William H. Darr College of Agriculture Student Learning Outcomes Statements

Agricultural Business Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze data and draw appropriate statistical conclusions.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of the legal and ethical environment impacting agriculture organizations and exhibit an understanding and appreciation of the ethical implications of decisions.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for the importance of the impact of globalization and diversity in modern agriculture organizations.
• Students will demonstrate an ability to engage in critical thinking by analyzing situations and constructing and selecting viable solutions to solve problems.
• Students will demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others.
• Students will understand and analyze the current events and issues that are occurring in agriculture and how they affect the future of agriculture.
• Students will be able to recognize and examine the relationships between inputs and outputs in their agricultural field to make effective and profitable decisions.
• Students will be able to effectively evaluate the impact of trade policy, common markets, trading blocks, market instability, commodity problems, trade agreements and environmental regulations on imports and exports in international trade to be able to improve production decision making.
• Students will understand how all aspects of agriculture combine and are used by scientists, marketers, and producers.
• Students will understand how employer characteristics and decision-making at various levels enhance the success of an agricultural enterprise.

Agricultural Communications Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will demonstrate the ability to take and edit photo and video content.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Students will demonstrate proficiency in Adobe design software such as Photoshop and InDesign.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for the importance of the impact of globalization and diversity in modern agriculture organizations.
• Students will demonstrate an ability to engage in critical thinking by analyzing situations and constructing and selecting viable solutions to solve problems.
• Students will demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others.
• Students will understand and analyze the current events and issues that are occurring in agriculture and how they affect the future of agriculture.
• Students will demonstrate the power of human communication in relationships and communities.
• Students will apply appropriate theories to analyze and modify communication.
• Students will construct effective messages for diverse audiences.

Agriculture Education Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze data and draw appropriate statistical conclusions.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of the legal and ethical environment impacting agriculture organizations and exhibit an understanding and appreciation of the ethical implications of decisions.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for the importance of the impact of globalization and diversity in modern agriculture organizations.
• Students will demonstrate an ability to engage in critical thinking by analyzing situations and constructing and selecting viable solutions to solve problems.
• Students will demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others.
• Students will understand and analyze the current events and issues that are occurring in agriculture and how they affect your future in agriculture.
• Students from this program will be able to implement a philosophy and utilize instructional methods used in agricultural education settings.
• Students will be able to plan and organize units of instruction for topics in agriculture.
• Students will be able to develop and use teaching plans on agriculture topics for traditional and special needs students.
• Students will be able to effectively manage a diverse student population of students.
• Students will be able to prepare effective tests which will allow them to evaluate and grade students in agricultural education.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively utilize a variety of teaching techniques and strategies in the classroom in order to positively influence student learning.
• Students will demonstrate skills in individualized assessment, instructional planning, and data-based decision-making through satisfactory completion of all checkpoints prior to student teaching.

Animal Science Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will able to apply concepts of breeding, physiology, nutrition, herd-health, economics and management into practical and profitable animal production programs.
• Students will understand the role of nutrition in animal production.
• Students will be able to explain the mechanisms and role of reproductive physiology in livestock production.
• Students will be able develop feeding systems for farm animal production and companion animals.
• Students will be able to demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills as they apply scientific principles to a variety of animal production systems.
• Students will understand how the application of modern animal production technologies and management practices impact their production facilities, their communities and the world.

Environmental Plant Science Program

Reviewed: August 13, 2026

Program-Wide Student Learning Outcomes (Core)

Upon completion of the Environmental Plant Science (EPS) program, students will be able to:

• Identify and explain plant structures and functions.
  • Describe vegetative and reproductive structures and core physiological processes (photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, growth, fertilization, fruit/seed formation).
• Identify environment–plant–soil interactions.
  • Evaluate how temperature, light, water, soils, and biotic/abiotic stresses influence growth, yield, and quality; recommend strategies to optimize conditions.
• Apply soil science concepts to improve plant performance.
  • Classify soils and assess soil fertility and physical properties; recommend practices to improve fertility, structure, drainage, and water quality/availability.
• Diagnose plant health and production constraints.
  • Identify nutritional deficiencies, abiotic diseases and stressors, insects, pathogens, and weeds across agricultural production systems.
• Evaluate sustainable production practices.
  • Recognize practices that conserve soil and water, reduce erosion and environmental impact, and support long term productivity across field and horticultural systems.
• Apply integrated pest management practices (IPM).
  • Sustainably manage pest, weed, and disease problems.  Propose integrated, evidence-based solutions for control of common pest problems.
• Demonstrate information literacy and scientific reasoning.
  • Locate, interpret, and synthesize literature and data; distinguish scientific evidence from opinion in plant science contexts.
• Communicate effectively to diverse audiences.
  • Develop technical and informative content for professional peers, stakeholders, and the public.
• Collaborate professionally.
  • Work effectively in teams, demonstrating coordination, accountability, and professional behaviors.
• Engage in supervised, hands-on learning.
  • Apply skills in field, greenhouse, lab, or industry settings through internships, practicums, or equivalent experiences.
• Evaluate the societal and economic roles of plant science and its applications.
  • Analyze how plant science contributes to economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and community well-being in both current and future contexts.

Agronomy Emphasis

In addition to the EPS core, students in the Agronomy emphasis will be able to:

• Analyze sustainable production of food, feed, and fiber.
  • Design and evaluate sustainability focused practices for commodity crop systems.
• Understand management practices in agronomic systems.
  • Review propagation and management techniques under varying environmental, market, and financial conditions.
• Optimize field environments for improved yield and quality.
  • Recommend modifications to environmental conditions and production systems to enhance field crop performance.
• Improve soils and protect natural resources.
  • Evaluate soils and nutrient management for large scale crop systems; recommend practices to improve fertility, reduce erosion, and enhance water quality and availability.
• Integrate agronomy with economy and policy.
  • Analyze how crop science interfaces with economic drivers, environmental considerations, and public discourse; critically evaluate current events and information relevant to crop science.

Biotechnology Emphasis

In addition to the EPS core, students in the Biotechnology emphasis will be able to:

• Apply genetics and molecular biology to plant improvement.
  • Analyze and interpret plant genetic information to inform breeding and biotechnology strategies.
• Demonstrate biotechnology laboratory proficiency.
  • Use DNA/RNA extraction and analysis, PCR, genetic marker technologies, molecular cloning, and gene editing tools appropriately and safely.
• Critically evaluate biotech evidence and implications.
  • Assess scientific literature and datasets in biotechnology; evaluate the sustainability and ethical implications of biotech approaches in plant improvement and environmental management.

Horticulture Emphasis

In addition to the EPS core, students in the Horticulture emphasis will be able to:

• Identify horticultural and ornamental plant species and plant structures.
  • Identify common herbaceous and woody ornamental plants and horticultural crops, as well as plant structures and their functions within the plant.
• Manage horticultural and ornamental crops.
  • Plan, establish, manage, and harvest fruit, vegetables, and nut crops; apply integrated pest management (IPM) by identifying economic thresholds and developing knowledge-based recommendations for pest control in ornamental and horticultural systems; and develop, draft, and implement landscape designs.
• Define and manage protected culture practices.
  • Introduce and apply practices for growing in high tunnels, greenhouses, and other protected culture systems by planning and managing specialized production within these structures, modifying soil or substrate conditions for optimal drainage and growth, and developing the skills needed to design structures and plan logistics for commercial protected culture operations.
• Diagnose and manage plant nutrition in horticulture.
  • Determine tissue fertility status, identify nutrient deficiencies, and design effective fertility programs for horticultural systems.
• Introduce and implement specialized plant propagation techniques.
  • Define and apply sexual and asexual plant propagation timelines and techniques—including seed, cuttings, grafting, budding, layering, and tissue culture—and demonstrate these methods in laboratory, protected culture, and/or field settings.

Equine Science Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will demonstrate a thorough understanding of equine anatomy and physiology, enabling them to assess and manage horse health effectively.
• Students will apply principles of equine nutrition to develop and implement appropriate feeding programs tailored to various life stages and performance requirements.
• Students will understand and manage equine reproductive processes, including breeding practices, gestation, and foal care.
• Students will analyze equine behavior and apply effective, humane training methodologies to promote desired behaviors and performance.
• Students will identify common equine diseases and disorders, implementing preventive health care measures and basic animal health interventions.
• Students will develop skills in equine facility design, management, and business operations, preparing them for leadership roles within the industry.
• Students will evaluate and apply ethical considerations and sustainable practices in equine management and industry operations.
• Students will demonstrate effective communication and professional skills, essential for client interactions, teamwork, and industry networking.
• Through laboratory work, internships, and participation in equine competitions, students will gain practical experience, reinforcing theoretical knowledge and enhancing career readiness.

General Agriculture Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze data and draw appropriate statistical conclusions.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of the legal and ethical environment impacting agriculture organizations and exhibit an understanding and appreciation of the ethical implications of decisions.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for the importance of the impact of globalization and diversity in modern agriculture organizations.
• Students will demonstrate an ability to engage in critical thinking by analyzing situations and constructing and selecting viable solutions to solve problems.
• Students will demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others.
• Students will understand and analyze the current events and issues that are occurring in agriculture and how they affect your future in agriculture.
• Students will be able to recognize and examine the relationships between inputs and outputs in their agricultural field to make effective and profitable decisions.
• Students will understand how all aspects of agriculture combine and are used by scientists, marketers, and producers.
• Students will understand how employer characteristics and decision-making at various levels enhance the success of an agricultural enterprise.
• Students will be able to demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills as they apply to a variety of animal and or plant production systems.

Hospitality Leadership Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will identify and apply the knowledge and skills necessary for hospitality and tourism operations.
• Students will develop and integrate a core set of business skills necessary to successfully operate a hospitality and tourism organization.
• Students will demonstrate competence in the communication skills necessary for hospitality and tourism management.
• Students will formulate business decisions in hospitality and tourism management.
• Evaluate leadership principles necessary in the diverse and global hospitality and tourism industry.

Natural Resources Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will understand the factors affecting the need to find sustainable practices for production of food, feed and fiber crops and how to implement and evaluate them.
• Students will understand how the environment influences plant growth and crop yields, and ways to modify the environment to improve plant growth and yields.
• Students will understand how to propagate, plant, and sustainably grow, manage and harvest fruit, vegetable, grain and/or forage crops within various environmental, marketing and financial conditions.
• Students will be able to identify soil types and how they are formed and ways to modify soil structure and drainage to reduce erosion and improve water quality and water availability to plants.
• Students will understand how soil fertility is determined and how plant nutrient deficiencies are identified, and means of improving soil fertility and adding nutrients for plant growth.
• Students will be able to recognize how soil type and topography affects recommended agricultural, commercial and residential use and water quality at varying locations.
• Students will understand how to identify and sustainably manage plant diseases in various production systems.
• Students will understand how to identify and sustainably manage insects in various plant production systems.
• Students will understand how to identify weeds and sustainably manage them in various plant production systems.
• Students will understand the basic concepts, compounds and reactions occurring in organic and biochemical systems, particularly as related to the environment, plants and food crops.
• Students will understand the basic principles of livestock production.
• Students will understand the basic concepts of laws pertaining to agriculture and/or evaluation of land use for various agricultural practices.
• Students will be able to apply knowledge to solve problems related to crop production and plant growth.
• Students will having a greater knowledge of how natural resources relate to the economy and environment, both currently and in the future.
• Students will be able to critically evaluate current events and public information related to natural resources as being scientifically-based or opinion-based and contribute to the knowledge base of information.
• Students will work with others to coordinate activities to achieve group/team objectives.
• Students will be able to write in a style appropriate for technical or informative publications for various audiences related to natural resources.
• Students will have supervised, hands-on work experience related to natural resources.

Tourism Management Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will understand the factors affecting the need to find sustainable practices for production of food, feed and fiber crops and how to implement them.
• Students will be competent in basic forest management principles and evaluation of forest stands for health, wildlife habitat and lumber use.
• Students will understand how the environment influences plant growth and crop yields, and ways to modify the environment to improve plant growth and yields.
• Students will understand how to propagate, plant, and sustainably grow, manage and harvest grain or forage crops within various environmental, marketing and financial conditions.

Wildlife Conservation and Management Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will understand the factors affecting the need to find sustainable practices for production of food, feed and fiber crops and how to implement them.
• Students will be competent in basic forest management principles and evaluation of forest stands for health, wildlife habitat and lumber use.
• Students will understand how the environment influences plant growth and crop yields, and ways to modify the environment to improve plant growth and yields.
• Students will understand how to propagate, plant, and sustainably grow, manage and harvest grain or forage crops within various environmental, marketing and financial conditions.
• Students will be able to identify soil types and how they are formed and ways to modify soil structure and drainage to reduce erosion and improve water quality.
• Students will understand how soil fertility is determined and means of improving soil fertility and adding nutrients for plant growth.
• Students will know how to identify and sustainably manage insects in various plant production systems.
• Students will have a good understanding of cellular and organism-level plant and animal structures, taxonomy and metabolic processes.
• Students will be able to identify plant vegetative and floral structures and be able to identify native and non-native herbaceous and woody plants.
• Students will understand the general principles of ecology as how they related to terrestrial and/or aquatic plant and animal conservation and management.
• Students will be able to identify species, characteristics, habitat requirements and life cycles of birds, fish and/or mammalian wildlife species.
• Students will be able to apply knowledge to solve problems related to wildlife conservation and management.
• Students will have a greater knowledge of how wildlife conservation and management relates to the economy and environment, both currently and in the future.
• Students will be able to find detailed information on a topic from print as well as online information sources.
• Students will be able to critically evaluate current events and public information related to wildlife conservation and management as being scientifically-based or opinion-based and contribute to the knowledge base of information.
• Students will be able to work with others to coordinate activities that achieve group/team objectives.
• Students will be able to write in a style appropriate for technical or informative publications for various audiences related to wildlife conservation and management.

Master of Science in Agriculture Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

Master of Science in Education - Agriculture Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

Master of Science in Plant Science Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

Master of Professional Studies - Hospitality Administration Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026