Job readiness and/or transfer
CONTACT PERSON: Carmel Miller • Technical Center 104A • 224-5557 • Carmel.Miller@bsc.nodak.edu

Bismarck State College takes a comprehensive approach in preparing graduates for careers in agriculture, technology and natural resources. The program offers specialized courses, projects to apply classroom learning, freshman and sophomore seminars on career opportunities, and a cooperative education internship for on-the-job training.

Students can choose from three options: Farm and Ranch Management (FRM), Agriculture Industry and Technology (AIT), and Agriculture, Technology, Food and Natural Resources Transfer (ATFNR) to a four-year institution. Coursework is concentrated in animal science, crop and soil science, agricultural technology, farm/ranch management, and agriculture sales and service. Students can select from a variety of classes emphasizing either crop production or animal science. Graduates of the Farm and Ranch Management (FRM) and Agriculture Industry and Technology (AIT) programs are awarded an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree upon successful completion of the program. Students can also graduate with a double major in Agriculture Industry & Technology and Farm & Ranch Management. Both choices enhance job opportunities. A four-month cooperative education internship helps students develop practical skills.

Technology instruction is infused throughout the curriculum in such areas as computer record keeping, biotechnology, and animal identification. Students also study the newest precision farming technology, including guidance systems, handheld GPS systems, Arcview and other GIS software, variable rate application and remote sensing.

BSC offers core courses for students planning to continue their education at a four-year agriculture college. Faculty members advise students on classes needed for the Associate in Science (AS) degree at BSC and baccalaureate degree at the chosen four-year institution. A Cooperative Education Internship is optional. BSC offers dual admission for students planning to pursue a baccalaureate degree in agriculture at North Dakota State University or Dickinson State University.

The Agriculture, Technology and Natural Resources faculty advise a "Postsecondary Agriculture Student Organization (PASO)" whose members participate in local, regional, state and national events related to leadership skills and knowledge of the agriculture industry.