As the world’s largest commercial industry, Agriculture provides more career opportunities than any other industry. Richland offers an Associate of Applied Science in Agribusiness and an Associate of Science in Agriculture.

Career and Technical Education Option

• Associate in Applied Science in Agribusiness (61 hours) - The AAS in Agribusiness incorporates hands-on learning with classroom instruction to provide a foundation of knowledge for the vast career opportunities in the Agribusiness industry. This program includes several specialties to meet students’ needs—from specific skill training courses to two-year degree programs designed by local businesses for immediate employment.   

Baccalaureate Transfer Options

• Associate in Science with concentration in Agriculture - The AS in Agriculture is a transfer degree for students planning to major in Agriculture but who have not yet selected a four year college.
  • Suggested courses for the Agriculture Concentration include AGRIC 106, AGRIC 130, AGRIC 210, and HORT 100.

Guaranteed Transfer Agreement

Richland Community College and the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign have formed a cooperative relationship through a guaranteed transfer agreement. Any student who has completed the prescribed Guaranteed Transfer Agreement at RCC (with the required 2.50 GPA and foreign language requirement) and submits required application and supporting documentation will automatically be admitted to UIUC at the junior level in the prescribed field of study in the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES).

• Associate in Science in Agriculture: U of I transfer (61 hours)
• Associate in Science in Animal Science: U of I transfer (64 hours)
• Associate in Science in Communication and Education: U of I transfer (61 hours)
• Associate in Science in Crop Science: U of I transfer (64 hours)
• Associate in Science in Food Science: U of I transfer (64 hours)
• Associate in Science in Forest Science: U of I transfer (60 hours)
• Associate in Science in Human Development: U of I transfer  (61 hours)
• Associate in Science in Natural Resources and Environment Sciences: U of I transfer (64 hours)
• Associate in Science in Technical Systems Management: U of I transfer (70 hours)
• For information about the Associate of Science in Horticulture, please visit the Horticulture program page.

For Further Information

For additional information, contact Continuing and Professional Education at Richland Community College, Room SC08, or (217) 875-7211, ext. 240.

You may also contact David McLaughlin, Agribusiness and Horticulture Program Director, in the Horticulture Building, (217) 875-7211, ext. 562, or by e-mail dmclaugh@richland.edu, for additional information or for information about possible transfer opportunities.