Department of Agriculture and Food Science
Dr. Paul Woosley, Department Chair
Environmental Sciences & Technology Building
Office 269
Phone: 270-745-3151
Email: agriculture@wku.edu
Website: http://www.wku.edu/agriculture
The complexity of the technological and financial structure of modern agriculture has made education increasingly important. It has also brought about a need for personnel to fill positions in various businesses and professions which support agriculture.
Processing and marketing of agricultural products and supplying agricultural chemicals, machinery, seed, feed, and other products require research, sales, and service personnel who have met specific educational requirements. Governmental agencies that conduct research, extension, advisory, and regulatory activities are staffed by highly trained agricultural personnel.
The Department of Agriculture and Food Science strives to fill the needs of both the student who requires general technical knowledge for production agriculture and the student who needs more specialized training to pursue one of many careers. This is accomplished by offering specific curricula with enough flexibility to allow specialization within various agriculture disciplines.
Many students studying agriculture have urban/suburban backgrounds with limited farm experiences. The Department of Agriculture and Food Science uses the Agriculture Research and Education Center (AREC) and Baker Arboretum as integral parts of its laboratory and classroom instructional program to provide practical experiences. Internships and cooperative work experiences are encouraged for all students.
To complete the 120 semester hours required for a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture, students must complete the basic curriculum and one of the concentrations. The basic curriculum includes the Colonnade Program and specialty support requirements as well as basic professional courses in agriculture. These concentrations are Agribusiness, Agricultural Education, Plant and Soil Science, Animal Science, Horse Science, Applied Horticulture and Turf Systems, and General Agriculture. Special accommodations are built into the Animal Science and Horse Science concentrations for Pre-Vet students to facilitate acceptance into veterinary school and successful completion of a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. These concentrations allow students to vary their course selection to better meet their particular area of interest. The student, in consultation with an assigned advisor, will choose specific courses in addition to the basic curriculum.
When planning a program of study, students should be aware of the University academic requirements and regulations contained in this catalog in the chapter “Academic Information.” Specific attention should be given to the subsections in the chapter entitled (a) Academic Programs, (b) Colonnade Requirements, and (c) Academic Requirements and Regulations. Students should be aware that some academic programs may include additional scholastic regulations and standards not specified in the catalog. To obtain a copy of these regulations, students should contact their faculty advisor or the Agriculture & Food Science office.
Agriculture majors who follow the listed guidelines can graduate in 4 years (8 semesters) or less.
Guidelines
- Be advised by an assigned ACDC advisor and faculty advisor in the Department of Agriculture and Food Science each semester and enroll in the courses decided upon at the advising session.
- Excluding remedial classes, receive a passing grade for an average of 15 hours per semester for 8 semesters with a minimum 2.0 GPA and a minimum total of 120 hours, including 42 or more hours upper-division (300- and 400-level) courses. Complete the Colonnade Program requirements of the department and the university. Note specific required mathematics, biology, and chemistry courses.
- Deviation from any of these conditions might lead to the need for additional hours/courses and/or semester in order to graduate.
Faculty
Professor
Becky A. Gilfillen PhD (Plant and Soil Science), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 1999
William T. Willian PhD (Plant & Soil Science), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 1995
Paul B. Woosley PhD (Crop Science), University of Kentucky, 2002
Associate Professor
Jean D. Gumirakiza PhD (Economics), Utah State University, 2013
Stephen A. King PhD (Agricultural Economics), Oklahoma State University Main Campus, 2004
Thomas W. Kingery PhD (Agricultural Leadership, Education, & Communications), Texas A & M University, 2010
Martin Stone PhD (Agronomy), Texas A & M University, 1994
William D. Strunk PhD, University of Arkansas Main Campus, 2015
Assistant Professor
Phillip A. Gunter PhD (Animal Sciences), Auburn University, 2018
Luiz H. Pereira Silva PhD (Animal Science), Foreign College/University, 2018
Navdeep Singh PhD (Soil Science), South Dakota State University, 2020
Clinical Assistant Professor
Roger L. Dennis MAE (Agriculture Education, Secondary Education), Western Kentucky University, 1992
Clinical Associate Professor
Debra L. Shoulders DVM (Veterinary Medicine), Auburn University, 1994
Instructor I
Paige A. Smith MS (Agriculture), Western Kentucky University, 2017
Agricultural Economics (AGEC)
AGEC 160 Introduction to Agribusiness and Agricultural Entrepreneurship 3 Hours
Overview of various aspects of agribusiness and agricultural economics with emphasis on entrepreneurial skills. Technical, managerial, and professional qualifications for agribusiness-related careers.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; fall 2026
AGEC 261 Agricultural Accounting 3 Hours
Follows Farm Financial Standards Council guidelines for agricultural producers to analyze farm/ranch transactions and accounts, make journal and ledger entries, and produce farm financial statements.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; fall 2025; fall 2026
AGEC 360 Agricultural Economics 3 Hours
An introduction to the private and public sector of the United States economy. Identification of the resources used in agriculture. Elementary application of economic principles to resource use in agriculture. Lecture, three hours.
Prerequisite(s): (AGEC 160 or ECON 150 or ECON 202 or ECON 203)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; fall 2025; fall 2026
AGEC 361 Farm Management 3 Hours
Organizing and managing farms; factors affecting farm earnings; resource allocation; combining farm enterprises, individual farm organization and farm management problem assignments and application of the principles of business to farming are stressed.
Prerequisite(s): (AGEC 160 with a minimum grade of C or AGEC 261 with a minimum grade of C)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; spring 2025; spring 2026
AGEC 362 Agricultural Marketing 3 Hours
Included are principles and methods of marketing farm products; institutions performing the various functions in marketing specific commodities; market prices; marketing costs; elementary treatment of cooperative marketing.
Prerequisite(s): (AGEC 160 with a minimum grade of C or MKT 220 with a minimum grade of C)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; fall 2025; fall 2026
AGEC 366 Agricultural Sales 3 Hours
The course empowers students with a detailed discussion of principles, techniques, and procedures for professional business-to-business selling process as it relates to agricultural input and output sectors. A credit and personal improvement course designed for agricultural students interested in sales in agriculture industry.
Prerequisite(s): AGEC 160 with a minimum grade of C
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; spring 2025; spring 2026
AGEC 461 Advanced Farm Management 3 Hours
Identification, analysis and solution of problems of farm organization and operation; how to evaluate and incorporate innovations into new or ongoing operation, case studies and field trips to situation farms in South Central Kentucky are emphasized. Note: Permission of instuctor may be required.
Prerequisite(s): AGEC 361 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
AGEC 463 Agricultural Finance 3 Hours
Farm finance problems, credit institutions, capital requirements, investment decisions, budgeting techniques, operation of lending agencies and alternative means of acquiring capital are studied. Note: Permission of instuctor may be required.
Prerequisite(s): (AGEC 261 or ACCT 110)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; spring 2025; spring 2026
AGEC 468 World Food Development 3 Hours
Study of world food production problems and opportunities in feeding an ever-increasing population. Assessment of world food production, poverty, government policies, multi-national businesses and cultures. Investigates methods of increasing production.
Prerequisite(s): (AGEC 160 or ECON 150 or ECON 202 or ECON 203)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
AGEC 471 Agribusiness Entrepreneurial System 3 Hours
Connecting essential concepts/components learned from various disciplines to develop entrepreneurial skills in the agriculture industry in order to create innovative agriculture-related ventures and manage them profitably. NOte: Instuctor authorization may be required. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2024; spring 2024; spring 2025; spring 2026
AGEC 475 Special Topics in Agriculture Economics 1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Special topics acquaint advanced undergraduate students with scientific developments of current interest in agriculture. Appropriate topic titles are assigned. Lecture and assignments vary with credit. May be repeated with change in content. Note: Consent of instructor required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
Agricultural Education (AGED)
AGED 200 Foundations of Agricultural Education 3 Hours
History and foundation of agricultural education and career and technical education. Includes tools to promote, oversee, and evaluate agricultural education activities in grades 7-12.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; fall 2025; fall 2026
AGED 250 Introduction to Teacher Education in Agriculture 3 Hours
An analysis of the philosophical, psychological, and sociological foundations of education in American academic and career-technical public education. Qualification, performance and general expectation of the agriculture teacher are stressed. Students must complete a 25-hour pre-student teaching experience in the public schools. Periodic class trips are taken to observe various agriculture education departments.
Equivalent(s): EDU 250
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; spring 2025; spring 2026
AGED 300 Youth Development for Agricultural Educators 3 Hours
Prepares future secondary school agricultural educators to provide academic advisement and leadership in youth development programs in secondary schools.
Prerequisite(s): AGED 250 or MGE 275 or EDU 250
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; spring 2025; spring 2026
AGED 470 Methods of Teaching in Agricultural Education 3 Hours
Experiences related to the teaching of agriculture education, further preparing the prospective teacher in supervised occupational experience programs. FFA activities, classroom management, and general teaching techniques. Departments are occasionally visited. Note: Admission to student teaching required.
Prerequisite(s): (AGED 250 or EDU 250) and SPED 330 and AGRI 398 and PSY 310
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; fall 2025; fall 2026
AGED 471 Laboratory Design and Instructional Delivery Strategies in Agricultural Education 3 Hours (repeatable max of 3 hrs)
A teacher preparation course designed to prepare pre-service teachers for the student teaching experience and for a full-time teaching position. Unit planning, lesson preparation, laboratory design, and laboratory delivery comprise the major portion of this course. Note: Admission to student teaching required.
Prerequisite(s): (AGED 250 or EDU 250) and SPED 330 and AGRI 398 and PSY 310
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; spring 2025; spring 2026
AGED 475 Selected Topics in Agriculture Education 1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Special topics acquaint advanced undergraduate students with scientific developments of current interest in agriculture. Appropriate topic titles are assigned. Lecture and assignments vary with credit. May be repeated with change in content. Note: Consent of instructor required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
AGED 489 Special Problems in Agricultural Education 1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Note: Instructor's consent and 3.0 grade point average required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026
Agriculture - General (AGRI)
AGRI 101 The Science of Agriculture 3 Hours
Biological, chemical, and earth science concepts are related to agriculture. Intended for non-majors. Does not count toward agriculture major credit. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code NS
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
AGRI 108 Rural Sociology 3 Hours
The study of rural social groups and interaction in rural and suburban America as well as in rural areas of the world. The influences of basic concepts of society and culture and the relationship of rural population, class, social institutions, and groups on rural social change. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-SB | SB
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; summer 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; fall 2026
AGRI 175 College Foundations for Agriculture 1 Hour
Designed to develop academic skills and library research skills, to foster personal development, and to provide information about campus resources, thus empowering students to have a successful transition to the higher education experience.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; fall 2025; fall 2026
AGRI 269 Cooperative Education in Agriculture I 1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 9 hrs)
Practical out-of-the classroom experience in a supervised work situation with a cooperating business, industry or governmental agency, emphasizing application of knowledge and skills in specified areas of agriculture. A maximum of 9 hours of cooperative education may apply toward a major in agriculture. Does not count toward agriculture minor credit.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; spring 2026; fall 2026
AGRI 280 Introduction to Environmental Science 3 Hours
An introductory course devoted to the study of environmental issues. A general understanding of application of science to solution of contemporary environmental problems. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-NS | NS
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; fall 2024; fall 2025; fall 2026
AGRI 315 Water in Food Production 3 Hours
A study of the role of water in food production, including availability and distribution, economics, droughts and floods, pollution, waste disposal, sustainability, political rights and regulations, and ethics. Note: A minimum of 12 hours of agriculture or other sciences or combination thereof is required.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; fall 2025; fall 2026
AGRI 323 Wine Fundamentals 3 Hours
Agricultural and historical origins of wine, including important grape varietals and principles of fermentation. Major wine-producing regions and fundamentals of wine marketing are also explored.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
AGRI 355 Biotechnology in Agriculture 3 Hours
Introduction to current biotechnologies used in agriculture including genetic modification of crop plants and animals, genetically modified foods, fermentation biotechnology, pharming and other current topics.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 120 and BIOL 121 and (ANSC 140 or AGRO 110)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024
AGRI 369 Cooperative Education in Agriculture II 4 Hours (repeatable max of 8 hrs)
Practical out-of-the classroom experience in a supervised work situation with a cooperating business, industry or government agency, emphasizing application of knowledge and skills in specified areas of agriculture. A maximum of 8 hours of cooperative education may apply toward a major in agriculture. Does not count toward agriculture minor credit.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2024; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024; winter 2025; spring 2025; summer 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; summer 2026; fall 2026
AGRI 381 Cannabis Culture and Management 3 Hours
An in-depth exploration of the history, current trends, and future of cannabis use, production, and consumption. Topics such as the medical, recreational, and spiritual uses of cannabis, the social and political implications of cannabis use, the legal and regulatory landscape, and the economics of the cannabis industry will be discussed. Practical skills such as growing and processing cannabis, as well as navigation of its complex legal and regulatory environment will be incorporated. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; spring 2025; spring 2026
AGRI 391 Agricultural Statistics 2 Hours
Application of scientific method in acquiring new knowledge, interpretation of statistical research data; application of statistical concepts. Lecture and Laboratory.
Prerequisite(s): (MATH 116 or MA 116C or MATH 116E or MATH 115 or MATH 115E or MA 115C)
Corequisite(s): AGRI 392
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
AGRI 392 Agricultural Statistics Lab 1 Hour
Application of scientific method in acquiring new knowledge, interpretation of statistical research data; application of statistical concepts. Laboratory.
Corequisite(s): AGRI 391
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
AGRI 393 Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture 3 Hours
This course provides a foundational overview of the principles, practices, and challenges of sustainable agriculture. Students will explore the historical context, core concepts, and the three pillars of sustainability (environmental, economic, and social) as they apply to agricultural systems.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
AGRI 397 Agriculture Career Planning 1 Hour
Job search preparation, including completion of a resume, cover letter and mock interview. Options for obtaining graduate education and internship experience are also explored. Outside speakers from the agriculture industry are included. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; fall 2026
AGRI 399 Research Problems in Agriculture 1-3 Hours
Gives students an opportunity to pursue a thorough study of some particular phase of agriculture. Credit to be arranged. Note: 3.0 GPA and Consent of instructor required.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman, Junior or Sophomore may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2024; spring 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; summer 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; summer 2026; fall 2026
AGRI 475 Selected Topics in Agriculture 1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Special topics acquaint advanced undergraduate students with scientific developments of current interest in agriculture. Appropriate topic titles are assigned. Lecture and assignments vary with credit. May be repeated with change in content. Note: Consent of instructor required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
AGRI 491 Data Analysis and Interpretation 3 Hours
Basic concepts of statistical models and use of samples. Variation, statistical measures, distribution, tests of significance, analysis of variance and elementary experimental design, regression and correlation as related to interpretation and use of scientific data are discussed.
Prerequisite(s): (MATH 115 or MATH 116 or MA 115C or MA 116C or MATH 115E or MATH 116E or MATH 117)
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; fall 2025
AGRI 493 Sustainable Agriculture 3 Hours
Effect of diminishing resources, environmental pollution, and short-term economics on the sustainability of productive agriculture. Emphasis on managing crops, livestock, and other farm resources in providing an ecological-economical balance in agricultural production. Note: Upper division standing, minimum of 18 hours in agriculture and related areas, including at least 12 hours of plant and animal production, soils, crop protection, crop improvement, economics, or ecology; or permission of instructor.
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 393 with a minimum grade of C
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; spring 2025; spring 2026
AGRI 494 Contemporary Agricultural Issues 3 Hours
An analysis of contemporary agricultural ethical issues as viewed by consumers, advocacy groups and producers. While issues may vary, topics may include: animal welfare, biotechnology, environmental protection, food quality, food policy, land use, and tobacco.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman, Junior or Sophomore may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; fall 2026
AGRI 498 Senior Seminar 1 Hour
Previous experiential learning experiences via internships, independent research, or study abroad, are presented orally by Senior-level students.
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 369 with a minimum grade of P or AGRI 399 with a minimum grade of P
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman, Junior or Sophomore may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
Agriculture Systems (AGSY)
AGSY 170 Applied Agricultural Technologies 2 Hours
The topics studied in this course will be electrical power, land surveying and building construction.
Corequisite(s): AGSY 171
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
AGSY 171 Applied Agricultural Technologies Laboratory 1 Hour
A laboratory course correlated with AGMC 170.
Corequisite(s): AGSY 170
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
AGSY 176 Agriculture Safety 2 Hours
Topics include the safe handling of hand tools, power tools, agricultural machinery, farm animals, pesticides, and fertilizers, with emphasis on hazard awareness, workplace regulations, and basic intervention strategies. Students will be trained in CPR (not certified) and other quick response first aid techniques.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; fall 2026
AGSY 326 Precision Agriculture 3 Hours
Utilization of remote sensing, soil sampling and information management tools to increase agricultural production, optimize returns, and preserve natural resources. Satellite, informational and geospatial technologies are examined within the context of production agriculture. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.
Prerequisite(s): AGRO 350
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
AGSY 371 Agricultural Mechanics 1 Hour
The major focus of this course will be metal work, welding and basic metallurgy.
Corequisite(s): AGSY 372
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
AGSY 372 Agricultural Mechanics Laboratory 2 Hours
A laboratory course correlated with AGSY 371.
Corequisite(s): AGSY 371
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
AGSY 475 Selected Topics in Agriculture Systems 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Special topics acquaint advanced undergraduate students with scientific developments of current interest in agriculture systems. Appropriate topic titles are assigned. Lecture and assignments vary with credit. May be repeated with change in content. Note: Consent of instructor required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
Animal Science (ANSC)
ANSC 140 Introduction to Animal Science 3 Hours
An introduction to the animal industry on a state, national and global basis, basic principles of reproduction and endocrinology, breeding and genetics, animal products and diseases. Emphasis is placed upon farm animal classification.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; fall 2026
ANSC 232 Fundamentals of Horsemanship and Riding 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
For students with little previous experience in horsemanship. Basic disciplines of hunt seat and stock seat horsemanship and selection, care and use of horses and equipment are included.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; fall 2026
ANSC 240 Livestock Management 2 Hours
A general animal science course offering hands on experience in management of beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, swine, and horses.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 140
Corequisite(s): ANSC 241
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; fall 2025; fall 2026
ANSC 241 Livestock Management Laboratory 1 Hour
A laboratory course correlated with ANSC 240.
Corequisite(s): ANSC 240
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; fall 2025; fall 2026
ANSC 310 Principles of Meat Science 3 Hours
This course provides a comprehensive foundation in the scientific principles underlying meat quality, safety, and nutritional value. Students will also learn about the steps involved in animal slaughter and biochemical transformations that occur as muscle is converted into meat.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 140
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
ANSC 321 Comparative Anatomy 4 Hours (repeatable max of 4 hrs)
A comparative study of the morphology and relationships of the organ systems of some typical vertebrates.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 140 and BIOL 120 and BIOL 121
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; spring 2025; spring 2026
ANSC 330 Horse Production 2 Hours
Principles of animal science as they relate to the horse and equine industry, characteristics of breeds, anatomy, nutrition, genetics, reproduction, behavior, training, health, breeding, management, and marketing concepts are presented. Note: Approval of instructor may be required.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 140
Corequisite(s): ANSC 331
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; spring 2025; spring 2026
ANSC 331 Horse Production Laboratory 1 Hour
A laboratory course correlated with ANSC 330.
Corequisite(s): ANSC 330
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; spring 2025; spring 2026
ANSC 333 Horse Training 3 Hours
The student is assigned a horse to train. Techniques for halter-breaking, gentling, grooming, lunging, saddling, driving and riding the untrained horse are included. Note: Approval of instructor may be required.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 232
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2025
ANSC 336 Conformation and Performance Evaluation of Horses 3 Hours (repeatable max of 3 hrs)
Evaluation and selection of horses based on conformation and athletic ability, and oral and written defense of evaluations. The importance of environment, records, genetics, and conformation in selection are discussed. Note: Permission of instructor required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
ANSC 338 Introductory Livestock Evaluation and Selection 3 Hours
Fundamental selection criteria utilized in evaluating beef cattle, hogs, sheep, dairy cattle and horses. Oral and written evaluations are included. Note: Consent of instructor may be required.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 140
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; fall 2025; fall 2026
ANSC 340 Meat Evaluation and Merchandising 3 Hours
This is a hands-on course that focuses on carcass grading, fabrication, and retail cut identification from beef, pork, lamb, goat, and poultry. Students will also learn about meat packaging and merchandising practices for retail and wholesale operations.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 140
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; fall 2025; fall 2026
ANSC 342 Advanced Riding Maneuvers and Collection 3 Hours
Collection of a horse and application of certain advanced maneuver techniques, such as the side pass, spin, lead changed, sliding stops, and jumping.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 232
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
ANSC 345 Principles of Animal Nutrition 3 Hours
Principles of nutrition basic to animal feeding; chemistry and physiology of nutrition: nutrient requirements for normal body functions.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 140 and BIOL 120 and (CHEM 107 or CHEM 222)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; fall 2025; fall 2026
ANSC 347 Animal Pathology 3 Hours
Distribution, nature, manner of dissemination, methods of control, prevention and eradication of infectious and parasitic diseases of domestic animals are discussed.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 140 and BIOL 120
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; spring 2025; spring 2026
ANSC 352 Applied Horsemanship 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Application of horsemanship skills within the equine industry. Field trips are required with this course on predetermined dates. Through theoretical knowledge and practical application, students will develop the riding skills, horsemanship, and competition strategies necessary to excel at the collegiate level.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 232 with a minimum grade of C
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
ANSC 360 Equine Events and Facilities Management 3 Hours
Fundamentals of managing equine and other livestock events. Involves active participation in preparing for and conducting WKU equine events. Lecture/lab. Discussion of various types of equine facilities and their proper management. Hands-on activities associated with private, public, and event management will be incorporated into lecture material.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
ANSC 420 Meat Processing 3 Hours
This course focuses on the principles and practices of meat processing, including product formulation, preservation technologies, food safety, ingredient functionality, and regulatory compliance.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 310
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
ANSC 430 Parasitology of Livestock 3 Hours
Introduces students to internal and external parasites affecting livestock including cattle, sheep, goats, swine, horses and poultry. Emphasis is placed on parasite biology, life cycles, host-parasite interactions, and the impact of parasitism on animal health. Students will explore principles of parasite control, integrated parasite management, and anthelmintic resistance with a focus on practical applications in modern livestock systems. The hands-on lab sessions provide foundational training in diagnostic techniques used in clinical and field settings. Students will learn to identify parasites, conduct fecal exams and fecal egg counts, and prepare control and prevention strategies utilizing the livestock housed at AREC.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 140 with a minimum grade of C and BIOL 120 with a minimum grade of C
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
ANSC 431 Dairy Production 2 Hours
Principles of nutrition and management and their practical application to commercial dairy herds are emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 345 and ANSC 140
Corequisite(s): ANSC 432
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2026
ANSC 432 Dairy Production Laboratory 1 Hour
A laboratory course correlated with ANSC 431.
Corequisite(s): ANSC 431
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2026
ANSC 437 Reproductive Physiology 2 Hours
Endocrinology and physiology of reproductive systems; anatomical, physiological and biochemical bases of reproduction; factors affecting means of improving efficiency of reproduction, artificial insemination, synchronized estrus and related topics are presented.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 140 (may be taken concurrently) and BIOL 120 (may be taken concurrently)
Corequisite(s): ANSC 438
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; fall 2025; fall 2026
ANSC 438 Reproductive Physiology Laboratory 1 Hour
A laboratory course correlated with ANSC 437.
Corequisite(s): ANSC 437
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; fall 2025; fall 2026
ANSC 439 Equine Reproduction and Breeding 3 Hours
Reproductive anatomy and physiology of the stallion and mare as they relate to modern breeding practices. Training in semen handling, artificial insemination, and neonatal care.
Prerequisite(s): (ANSC 330 and ANSC 331)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; spring 2026
ANSC 440 Advanced Livestock Evaluation and Selection 3 Hours (repeatable max of 3 hrs)
Genetic and environmental factors involved in selecting beef cattle, hogs, sheep, dairy cattle and horses. Techniques of evaluating the economically important traits of prospective breeding animals are emphasized. Students will participate in intercollegiate competition. Note: Instructor's consent may be required.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 338
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; spring 2025; spring 2026
ANSC 442 Beef Production 2 Hours
History and importance of the beef cattle industry; programs and areas of production, selection, breeding, feeding and management and common diseases are included.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 345 and ANSC 140
Corequisite(s): ANSC 443
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; fall 2025; fall 2026
ANSC 443 Beef Production Laboratory 1 Hour
A laboratory course correlated with ANSC 442.
Corequisite(s): ANSC 442
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; fall 2025; fall 2026
ANSC 448 Applied Animal Nutrition 4 Hours (repeatable max of 4 hrs)
Livestock feeds and their nutrients; functions of and requirements for nutrients; evaluation of feeds, feeding practices and formulation of rations for all species of livestock are included; techniques involved in nutrition research; readings in current literature are presented.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 345 (may be taken concurrently)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; spring 2025; spring 2026
ANSC 458 Animal Growth and Development 3 Hours
This course examines the biological mechanisms governing growth and development in livestock species from conception to maturity. Topics include cellular and tissue development, skeletal and muscle growth, endocrine regulation, body composition, and the genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors influencing growth.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 140 and BIOL 120
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; spring 2025; spring 2026; fall 2026
ANSC 475 Selected Topics in Animal Science 1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Special topics acquaint advanced undergraduate students with scientific developments of current interest in agriculture. Appropriate topic titles are assigned. Lecture and assignments vary with credit. May be repeated with change in content. Note: Consent of instructor required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; spring 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; fall 2026
ANSC 480 Digestive Anatomy of Ruminant Animals 3 Hours
Provide students with an in-depth understanding of the physiology, microbiology, digestion, and metabolism of the ruminant digestive system.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC 345
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
Plant & Soil Sciences (PLSS)
PLSS 110 Introduction to Plant Science 3 Hours
Principles of plant growth and development are applied to agriculture.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
PLSS 209 Floral Design I: Elements and Principles of Floral Design 3 Hours
Principles and elements of floral design; the use of floral materials, design techniques, and elements including line, form, texture, and color; emphasis on the history and use of floral art in business and society.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
PLSS 301 Sustainable Landscape Plants 2 Hours
Identification, recognition and use of deciduous trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants in the landscape. Introduction to evergreen shrubs and trees as well as fall flowering bulbs and perennials are included.
Prerequisite(s): PLSS 110 (may be taken concurrently)
Corequisite(s): PLSS 302
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
PLSS 302 Sustainable Landscape Plants Laboratory 1 Hour
A laboratory course correlated with PLSS 301.
Corequisite(s): PLSS 301
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
PLSS 309 Floral Design II: Advanced Techniques in Floral Design 3 Hours
Advanced principles of floral design as applied to a commercial floral shop enterprise. Production cost and profit analysis, selling techniques, and customer relations are considered concurrently with design.
Prerequisite(s): PLSS 209
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
PLSS 310 Integrated Pest Management 3 Hours
Identification and management of insects, diseases and weeds of major importance in agronomic crops, turfgrasses and landscape plantings.
Prerequisite(s): PLSS 110 and CHEM 105
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PLSS 313 Turfgrass Use and Ecology 3 Hours
A study of turfgrass, including adaption, identification, uses and fundamental principles essential for establishing and maintaining quality turf in lawns and recreation areas. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.
Prerequisite(s): PLSS 110
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
PLSS 316 Greenhouse Systems: Function and Care 2 Hours
Structures, equipment, and maintenance of greenhouse facilities and an introduction to basic techniques for growing floriculture crops.
Corequisite(s): PLSS 317
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
PLSS 317 Greenhouse Systems: Function and Care Lab 1 Hour
A laboratory course correlated with HORT 316.
Corequisite(s): PLSS 316
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
PLSS 320 Environmental Plant Physiology 3 Hours
Effects of various physiological and environmental factors on crop production are discussed.
Prerequisite(s): PLSS 110 and BIOL 120 and (CHEM 105 or CHEM 120)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
PLSS 330 Wedding Floral Artistry and Design 3 Hours
Principles and elements of floral design as applied to wedding planning and design. Includes production cost and profit analysis and marketing techniques.
Prerequisite(s): PLSS 209
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
PLSS 340 Greenhouse Cultivation and Crop Management 3 Hours
Commercial greenhouse production of floriculture crops, focusing on the production of bedding plants, potted flowering plants, foliage plants and other non-floriculture crops including but not limited to hemp and tobacco transplants.
Prerequisite(s): PLSS 316 and PLSS 317
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PLSS 350 Introduction to Soils 3 Hours
A basic study of soil properties and processes emphasizing soil management and its application to agriculture.
Prerequisite(s): (CHEM 105 and CHEM 106) or (CHEM 120 and CHEM 121)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
PLSS 351 Soils Laboratory 1 Hour
A laboratory course correlated with AGRO 350. Laboratory exercises and experiences to supplement lecture topics.
Prerequisite(s): AGRO 350 (may be taken concurrently)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2026; fall 2026
PLSS 352 Nutrient Management 3 Hours
Soil reactions of elements essential for plant growth and development, sources and manufacture of fertilizer materials, use of fertilizers and lime, use of sound management practices are stressed.
Prerequisite(s): PLSS 350 and PLSS 110
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
PLSS 392 Irrigation Strategies for Green Spaces 3 Hours
Instruction in the design, selection, care, operation, and management of irrigation systems for commercial, industrial, and residential turfgrass and landscape settings. Discussion will include signs and symptoms of plant water deficit stress, soil characteristics and moisture, environmental monitoring, and irrigation technology.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PLSS 407 Plant Propagation 3 Hours
Plant propagation is studied and practiced as an art and a science. Sexual and asexual techniques include propagation by seed, cuttings, grafting, layering, division and tissue culture.
Prerequisite(s): PLSS 110 (may be taken concurrently)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PLSS 409 Weed Ecology and Management 2 Hours
Identification of prominent weed species; relationship of weeds to crop production problems; control measures, both physical and chemical, are presented.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 107 and (PLSS 320 and PLSS 350)
Corequisite(s): PLSS 410
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
PLSS 410 Weed Ecology and Management Laboratory 1 Hour
A laboratory course correlated with PLSS 409.
Corequisite(s): PLSS 409
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
PLSS 413 Turf Application Systems & Pest Management 3 Hours
Study of turfgrass pests and control strategies with emphasis on safe pesticide use. Includes calibration and operation of application equipment and hands-on training in effective, environmentally responsible practices.
Prerequisite(s): (PLSS 110)
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PLSS 418 Crop Disease Management 3 Hours
Introduction to common plant pathogens and diseases of agronomically important field and forage crops, turf, vegetables, and ornamentals; Topics include control measures, newly discovered diseases, and plant-pathogen interactions. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.
Prerequisite(s): PLSS 110 and BIOL 120 and PLSS 350
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PLSS 419 Principles of Fruit, Vegetable, and Viticulture Production 3 Hours
Production of fruit, vegetables, and grapes (wine and table) that are particularly suited for Kentucky, considering variety selection, management, harvesting, processing, and marketing. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.
Prerequisite(s): PLSS 110 (may be taken concurrently)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PLSS 420 Floral Business Management 3 Hours
Principles of floral shop management, including sourcing, purchasing, distributing, marketing and selling floricultural products. Note: Permission of instructor required.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Floristry (1769)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PLSS 422 Grain Crops Production 3 Hours
Distribution, improvement, morphology, culture, harvesting and utilization of field crops are presented.
Prerequisite(s): PLSS 320 and PLSS 350
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
PLSS 425 Forage Crop Management 3 Hours
Familiarizes students with grass and legume forage crops. Crops will be considered from the standpoint of pasture, hay, and silage crops, along with discussions of forage physiology and nutrient cycling.
Prerequisite(s): PLSS 110 and PLSS 350 and BIOL 120
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
PLSS 452 Soil Ecosystems 3 Hours
Soil microbial populations and systems and their influence on plant nutrition, soil organic matter, its decomposition and other soil microbial biochemical processes are presented.
Prerequisite(s): PLSS 350
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PLSS 454 Soil and Water Conservation 3 Hours
Economic utilization of land for agricultural, recreation and public purposes based on location and capability characteristics; interpretation and application of soil survey information for best interests in crop production, conservation, public and industrial use; practice in designing land use maps are stressed.
Prerequisite(s): PLSS 350
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PLSS 457 Soil Formation and Classification 2 Hours
Soil origin; classification schemes; profile description, mapping and interpretation of soil survey information emphasizing Kentucky soils, are discussed. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.
Prerequisite(s): PLSS 350
Corequisite(s): PLSS 458
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PLSS 458 Soil Formation and Classification Laboratory 1 Hour
A laboratory course correlated with PLSS 457.
Corequisite(s): PLSS 457
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PLSS 459 Techniques in Physical Soil Description 3 Hours
Field descriptions of soils in the southeastern U.S. based upon observations of several local soil series and their relationship to the online web soil survey. Training is provided for students seeking governmental positions in the soil science discipline. Off campus travel to field sites and a soil judging contest in the southeast region.
Prerequisite(s): AGRO 350
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Agricultural Technology Mgt (205) , Agriculture (508) or Agriculture (605)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2026
PLSS 475 Selected Topics in Plant and Soil Sciences 1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 12 hrs)
Special topics acquaint advanced undergraduate students with scientific developments of current interest in agriculture. Appropriate topic titles are assigned. Lecture and assignments vary with credit. May be repeated with change in content. Note: Consent of instructor required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PLSS 476 Selected Topics in Horticulture 1-3 Hours
Special topics acquaint advanced undergraduate students with scientific developments of current interest in agriculture. Appropriate topic titles are assigned. Lecture and assignments vary with credit. May be repeated with change in content. Note: Consent of instructor required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
Teacher Certification in Agricultural Education
Numerous job opportunities are available for students who have completed certification for teaching agriculture education in public schools at the middle or secondary level. A 2.5 minimum grade point average in agriculture, the Colonnade Program, and professional education is required for admission to teacher education. Students desiring to become certified to teach agriculture education in Kentucky public schools are required to have a minimum of 50 hours in agriculture including:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select 6 hours of plant/horticulture science courses | 6 | |
| Select 6 hours of animal science courses | 6 | |
| AGSY 170 & AGSY 171 | Applied Agricultural Technologies and Applied Agricultural Technologies Laboratory | 3 |
| AGSY 371 & AGSY 372 | Agricultural Mechanics and Agricultural Mechanics Laboratory | 3 |
| AGEC 360 | Agricultural Economics | 3 |
| AGEC 361 | Farm Management | 3 |
| Select 6 hours of soil sciences courses | 6 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Computing | ||
| Analytics and Technology | ||
| AGED/EDU 250 | Introduction to Teacher Education in Agriculture 1 | 3 |
| PSY 310 | Educational Psychology: Development and Learning 1 | 3 |
| SPED 330 | Introduction to Exceptional Education: Diversity in Learning 1 | 3 |
| AGRI 498 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| AGED 470 | Methods of Teaching in Agricultural Education 2 | 3 |
| AGED 471 | Laboratory Design and Instructional Delivery Strategies in Agricultural Education 2 | 3 |
| EDU 489 | Student Teaching Seminar 3 | 2,3 |
| LTCY 421 | Content Area Reading in the Middle and Secondary Grades | 3 |
| SEC 490 | Student Teaching 3 | 5-10 |
| Total Hours | 59-65 | |
- 1
Students must complete course before the fall semester of the senior year.
- 2
Taught the fall semester.
- 3
Completed the student teaching semester, usually the spring semester.
Teachers hired in other states may be required to have other professional education coursework according to local regulations.