13 Credits CERT3157, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Resources
The certificate is designed for individuals to enter agribusiness careers in the plant systems career pathways of agriculture. Students will support and service crop and soils business operations that provide input resources for farm operations. Individuals may be involved with the movement, transportation, distribution and application of inputs for the production and marketing of agriculture crops.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semesters: Fall and Spring
Base estimate for 13 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: $2,788
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $2,788 *
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 (7 Courses)
Complete all of the following courses. AGRI2780 Agribusiness Internship requires 2 credits.
AGBS1100 Agricultural Selling Skills (3 credits)
This course covers the basic and advanced principles and techniques used in selling agricultural merchandise and services. Agricultural Sales has taken on increased importance in recent years. The introduction of new products and services has magnified the need for technically competent knowledgeable sales personnel. Role-playing and advanced, in-depth sales presentations will be done in class. Students will also be required to make an industry visit and write appropriate letters. (Prerequisites: None)
AGBS2015 Commercial Driver's License (1 credits)
Students prepare for the Commercial Motor Vehicles General Knowledge (written) Test, related required Endorsements (written) Test(s), related optional Endorsements (written) Test(s), and the Pre-Trip Inspection (skills) Examination. The goal in this course is to obtain a MN Class A CDL permit. (Prerequisites: 18 years of age and a valid MN Class D driver's license).
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)
PLSC1100 Soils I (3 credits)
This course has a lecture and a lab component. Areas of study will include the physical properties, chemical properties, biological properties, soil formation, classification, essential nutrient and soil survey. There will be emphasis on soil and water conservation and practices that can be used to reduce soil erosion. Evaluations of soil samples will be conducted in the agribusiness lab and in the field. (Prerequisites: None)
PLSC1300 Agronomy I (2 credits)
This course covers agronomy principles for midwest crops. The course covers basic components of plant growth, seed quality, plant parts, plant growth and development, plant classification, maturity systems and seeding rates. Corn and soybean production will be major crops of consideration. (Prerequisites: None)
PLSC2000 Commercial Pesticide License Training (1 credits)
This course is designed to complement other courses offered in weed, insect and disease control and pesticide application so as to help facilitate the student with skills necessary to pass the state examinations for applicator licensing and the federal examination for private applicator licensing. (Prerequisite: None)
SGAG1000 Ag Orientation (1 credits)
Students will become oriented to the careers in agriculture related to the specific filed they plan to enter. Completion of interviews of industry professionals will be required and students will need to write a career plan relating to the path they have been oriented. (Prerequisite: None)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
