Student Learning Objectives for BS Programs

Stockbridge School of Agriculture, BS

• Graduates will have a strong background in those areas of fundamental and applied sciences that are relevant to the discipline of their program.
• Graduates will understand basic ecological principles pertaining to the interconnectedness of natural ecosystems and the impacts of human activities on the ecosystems that supply human society with critical goods and services.
• Graduates will understand scientific methodology and how to apply the scientific method of investigation, hypothesis generation, and testing.
• Graduates will demonstrate the ability to think clearly and creatively and to apply critical thinking skills when evaluating information.
• Graduates will possess written and oral communication skills necessary to clearly present information to professional peers, constituents, and stakeholders within their disciplinary specialty.
• Graduates will demonstrate the application of scientific principles and problem-solving skills relevant to their chosen discipline.
• Graduates will demonstrate mathematical skills sufficient to interpret and critically evaluate scientific information published for general audiences and to function efficiently and safely within the farming and green industries.
• Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to locate information (from written, web-based, or other information sources), judge its efficacy and usefulness, and apply the information to management decisions.
• Graduates will demonstrate an appreciation of the value of social, racial, and ethnic diversity and how differences among people are reflected in many intersecting ways from socioeconomic status and religious beliefs to gender, sexual identity, disability, and veteran status.
• Graduates will understand the world's most pressing and enduring issues and appreciate how their actions affect both local and global communities.

Horticultural science, BS

• Students will demonstrate an understanding of basic plant and soil science principles, including a knowledge of botany and plant physiology and plant propagation principles and practices; basic principles of general soil science, soil fertility, and plant nutrient management; principles of plant pest management including plant pathology, weed science and entomology, and integrated pest management and biological control practices as applied to landscape plants.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of horticultural practices including greenhouse and nursery operation and plant production; landscape plant materials identification and utilization, invasive plant management and desirable native plant alternatives; landscape plant installation and maintenance; sustainable energy and water use principles and technology; and compost-based growing media and non-chemical fertilizers.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of managing a business including small business management and finance; marketing and retail sales of sustainable landscape products and services; basic principles of personnel management; and tax policy and government regulations affecting businesses and their employees. 

Plant and soil sciences, BS

• Graduates in plant and soil sciences (P&SS) will have a foundation in basic general science adequate for successful application to graduate school, including chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
• Graduates in P&SS will demonstrate knowledge of botany and plant physiology and principles and practices of plant propagation.
• Graduates in P&SS will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of soil science, soil fertility, and plant nutrient management.
• Graduates in P&SS will know the principles of plant pest management, including plant pathology, weed science, and plant-related entomology, as well as integrated pest management and biological control practices.
• Graduates in P&SS will recognize and be able to apply principles of ecology in natural and managed ecosystems.
• Graduates in P&SS will demonstrate advanced knowledge in at least one of the following areas: plant biotechnology, soil science, horticultural science, and/or plant pathology.

Sustainable food and farming, BS

• In Agricultural Leadership and Education, students will demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills, strong communication and leadership ability; systems thinking to understand and improve complex social and ecosystems; speaking, listening, and professional as well as scientific writing skills; strategic planning and meta-analysis skills; leadership and collaboration skills through policy comprehension and application; pedagogical methods used for effective instruction; agricultural curriculum development and teacher training; comprehension of connection between sustainable food production systems for effective policy development and farmer advocacy; and developing rural and urban agriculture programs in support of food security within communities.
• In Sustainable Food Production, students will demonstrate knowledge of sustainable agricultural production systems; fruit, vegetable, and grain production systems; animal husbandry practices for meat production and farm integration; ecological land and soil management for agricultural settings; comprehension of integrated pest management principles and practices; strategies used for planning for food production; postharvest physiology, handling, and food safety; energy needs and technology for small farms; market analysis and entrepreneurial enterprises for sustainable food production systems; and rural and urban agriculture production.
• In Agricultural Sciences, students will demonstrate a comprehension of agroecological principles; relevant understanding of botany, chemistry, and soil science as they apply to agricultural systems; ecological principles and their application within agricultural systems; principles and practices of sustainability within an agriculture setting; permaculture principles and practices; relevant understanding of animal husbandry and integrated farming systems; and relevant understanding of plant physiology, nutrition, propagation, and breeding.
• In Fundamentals of Agricultural Business and Non-Profit Management, students will demonstrate knowledge of management for small businesses or nonprofit organizations; sustainable business management practices; financial record keeping, personnel and management systems, and market development; wholesale, retail, and direct-to-consumer sales management and marketing strategies; working with restaurants, chefs, schools and other institutions; working with community-based coalitions and community development organizations; grassroots policy development and community change; community food systems and food security issues; acquisition of funding, grant writing and program development; and resources for beginning farmers. 

Turfgrass science and management, BS

• Students will demonstrate an understanding of basic plant and soil science principles including a knowledge of botany and plant physiology; principles of soil science, fertility, and plant nutrient management and their interaction; principles of pest management, including weed biology, plant pathology, and entomology as well as integrated pest management and biological control practices, in turfgrass systems.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of sustainable turfgrass management practices including a knowledge of integrated environmental management, cultural practices, and associated technologies for sustainable turf management under reduced water, nutrient, and energy input and suitability of various species and cultivars for golf, sports, and lawn turf.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of facility management including basic management principles of golf course or sports field turfgrass; basic business management and accounting for economically feasible turf management; management and interaction with employees and other stakeholders; and the ability to understand and work with individuals of diverse opinions.