DEGREE PROGRAM OFFERING: BS Agriculture

Program Description and Objectives

The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) Program aims to educate students in the scientific habit of thought, entrepreneurial skills and prepare them to become professionals with entry-level competencies in technical agriculture.  It emphasizes the techniques of identifying, diagnosing and analyzing problems and in designing, packaging and applying technologies needed in the development and conservation of the agriculture and food system resources.  (Article III, Section 3, CMO No. 14, s. 2008)

Academic preparation with extensive community practice for rural leadership will be emphasized, with courses designed to provide comprehensive understanding of local agriculture and practices and facilitate skills development needed to make agricultural communities productive and financially viable yet conscious on environmental protection, conservation and development.

Professions/Occupations for Graduates

For specific professions/ careers/ occupations or trades that BSA graduates may go into, students completing the BSA Program will be prepared for careers in a variety of profession, namely: research, farm management, agriculture and food technology, entrepreneurship and business in agriculture, and teaching.

The Program Curriculum

Aware of the demand for agriculture graduates; the nature of employment open for graduates; and the capabilities of the faculty, the BSA Program of the ZSPGC envisions to produce agriculture manpower resource, equipped with relevant and responsive knowledge, skills and attitude, capable of fitting into any of the economic sectors within.

The Program is focused Agricultural Crops, Horticulture and Animal Production with introduction to Farm Business Management, Farm Marketing, Farm Structure, Farm Mechanization, and many other relevant subjects.  Overall, the curricular activities will provide students learning activities and experiences that are grounded on the real world setting with entrepreneurial perspectives and with a sense commitment for social equity and justice.

In summary, a student will undertake a total of 215 units (185 lecture hours with 52 laboratory hours) in order to graduate.  In the First Year, a total of 67 units (67 lecture hours with 14 laboratory hours) will be required, involving two Semesters and one Summer classes.  In the Second Year, a total of 67 units (67 lecture hours with 14 laboratory hours) will be required, involving two Semesters but without Summer classes.   In the Third Year, a total of 54 units (54 lecture hours with 22 laboratory hours) will be required, involving two Semesters and one Summer classes.  While, in the Fourth Year, a total of 39 units (21 lecture hours with 4 laboratory hours) will be finally required of a student before becoming a candidate for graduation.

FACTS:  There were 142 students enrolled in BS  Agriculture during the 1st semester, 93 survived for the 2nd semester, SY 2013-2014.