Brookings Main Campus
Creating the future of agriculture.
Agricultural systems technology (AST) offers hands-on, real world experience with the latest agricultural equipment, software, facilities and techniques. Industry feedback on class content coupled with strong student support prepares for their dream profession. Students get a flexible program with opportunities to establish their network of leading agriculture professionals.
With job placement consistently near 100%, AST offers job security across a wide variety of agriculture professions. Some students want to learn how to improve their family farm and ranch operations while others want to start their own agriculture business. We help students develop strong managerial, leadership, interpersonal and communication skills to go anywhere they want in agriculture. Our graduates stand apart from other degrees because they have a strong, versatile foundation of both technical and agriculture business skills. Many graduates balance their career and continue helping with farming and ranching operations.
Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Like getting hands-on to learn how things work.
- Are passionate about agriculture.
- Enjoy working outside and with the latest ag technology.
- Are a creative problem solver.
- Comfortable with math and sciences.
Career Opportunities
- Farmer/rancher
- Manager of business operations, sales and support or implement dealership
- Large ag equipment manufacturing or sales representative
- Crop advisor
- Plant production supervisor
Recent Employers
- Family farms
- AGCO
- John Deere
- Case IH
- Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)
Internship Opportunities
- Butler Machinery
- Cenex
- Precision Planting
- Local cooperatives
- Climate Corp
Suggested Certificates
- Bioprocessing Sciences Certificate (Undergraduate)
- Workplace Intercultural Competence Certificate (Undergraduate)
- New Product and Venture Development Certificate (Undergraduate)
- Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Certificate (Undergraduate)
- Geographic Information Sciences Certificate (Undergraduate)
- Lobbying and Government Advocacy Certificate (Undergraduate)
- Public Service Certificate (Undergraduate)
Suggested Minors
Clubs and Organizations
- ABE Department Student Club
- Quarter Scale Tractor Team
Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?
If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices.
In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.