For students intrigued with new technology in relation to food production, the College of Agriculture will be offering a Bachelor of Science in Biological and Agricultural Technology Management.
Recently, on June 8, 2018, the Auburn University Board of Trustees declared four new curriculums while ending three Harbert College of Business degrees.
Architects of the major said the purpose of the degree is to become a practical problem-solver. Obtaining the ability to apply science and technology to find solutions faced by farmers. Agricultural systems are advancing substantially, and the ability to adapt to the 21st century Is necessary.
“This is the first technology program at Auburn University,” said biosystems engineering professor Jon Davis. “The goal is to produce graduates that have the ability to apply science and technology to solve increasingly complex problems in our agricultural systems.”
The department of biosystems engineering has developed 10 new courses within the new degree's curriculum designed particularly around agricultural systems and technology.
BATM graduates can expect employment opportunities in technical sales and support, management in agricultural production operations and other industries.
Graduates in this field typically get employed at major manufacturers, seed and grain companies, government agencies, food-processing companies, poultry integrators and meat processing companies, emerging biofuel companies and agricultural service companies.
“We believe this new major will be attractive to students who are interested in technology and management within the agricultural realm,” Davis said.
The new program, scheduled to start fall 2018, will add one tenure-track position, which the College of Agriculture will provide, based on information Dr. Bill Hardgrave, senior vice president of academic affairs presented to the board.
Joining alongside Biological and Agricultural Technology Management as new coming majors, is also
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Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Enterprise Management, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences.
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Bachelor of Science in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies, college of human sciences.
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Master of Science in Teaching English for specific purposes (non-certification) and Distance Education Version, College of Education.
All three departing majors are from the Harbert School of Business:
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Entrepreneurship and Family Business.
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Human Resource Management.
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International Business.
The BATM program, in the College of Agriculture, will be overseen by the department of Biosystems Engineering.
As far as accreditation goes, “We are not pursuing at this time but most likely in the future,” Oladiran Fasina, Biosystems Engineering professor said.
Regarding the closing degrees, students have until August 20, 2018, before the phasing out process begins.
Graduates can expect jobs in areas where they teach people about technology, product use and value.
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