19 Credits CERT3156, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
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Developed in coordination with the National Pork Board and other ag industry leaders, the Professional Swine Manager certificate program provides all the skills and knowledge needed as a swine production technician or manager. With a focus on producing modern food products in the safest, most human, and environmentally sound manner as possible, you will be prepared for success in the swine industry.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semesters: Fall and Spring
Base estimate for 19 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $4,075
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $4,075 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (8 Courses)
Complete all of the following courses:
AGRI1850 Employer/Employee Relations (3 credits)
This course covers the principles of supervision and the factors of supervision as they relate to the goals of the business. Supervision problems with practical solutions will be emphasized. Personnel management techniques including determine personnel needs, finding and recruiting people, performance appraisals, training, promotions, legal issues, stress control and terminations will be included. Students will develop an employment portfolio. (Prerequisites: None)
AGRI2780 Agribusiness Internship (1 - 9 credits)
This course is a cooperative educational program between the student, faculty and the internship site/business. Students will apply competencies gained from previous coursework into an agribusiness industry workplace. Specific tasks to be completed by the student and will be identified in an individual training plan developed by the student, faculty and internship supervisor. Each training plan is specific to the individual student and business enterprise where the student is employed. (Prerequisite: Instructor Permission)
MEAG1500 Facility Maintenance (3 credits)
This course covers...farm and residential electrical wiring. Practical 120/240 volt circuit wiring, electrical safety, device selection, installation methods, grounding, bonding and service entrance panels included. Students will be wiring circuits according to code. Plumbing processes of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and copper will be included. Another component of this class includes; OxyAcetylene welding, gas torch and/or plasma cutting and several forms of Arc welding. Students will spend time in the welding lab completing the required welds. Electrical and welding safety will be stressed. (Prerequisites: None).
SWPR1000 Introduction to U. S. Pork Production (2 credits)
This course will provide an overview and introduction to the current U.S. Pork Industry. The course will cover industry trends and statistics, production systems, ethical production principles, Good Production Practices (GPP), and support systems. The course will also focus on health concerns, alternative production systems, production records and financial analysis. Additionally, a discussion on meat quality and consumer issues related to food safety and animal welfare will be addressed. Current industry issues related to the Show and Seed Stock businesses will be covered as well. (Prerequisites None)
SWPR1050 Swine Artificial Insemination (1 credits)
This course is designed to teach the fundamental principles of livestock genetics in a practical manner. This course covers the study of the equipment necessary for artificial insemination in swine. Principles involved in heat detection, boar training, semen collection, semen evaluation, commercial semen, insemination, recordkeeping, and clean up procedures will all be addressed in this course. (Prerequisite: None)
SWPR1200 Swine Breeding Stock Management (3 credits)
This course will provide a comprehensive study of the swine breeding herd. It will focus on the technical aspects of the breeding, gestation, and farrowing departments in a swine operation. Topics include the conditioning, care and management of gilts, sows and boars, breeding schedules, breeding methods, stock replacement, herd integration, replacement strategies, gestation management, Lactation management, reproductive health considerations, and care of piglets prior to weaning. (Prerequisite: None)
SWPR1300 Nursery Finish Management (3 credits)
This course covers the requirements of the growing and finishing phases of swine to maximize production and efficiency. An overview of the technical and theoretical aspects of nursery, grower and finishing stages will be covered in this course. Production efficiency will be emphasized, as well as the humane treatment of animals. The discussion of social stress, nutritional stress and housing requirements will be included as well. The course will also cover scheduling of facilities, animal marketing, environmental considerations, animal observations and proper animal husbandry skills. (Prerequisites: None)
SWPR2000 Swine Records and Analysis (3 credits)
This course covers recordkeeping systems for wide range of swine enterprises with an emphasis on interpretation, terms, and accuracy factors. Swine record use and analysis to maintain efficient productivity in all aspects of the swine enterprise is stressed. Computerized record systems are compared and students have an opportunity to utilize PigChamp or Pigcare record information, as well as other computerized records in swine production systems. Students will explain industry benchmarks and factors that impact obtaining business production goals. (Prerequisites: None)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
