer Major AS Degree sets the stage for a seamless transfer to Iowa’s Regent Universities, including the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Iowa, and Iowa State University.
Through hands-on coursework and practical learning experiences, you’ll explore key areas of agriculture, livestock, and plant sciences, equipping you with the expertise to thrive in agricultural education, extension services, and other agribusiness professions. Whether you aspire to become an agriculture teacher, FFA advisor, extension specialist, or ag business consultant, this program ensures you develop the technical skills and teaching strategies needed to succeed in a high-demand field.
Engaging Curriculum with Real-World Applications
The Agriculture Education Transfer Major degree blends theory with hands-on learning, covering key topics such as:
- Survey of the Animal Industry – Gain insight into livestock management and production practices.
- Fundamentals of Soil Science – Understand soil health, fertility, and its impact on crop growth.
- Biology & Agricultural Sciences – Build a strong foundation in life sciences, plant biology, and genetics.
By completing this program, you’ll have a transfer major recorded on your transcripts, ensuring a smooth transition to a four-year university. The program also aligns with teacher preparation requirements, allowing you to pursue education certifications and endorsements at the next level.
Build a Career in Agricultural Leadership
Agriculture education is a growing field with strong career prospects. Professionals in ag education, extension services, and agricultural communication play an essential role in shaping policies, guiding students, and advancing industry best practices.
Explore career opportunities and salary expectations in agriculture education through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. Ready to take the next step? Connect with an enrollment coach today and start building your future in agricultural education!
Find Your It!
Build a Future in Agriculture Education
A Strong Foundation for a Rewarding Career
Whether you aspire to teach in high schools, work in agricultural extension services, or develop educational programs for ag-related organizations, the Agriculture Education Transfer Major degree provides the technical knowledge and instructional skills needed to thrive.
Seamless Transfer for Career Success
By completing your AS degree at Iowa Lakes, you’ll fulfill all required coursework while ensuring a smooth transition to a four-year institution. Transfer requirements may vary by university, so working closely with an advisor will help you align your coursework and credits with your future school. To earn your Transfer Major Degree, you must complete all required courses and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Hands-On Learning: Engage in interactive coursework and labs that bring agricultural concepts to life, from agronomy and soil science to biology and math.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Build a strong foundation in key areas like agronomy, soil science, natural sciences, and mathematics, ensuring you’re well-prepared for advanced studies.
- Engaging Courses: Explore dynamic classes such as Survey of the Animal Industry, Fundamentals of Soil Science, and Biology to prepare for your future career.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from instructors with deep roots in agriculture who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and guiding your success.
- Smooth Transfer Pathway: Graduate with an Associate in Science (AS) degree, fully prepared to transfer to a four-year institution like Iowa State University. Your transcript will record your transfer major, and advisors will help you meet institution-specific requirements.
- Career Opportunities: Position yourself for a rewarding career as an agricultural educator, extension agent, FFA advisor, or leader in ag-focused community programs.
At Iowa Lakes, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and support you need to succeed in agriculture education and beyond.
Program Details
Length
4 Terms
Degree
Associate in Science (64 credits)
Campus
Emmetsburg
Training
College-Owned Farm
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
AGS 113 – Survey of the Animal Industry
This course is an introduction in animal science including various species and breeds of domestic animals and gives them an appreciation for the principles of production, biological principles, stewardship, and animal industries as they relate to animal production in the U.S. and the world.
BIO 112 – General Biology I
Introduction to biology concepts with emphasis on ecology, cellular biology, reproduction and development, genetics and evolution. Lecture and laboratory.
ENG 105 – Composition I
Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET, COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy
MAT 120 – College Algebra
Operation of real and complex numbers; factoring; exponents; quadratic equations; inequalities; matrices; rational functions; logarithmic functions; and graphing or functions .
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110 – Math for Liberal Arts
MAT 127 – College Algebra and Trig
Course combines college algebra and trigonometry. Algebra topics covered include functions and their graphs; solving equations and inequalities; polynomial functions; conic sections; and exponential and logarithmic functions. Trigonometry topics covered are right triangle trigonometry; unit circles; trigonometric functions; graphing; verifying identities; solving trigonometric equations; and applications of trigonometry.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120 or MAT 121
SDV 103 – Successful Learning
Students master the academic and personal skills needed to succeed in higher education and in life. Content will cover academic, communication and life management skills. Goal setting, time management, note taking, test taking and how to be a lifelong learner will also be covered.
Choose MAT 120 or MAT 127
Humanities: 3 credits
Term 2
AGA 114 – Principles of Agronomy
Covers the basic principles of crop production, including classification, soil-plant interrelationships and growth process in response to environment.
BIO 113 – General Biology II
Introduction to biology concepts with emphasis on kingdoms; taxonomy and a survey of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms; plant structures and physiology; and animal systems. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: BIO 112 – General Biology I
ECN 130 – Principles of Microeconomics
Reviews the organization and workings of modern economic systems; the role of markets, prices and competition in the promotion of economic welfare, alternative systems and international trade.
ENG 106 – Composition II
Continuation of ENG 105 with emphasis on research and documentation as well as literary analysis.
Prerequisites: ENG 105 – Composition I
MAT 156 – Statistics
This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and procedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and producer of statistical information. The course emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students are introduced to technology as it applies to introductory statistical methods.
Prerequisites: appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210
MAT 157 – Statistics
This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and procedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and producer of statistical information. The course emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students are also introduced to software as it applies to introductory statistical methods.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210
Choose MAT 156 or MAT 157
Term 3
ACC 131 – Principles of Accounting I
The course examines the accounting methods, principles and terminology needed in the preparation and analysis of financial statements. Included is a study of partnership accounting.
AGA 154 – Fundamentals of Soil Science
An introduction to basic soil formation, classification, physical properties, water, organic matter, pH, and fertility.
CHM 166 – General Chemistry I
The properties of matter in terms of modern chemical principles. The topics covered are measurements, stoichiometry, atomic structure, chemical reactions, periodic relationships, gas laws, thermochemistry, quantum theory, solutions and equilibrium and inter-and intra-molecular forces. Problem solving in each of the areas is included. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: High school chemistry and mathematics
CHM 151 – College Chemistry I
The first of two general survey courses introducing the student to general, organic and biological chemistry. Topics covered are chemical calculations, atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, periodic relations, gas laws, solid state, solutions, and acids and bases. Lecture and laboratory.
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
CSC 116 – Information Computing
This course presents the basic concepts of information systems and computer literacy. The course incorporates theory as well as hands-on practice which focuses on spreadsheets and database management systems (DBMS).
Choose CHM 166 or CHM 151
Choose CSC 110 or CSC 116
Term 4
SPC 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication†
The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking. Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.
SPC 112 – Public Speaking
This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is placed on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery, and audience analysis.
SPC 122 – Interpersonal Communications
Examines how humans communicate in one-on-one situations through personal and professional relationships.
Choose SPC 101, SPC 112, or SPC 122
Science, Math or Elective: 3 credits
Social Science: 3 credits
Electives: 6 credits
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
By obtaining an Associate in Science (AS) degree from Iowa Lakes, you will learn the following:1
Communications:
- Students are able to communicate clearly, both written and oral using the correct medium.
- Students are able to support ideas with appropriate and adequate information.
Sciences:
- Demonstrate safe laboratory practices.
- Apply scientific inquiry/scientific method to answer questions about the natural world.
Mathematics:
- Apply mathematical methods to solve real world problems.
- Evaluate the validity of mathematical solutions.
Social Sciences:
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills in written and oral communication.
- Students will critique the diversity of human experience, individually and collectively.
Humanities:
- Respond critically using established aesthetic principles or criteria, or an ethical judgement of specific examples as it relates to the discipline.
- Express the principles of the discipline within the global community by using the language, syntax, and cultural context of the discipline appropriately.
Computers:
- Integrate the technology necessary in the workplace environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge in utilizing software application tools.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining an Associate in Science degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Transfer data to Iowa Regent Universities
First Year University GPA
Note: This is the average of transfer with associates and transfer, no associates
2.94
Average Retention One Year After Transferring to a Regent University
86%
Average University Graduation Rates Three Years After Entry to a Regent University
58%
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Andrea Japenga Academic Advisor 712-852-5241 | ajapenga@iowalakes.edu |