Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

Agricultural Systems Technology Undergraduate Major

The Agricultural System Technology Profession

Be it off-road equipment, agricultural machinery, food and grain processing, water quality, biofuels production, precision agriculture, or livestock production systems, an ag system technologist works to see how the individual pieces fit into the "big picture" of sustainability, conservation, and profitability. 

Agricultural Systems Technology (AST) graduates can find rewarding careers in a variety of agricultural and environmental businesses.  They focus on managing, using, and troubleshooting technology (instead of engineering design) by applying their knowledge of technology, agriculture, and processing systems.

This hands-on curriculum in the College of Agriculture teaches students to manage machines and equipment, biological processes, computers and other technologies to create new and improved agricultural systems for the future.

Program of Study

You earn a bachelor of science degree in Agricultural Systems Technology from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, specializing in one of these areas:

  • Industrial (machine) systems. You are challenged to understand, manage, and solve problems for the next generation road vehicles and agricultural equipment.  You'll get a solid grounding in machinery systems, safety, and manufacturing processes, setting you up for success in a number of machine and equipment related industries.
  • Agricultural and biosystems management. You acquire the skills to manage and solve problems for a wide variety of agricultural systems. You'll get a broad foundation in the technology of machine systems, soil and water conservation, electricity and electronics, grain, precision agriculture, biorenewables, and animal production systems.  Throw in some business, management, and a focus area of your choosing, and you'll be set for a rewarding career.

Mandatory internships or co-op experiences help students translate their classroom and laboratory experiences into the reality of agricultural and business settings.

Agricultural Systems Technology Courses and Degree Planning

Other Opportunities

As part of our great academic programs, we encourage students to gain leadership and diverse experiences through

Finances

At Iowa State University, you'll get a great education for a great price. We also offer scholarships and financial aid to make it even more affordable:

Campus Visits and Admissions

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Apply to Iowa State University online or through the mail.

For More Information

Contact Melody Carroll, academic advisor, 515-294-6239, melodyc@iastate.edu, with questions about this program.