Agricultural Systems Management
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
Twenty-first century agriculture depends on modern technologies to successfully operate. Agricultural systems management studies these technologies, mechanical systems, and resources such as soil and water to determine how they can be most effectively used in modern agricultural production in California and around the world.
San Luis Obispo, California
The degree includes courses in bioresource and agricultural engineering, agricultural systems analysis, irrigation water management, CAD for agricultural engineering and systems management.
The department’s state-of-the-art laboratories allow you to work with the most current technologies in expansive outdoor and indoor facilities. An existing electronics lab was remodeled into a computing lab by adding a state-of-the-art projection system and computer terminals to serve up to 34 students. BioResource classes are supported with aquaculture, hydroponic and aeroponic growing systems and two large shops are dedicated to building projects.
Although there aren’t formal concentrations, you will also be able to put emphasis in one of the following areas:
- Environmental Information Management
- Food and Fiber Processing
- Livestock Production
- Plant Production
- Processing and Manufacturing
- Water/Irrigation
About the Program
The agricultural systems management program prepares you to understand, design and operate the technological and physical systems used in modern agriculture, including energy and power systems, water management tools, mechanical and electrical systems, robotics and more.
You will be immersed in laboratory-intensive classes that will hone your problem-solving skills and provide you with the necessary tools and opportunities to learn to build what you design. All areas culminate in a senior project to demonstrate your ability to manage advanced technologies and engineer solutions to the problems of resources and systems.
Learn by Doing
Agricultural systems management classes are taught by faculty members who are internationally recognized as world-class experts in their fields and not afraid to get their hands dirty. Your labs will take you out of the classroom and into the field using the most up-to-date technology in the department’s expansive outdoor and indoor facilities. Whether it be modernizing an irrigation district or building autonomous planters, you will be given opportunities to observe developing projects and solve real-life problems.
Design and Construct a Tractor
Our Graduates
Agricultural systems management graduates are in high demand across California and around the world.
Many go on to work as water specialists, project managers, construction managers and agricultural operations and commodities at companies such as JG Boswell, Foster Farms, Granite Construction and G3 Enterprises.