Agribusiness Science & Technology

Why Agribusiness Science & Technology?

Agriculture is one of Wisconsin’s most vital and fast-changing industries, powered by innovation and rooted in community. In this program, you will learn to manage the business, science, and technology of modern agriculture. You will gain the knowledge to improve crop production, livestock management, and farm profitability while strengthening sustainability across the industry.

At Mid-State, you will learn from experienced agriculture professionals and apply your knowledge through hands-on fieldwork and real-world projects. You’ll graduate ready to own or manage a farm, work in agribusiness, or transfer your credits toward a bachelor’s degree.

Apply business and science principles to improve crop and livestock operations.
Engage in field experiences that include soil sampling, pest identification, and herd management.
Develop skills in precision agriculture, financial management, and equipment operation.
Benefit from small class sizes and personalized instruction that support your success.
Collaborate with industry professionals through strong regional partnerships.
Mid-State Technical College has transfer agreements between University of Wisconsin-River Falls and University of Wisconsin-Platteville. This allows students completing an associate degree in Agribusiness & Science Technology at Mid-State to transfer directly to the bachelor of science in Agricultural Studies at UW-River Falls or the bachelor of science in Agriculture Education at UW-Platteville.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

61-62 Credits

Degree Type

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Program Length

Two Years

Delivery Method

In Person, Hybrid

Location

Marshfield

Start Dates

Fall, Spring

Estimated Program Cost

$11,093.74

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Fully Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Agricultural Manager

Agriculture Sales and Service

Herdsperson

Production Agriculture Manager

$32k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $32,117. Source: Lightcast Data Set

1,577

Average Monthly Hires

1,577 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

100%

Mid-State Graduate Satisfaction Rate

Students leave proud, prepared, and confident in what comes next. Source: Mid-State Graduate Survey Results

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Following is the list of courses within the program. Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See the program information guide below for full course details or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Full-Time Curriculum (61-62 Total Credits)

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) options are available for some courses.

Term 1: (15 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10093101	Integrated Pest Management	Yes	2
10093102	Intro to Precision Agriculture	No	3
10091105	Animal Health	No	3
10103106	Microsoft Office-Introduction	Yes	3
10093104	Principles of Crop Management	No	3
10890102	GPS for Student Success	Yes	1

Term 2: (14-15)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10801195 or 10801136	Written Communication or English Composition 1	Yes	3
10804107 or 10804118	College Mathematics or Intermediate Algebra with Applications	Yes	3 or 4
10006102	Agribusiness Equipment and Facilities	No	2
10090101	Agriculture Business Management	No	3
10006103	Introduction to Food Science	No	3

Term 3: (16 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10801198 or 10801196	Speech or Oral/Interpersonal Communication	Yes	3
10806114	General Biology	No	4
10091103	Applied Animal Nutrition	No	3
10091102	Intro to Animal Science	No	3
10080105	Intro to Soil Science	No	3

Term 4: (16 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10102178	Personal Finance	Yes	3
10809198 or 10809188	Introduction to Psychology or Developmental Psychology	Yes	3
10809166	Introduction to Ethics: Theory & Application	Yes	3
10006107	Agriculture Commodities & Marketing	No	3
10091104	Introduction to Animal Genetics	No	2
10006007 or 10006110	Agriculture Internship or Agriculture Capstone	No	2

Instructors

Meet our full-time instructors.

Teri Raatz, BS, MS
Teri holds a BS in agricultural education from UW-River Falls and a master’s in agriculture/ag sustainability from Murray State University. Her love agriculture started in childhood—she grew up on a diversified livestock farm and showed/owned registered dairy cattle. Prior to her 15 years of teaching at Mid-State, Teri taught middle school and high school agriculture for six years. She has also worked at Wisconsin's first ethanol plant in Stanley, Wisconsin, where she was involved in grading and purchasing corn. Teri is actively involved in the Colby FFA Alumni and Supporters, volunteers with the Clark County 4-H, and serves as advisor for the Clark County Jr Holstein Association, and her family owns a small herd of registered dairy cattle that her kids show across the state. She also serves as a member of the City of Colby Board of Appeals.

“I am passionate about all areas of agriculture and bring vast experience in agriculture into the classroom. I enjoy teaching students about the many opportunities available today in the world of agriculture.”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Create a crop management plan.
Develop an agribusiness management plan.
Apply economic and marketing strategies to agribusiness industry.
Apply relevant technologies.
Create a livestock management plan.
Investigate opportunities in agribusiness.
Interact as a professional in agribusiness.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Degree

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students

“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.
Mid-State Grad
“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.
Mid-State Grad
“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.
Mid-State Grad
“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.
Mid-State Grad
“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.
Mid-State Grad
“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.
Mid-State Grad