Programs
Agriculture
Welcome to our agriculture program. We offer a range of training options including Agricultural Business, Agricultural Mechanics, Plant & Soil Science and more. Let us prepare you for a rewarding career in agriculture. Explore our site to discover how we can help you achieve your goals.
Agronomy Innovation
The World Needs Farmers
At Rend Lake College, we're not just keeping pace with the agricultural industry; we're setting the standards and leading the way! Our Agronomy Innovation Center is your gateway to a brighter future in agriculture, and we're excited to introduce our groundbreaking programs designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills that the industry demands. Discover our fully accredited Agriculture degree and certificate programs in Business, Mechanics, Production & Management, Plant & Soil Science, Spray Applicator, and Digital Agriculture.
Degrees
Associate in Arts Degree
Agriculture
This two-year transfer program leads to an Associate in Arts Degree. The curriculum is designed for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree in various areas of agriculture. It provides students with the background in agriculture and general studies necessary for advanced work at a four-year college or university. Students are advised to check with the institution to which they are transferring and an advisor at Rend Lake College for any additional requirements.
program details
Courses
| Total = 64 Hours | |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | |
| AGRI 1161 - Soil Science | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| BOT 1101 - Plants & Society | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| ENGL 1101 - Rhetoric and Composition I | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| HEA 1101 - Health Education | 2 Cr. Hrs. |
| MATH 1107 - Contemporary College Math | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 16 Cr. Hrs. |
| Spring Semester | |
| AGRI 1141 - Agricultural Economics | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1181 - Introduction to Animal Science | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| ENGL 1102 - Rhetoric and Composition II | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| PSYC 2101 - Introduction to Psychology | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Elective – Fine Arts / Humanities | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 16 Cr. Hrs. |
| Fall Semester | |
| AGRI 1263 - Crop Science | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| CHE 1101 - General Chemistry I | 5 Cr. Hrs. |
| COMM 1101 - Principles of Effective Speaking | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Elective – Fine Arts / Humanities | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Elective – Social / Behavioral Sciences | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 18 Cr. Hrs. |
| Spring Semester | |
| AGRI 1262 - Agricultural Chemicals | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| CHE 1102 - General Chemistry II | 5 Cr. Hrs. |
| Elective – Fine Arts / Humanities | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Elective – Social / Behavioral Sciences | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 14 Cr. Hrs. |
Notes:
- Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.
Costs & How To Pay
Payments on student accounts must be made by the deadline included on the student statement.
- Fall: July 15
- Spring: December 15
- Summer: May 15
Students who do not make payments by this deadline may be dropped from their classes.
Associate in Applied Science Degree
Agricultural Business
program details
Courses
| Total = 68 Hours | |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | |
| AGRI 1161 - Soil Science | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1222 - Applied Mathematics or MATH Elective – Mathematics | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1251 - Intro to Ag Production | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1285 - Agricultural Technologies | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| ENGL 1101 - Rhetoric and Composition | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 16 Cr. Hrs. |
| Spring Semester | |
| AGRI 1141 - Agricultural Economics | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1210 - Supervised Occupational Experience | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1221 - Intro to Agricultural Occupations or BUSI 1202 - Employability Skills | 1 Cr. Hr. |
| AGRI 1223 - Intro to Ag Business | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1262 - Agricultural Chemicals | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 14 Cr. Hrs. |
| Fall Semester | |
| AGRI 1263 - Crop Science | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 2223 - Agricultural Finance | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 2225 - Food and Agricultural Policy | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| COMM 1101 - Principles of Effective Speaking | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| CSCI 1102 - Intro to Computers w/ Business Applications | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| PSYC 2101 - Introduction to Psychology or PSYC 2106 - Human Relations | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 19 Cr. Hrs. |
| Spring Semester | |
| AGRI 1181 - Introduction to Animal Science | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 2210 - Supervised Occupational Experience | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 2241 - Farm Management | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 2242 - Marketing Agricultural Products | 5 Cr. Hrs. |
| Elective – General Education | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 19 Cr. Hrs. |
Notes:
- Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.
- See Division Chairperson for list of approved courses.
Costs & How To Pay
Payments on student accounts must be made by the deadline included on the student statement.
- Fall: July 15
- Spring: December 15
- Summer: May 15
Students who do not make payments by this deadline may be dropped from their classes.
Program Outcomes
1. Demonstrate the ability to gather and synthesize information pertinent to Agriculture
2. Communicate effectively the current issues and challenges of the Agriculture industry
3. Demonstrate the ability to calculate and interpret results of specific agricultural scenarios
4. Demonstrate professionalism and work ethics that will allow students to succeed in the Agriculture industry
Associate in Applied Science Degree
Agricultural Mechanics
program details
Courses
Agricultural Mechanics AAS Degree
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | ||
| AGRI 1208 | Diesel Engines | 6 |
| AGRI 1205 or AGRI 1207 | Assembling, Adjusting and Reconditioning Farm Equipment or Machinery Reconditioning Restoration | 5 |
| HEQT 1201 | Heavy Equipment Maintenance | 4 |
| ENGL 1101 | Rhetoric and Composition I | 3 |
| Total: 18 | ||
| Second Semester | ||
| AGRI 1204 | Physics of Hydraulics | 4 |
| AGRI 1210 | Supervised Occupational Experience | 4 |
| AGRI 1221 | Intro to Agricultural Occupations | 1 |
| COMM 1101 | Principles of Effective Speaking | 3 |
| CSCI 1101 or CSCI 1102 | Intro to Computers or Intro to Computers w/ Business Applications | 3 |
| DIEL 1201 or HEQT 1211 | Diesel Fuel Systems or Engine Fuel Systems | 3 |
| Total: 18 | ||
| Third Semester | ||
| AGRI 1203 or HEQT 1208 | Ignition and Electrical Systems or Fundamentals of Machine Electronics | 3 |
| AGRI 1222 | Applied Mathematics | 3 |
| AGRI 1285 | Agricultural Technologies | 3 |
| AGRI 2201 | Transmission and Power Trains | 4 |
| DIEL 1208 | Diesel Accessories | 2 |
| Total: 15 | ||
| Fourth Semester | ||
| AGRI 1206 | Ag Air Conditioning Systems | 4 |
| AGRI 2204 | Advanced Major Overhaul | 5 |
| AGRI 2206 or HEQT 2207 | Advanced Electrical & Hydraulics or Machine Systems Diagnosis & Troubleshooting | 4 |
| PSYC 2101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| DIEL 1206 | Advanced Diesels | 2 |
| Total: 18 | ||
1 Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.
2 See Division Chairperson for list of approved courses.
Costs & How To Pay
Payments on student accounts must be made by the deadline included on the student statement.
- Fall: July 15
- Spring: December 15
- Summer: May 15
Students who do not make payments by this deadline may be dropped from their classes.
Program Outcomes
2. Demonstrate the ability to gather and synthesize information pertinent to Agriculture, and the ability to calculate and interpret results of specific agricultural scenarios.
3. Exhibit an in-depth understanding of internal combustion engines common to the agriculture industry.
5. Develop critical thinking skills in order to troubleshoot DC electrical systems, and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of fluid power.
6. Demonstrate a basic understanding concerning function and adjustment of various agricultural implements, and a personal work ethic and perspective necessary to be successful in the agriculture industry.
associate in applied science degree
Agricultural Production & Management
The two-year Agricultural Production and Management program at Rend Lake College leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree. It blends mechanical and business curricula to prepare students for the evolving agriculture industry. Students gain decision-making skills through courses in farm management, economics, and marketing. Technical skills are developed in feeds, soils, fertilizers, and mechanical courses for servicing modern machinery. Initially for those with farming opportunities, it also opens careers as farm managers or ag service suppliers. Graduates can further their education at a four-year institution.
program details
Courses
| Total = 71 Hours | |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | |
| AGRI 1161 - Soil Science | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1208 - Diesel Engines | 6 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1222 - Applied Mathematics or MATH Elective | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1251 - Intro to Ag Production | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| ENGL 1101 - Rhetoric and Composition I | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 19 Cr. Hrs. |
| Spring Semester | |
| AGRI 1141 - Agricultural Economics | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1210 - Supervised Occupational Experience | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1221 - Intro to Agricultural Occupations or Employability Skills | 1 Cr. Hr. |
| AGRI 1223 - Intro to Ag Business | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1262 - Agricultural Chemicals | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| COMM 1101 - Principles of Effective Speaking | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 17 Cr. Hrs. |
| Fall Semester | |
| AGRI 1205 - Assembling, Adjusting and Reconditioning Farm Equipment or AGRI 1207 - Machinery Reconditioning Restoration | 5 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1263 - Crop Science | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1285 - Agricultural Technologies | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 2225 - Food & Agricultural Policy | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| PSYC 2101 - Introduction to Psychology or PSYC 2106 - Human Relations | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Spring Semester | |
| AGRI 1181 - Introduction to Animal Science | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 2241 - Farm Management | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 2242 - Marketing Agricultural Products | 5 Cr. Hrs. |
| DIEL 1202 - Basic Diesel Fuel Systems | 2 Cr. Hrs. |
| Elective – General Education | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 17 Cr. Hrs. |
| Recommended Electives | |
| AGRI 2223 - Agricultural Finance | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| WELD 1270 - Intro to Welding Processes | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
Notes:
- Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.
- Highly recommended for students in Ag Production / Management.
Costs & How To Pay
Payments on student accounts must be made by the deadline included on the student statement.
- Fall: July 15
- Spring: December 15
- Summer: May 15
Students who do not make payments by this deadline may be dropped from their classes.
Program Outcomes
1. Demonstrate the ability to gather and synthesize information pertinent to Agriculture
2. Communicate effectively the current issues and challenges of the Agriculture industry
3. Demonstrate the ability to calculate and interpret results of specific agricultural scenarios
4. Demonstrate professionalism and work ethics that will allow students to succeed in the Agriculture industry
associate in applied science degree
Plant & Soil Science
This program prepares students to transfer into a four-year Plant and Soil Science degree. Students should consult an Academic Advisor for program specifics. Career paths for graduates include soil and water conservationist, lab technologist, production manager, pest control inspector, farm manager, and plant pathologist.
program details
Courses
Plant & Soil Science AA Degree
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | ||
| AGRI 1161 | Soil Science | 4 |
| AGRI 1251 | Intro to Ag Production | 3 |
| BIO 1101 | College Biology | 5 |
| ENGL 1101 | Rhetoric and Composition I | 3 |
| Total: 15 | ||
| Spring Semester | ||
| COMM 1101 | Principles of Effective Speaking | 3 |
| ENGL 1102 | Rhetoric and Composition II | 3 |
| MATH 1107 | Contemporary College Math | 3 |
| PSYC 2101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Elective | Social Science | 3 |
| Total: 15 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| AGRI 1263 | Crop Science | 4 |
| BOT 1101 | Plants & Society | 4 |
| CHE 1101 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| Elective | Fine Arts | 3 |
| Elective | Humanities or Fine Arts | 3 |
| Total: 19 | ||
| Spring Semester | ||
| CHE 1102 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| Elective | Elective | 1 |
| Elective | Humanities | 3 |
| Elective | General Education | 3 |
| Elective | Social / Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Total: 15 | ||
| Overall Total: 64 | ||
Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.
Costs & How To Pay
Payments on student accounts must be made by the deadline included on the student statement.
- Fall: July 15
- Spring: December 15
- Summer: May 15
Students who do not make payments by this deadline may be dropped from their classes.
Associate in Applied Science Degree
Digital Agriculture
This program is designed to prepare students for employment in the field of digital agriculture. The AAS degree incorporates both skill sets of Agronomy and Computer Science to provide knowledge and involvement in agricultural technology and computer programming. The AAS degree also prepares students for upward mobility within the industry through a curriculum that goes beyond technical knowledge only. Classroom instruction and hands-on training will be conducted using agricultural computer software, GPS hardware, and drone technology used in the agricultural industry. Students will learn how to effectively implement farm software programs within the farm and industry settings, as well as prepare for a career in Agricultural Technical Services.
program details
Courses
| Total = 64 Hours | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | |
| CSCl1102 - Intro To Computers With Business Applications | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| CSCI 1104 - Intro To Programming | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| MATH 1108 - College Algebra | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1161 - Soil Science | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1214 - Intro To Digital Farm Management | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 17 Cr. Hrs. |
| Second Semester | |
| CSCI 2100 - Discrete Structures | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| CSCI 2209 - System Analysis and Design | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1141 - Agriculture Economics | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| ENGL 1101 - Rhetoric & Composition | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| MATH 1109 - Plane Trigonometry | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 15 Cr. Hrs. |
| Third Semester | |
| AGRI 1263 - Crop Science | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| CSCI 1260 - Intro to Programming .Net | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1285 - Agriculture Technologies | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| COMM 1101 - Principles of Effective Speaking | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| PSYC 2101 - Intro to Psychology | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 16 Cr. Hrs. |
| Fourth Semester | |
| AGRI 2207 - Farm Data Management and Analytics | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| BOT 1101 - Plants and Society | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| CSCI 2104 - Advanced Data Structures | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1262 - Agriculture Chemicals | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AOT 1203 - Field Computer Systems | 2 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 16 Cr. Hrs. |
| Recommended Course | |
| UAS 1600 - UAS Law/Test Prep/Flight | 2 Cr. Hrs. |
Costs & How To Pay
Payments on student accounts must be made by the deadline included on the student statement.
- Fall: July 15
- Spring: December 15
- Summer: May 15
Students who do not make payments by this deadline may be dropped from their classes.
Short-Term
Certificates
Essential skills and training to jumpstart your career in a matter of months
Agricultural Mechanics
Designed to prepare students for occupations involving the maintenance and repair of implements such as tractors, combines and other farm machinery. Upon completion of the curriculum, the student should have a thorough knowledge of engine and equipment repair, servicing, sales and management.
Plan Your Ag Mechanics Certificate
Agricultural Mechanics Certificate
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | ||
| AGRI 1203 | Ignition and Electrical Systems | 3 |
| AGRI 1208 | Diesel Engines | 6 |
| AGRI 2201 | Transmission and Power Trains | 4 |
| Total: 13 | ||
| Spring Semester | ||
| AGRI 1204 | Physics of Hydraulics | 4 |
| AGRI 1206 | Ag Air Conditioning Systems | 4 |
| AGRI 2204 | Advanced Major Overhaul | 5 |
| DIEL 1201 or HEQT 1211 | Diesel Fuel Systems or Engine Fuel Systems | 3 |
| Total: 16 | ||
| Recommended Electives | ||
| AGRI 1215 | Small Engines | 3 |
| AGRI 1285 | Agriculture Technologies | 3 |
| WELD 1270 | Introduction to Welding Processes | 4 |
| Overall Total | 29 | |
Agricultural Production & Management
This program equips you with essential technical and managerial skills to thrive in the dynamic agriculture industry, offering hands-on learning and career advancement opportunities.
Plan Your Ag Production & Management Certificate
Agricultural Production & Management Certificate
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | ||
| AGRI 1161 | Soil Science | 4 |
| AGRI 1205 or AGRI 1207 | Assembling, Adjusting and Reconditioning Farm Equipment or Machinery Reconditioning Restoration | 5 |
| AGRI 1208 | Diesel Engines | 6 |
| AGRI 1263 | Crop Science | 4 |
| Total: 19 | ||
| Spring Semester | ||
| AGRI 1181 | Intro to Animal Science | 4 |
| AGRI 1221 | Intro to Agricultural Occupations or Employability Skills | 1 |
| AGRI 2241 | Farm Management | 3 |
| Elective | Elective (Fall or Spring) | 3 |
| Total: 11 | ||
| Recommended Electives | ||
| AGRI 1262 | Agricultural Chemicals | 3 |
| AGRI 1285 | Agriculture Technologies | 3 |
| DIEL 1201 | Diesel Fuel Systems | 3 |
| Overall Total | 30 | |
Spray Applicator
This program is designed to prepare students for employment in the field of custom application. Classroom instruction and hands-on training will include the responsibilities, safety measures and technical skills of operating a spray applicator. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the general standards pesticide exam and the CDL Class A written exam. Successful completion of the pesticide exam is required for licensure to enter the agricultural workforce as an operator of a custom applicator rig.
Plan Your Spray Applicator Certificate
| Total = 18 Hours | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | |
| AOT 1201 - Applicator Maintenance | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| AOT 1203 - Field Computer Systems | 2 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 6 Cr. Hrs. |
| Second Semester | |
| AOT 1202 - Ag Retail Sales | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AOT 1204 - Field Calibration of Equipment | 2 Cr. Hrs. |
| AOT 1205 - Pesticide Safety | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AOT 1206 - Applicator Equipment Operations | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| TRUK 1201 - Commercial Driver’s License Review | 1 Cr. Hr. |
| Total | 12 Cr. Hrs. |
| Recommended Electives | |
| TRUK 1202 - Truck Driver Training I | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| TRUK 1203 - Truck Driver Training II | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| WELD 1270 - Introduction to Welding Processes | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
Digital Agriculture
This program is designed to prepare a student with the basic knowledge of computer science and the technical skills of Agronomy. Classroom instruction and hands-on training will be conducted utilizing agriculture computer software, GPS hardware, and drone technology used in the agriculture industry. Students will learn how to efficiently create farm databases, assign tasks, create variable rate prescriptions, document applications, and learn the fundamentals of Ag and Computer Science.
Plan Your Digital Agriculture Certificate
| Total = 18 Hours | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | |
| CSCI 1102 - Intro To Computers With Business Applications | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| CSCI 1104 - Intro To Programming | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1285 - Agriculture Technologies | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1214 - Intro To Digital Farm Management | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 13 Cr. Hrs. |
| Second Semester | |
| AGRI 2207 - Farm Data Management and Analytics | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AOT 1203 - Field Computer Systems | 2 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 5 Cr. Hrs. |
| Recommended Course | |
| UAS 1600 - UAS Law/Test Prep/Flight | 2 Cr. Hrs. |
Agricultural Mechanics
Designed to prepare students for occupations involving the maintenance and repair of implements such as tractors, combines and other farm machinery. Upon completion of the curriculum, the student should have a thorough knowledge of engine and equipment repair, servicing, sales and management.
Plan Your Ag Mechanics Certificate
Agricultural Mechanics Certificate
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | ||
| AGRI 1203 | Ignition and Electrical Systems | 3 |
| AGRI 1208 | Diesel Engines | 6 |
| AGRI 2201 | Transmission and Power Trains | 4 |
| Total: 13 | ||
| Spring Semester | ||
| AGRI 1204 | Physics of Hydraulics | 4 |
| AGRI 1206 | Ag Air Conditioning Systems | 4 |
| AGRI 2204 | Advanced Major Overhaul | 5 |
| DIEL 1201 or HEQT 1211 | Diesel Fuel Systems or Engine Fuel Systems | 3 |
| Total: 16 | ||
| Recommended Electives | ||
| AGRI 1215 | Small Engines | 3 |
| AGRI 1285 | Agriculture Technologies | 3 |
| WELD 1270 | Introduction to Welding Processes | 4 |
| Overall Total | 29 | |
Agricultural Production & Management
This program equips you with essential technical and managerial skills to thrive in the dynamic agriculture industry, offering hands-on learning and career advancement opportunities.
Plan Your Ag Production & Management Certificate
Agricultural Production & Management Certificate
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | ||
| AGRI 1161 | Soil Science | 4 |
| AGRI 1205 or AGRI 1207 | Assembling, Adjusting and Reconditioning Farm Equipment or Machinery Reconditioning Restoration | 5 |
| AGRI 1208 | Diesel Engines | 6 |
| AGRI 1263 | Crop Science | 4 |
| Total: 19 | ||
| Spring Semester | ||
| AGRI 1181 | Intro to Animal Science | 4 |
| AGRI 1221 | Intro to Agricultural Occupations or Employability Skills | 1 |
| AGRI 2241 | Farm Management | 3 |
| Elective | Elective (Fall or Spring) | 3 |
| Total: 11 | ||
| Recommended Electives | ||
| AGRI 1262 | Agricultural Chemicals | 3 |
| AGRI 1285 | Agriculture Technologies | 3 |
| DIEL 1201 | Diesel Fuel Systems | 3 |
| Overall Total | 30 | |
Spray Applicator
This program is designed to prepare students for employment in the field of custom application. Classroom instruction and hands-on training will include the responsibilities, safety measures and technical skills of operating a spray applicator. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the general standards pesticide exam and the CDL Class A written exam. Successful completion of the pesticide exam is required for licensure to enter the agricultural workforce as an operator of a custom applicator rig.
Plan Your Spray Applicator Certificate
| Total = 18 Hours | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | |
| AOT 1201 - Applicator Maintenance | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| AOT 1203 - Field Computer Systems | 2 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 6 Cr. Hrs. |
| Second Semester | |
| AOT 1202 - Ag Retail Sales | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AOT 1204 - Field Calibration of Equipment | 2 Cr. Hrs. |
| AOT 1205 - Pesticide Safety | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AOT 1206 - Applicator Equipment Operations | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| TRUK 1201 - Commercial Driver’s License Review | 1 Cr. Hr. |
| Total | 12 Cr. Hrs. |
| Recommended Electives | |
| TRUK 1202 - Truck Driver Training I | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| TRUK 1203 - Truck Driver Training II | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| WELD 1270 - Introduction to Welding Processes | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
Digital Agriculture
This program is designed to prepare a student with the basic knowledge of computer science and the technical skills of Agronomy. Classroom instruction and hands-on training will be conducted utilizing agriculture computer software, GPS hardware, and drone technology used in the agriculture industry. Students will learn how to efficiently create farm databases, assign tasks, create variable rate prescriptions, document applications, and learn the fundamentals of Ag and Computer Science.
Plan Your Digital Agriculture Certificate
| Total = 18 Hours | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | |
| CSCI 1102 - Intro To Computers With Business Applications | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| CSCI 1104 - Intro To Programming | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1285 - Agriculture Technologies | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AGRI 1214 - Intro To Digital Farm Management | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 13 Cr. Hrs. |
| Second Semester | |
| AGRI 2207 - Farm Data Management and Analytics | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
| AOT 1203 - Field Computer Systems | 2 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 5 Cr. Hrs. |
| Recommended Course | |
| UAS 1600 - UAS Law/Test Prep/Flight | 2 Cr. Hrs. |
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Transfer Information
Students who graduate with an Associate Degree can transfer their credits to a university and pursue a Bachelor's degree and beyond.
Articulation agreements - also known as Transfer Guides - document the pathway between RLC and the university. Historically, RLC has built articulation agreements with midwestern universities. However, students have worked with both institutions to build a pathway.
View our transfer guides and more about articulation agreements
Transfer Guides
We have guides that document a pathway between your degree at RLC and many universities.
Accreditation
Quality Education. Guaranteed.
Since 1969, Rend Lake College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional accreditors in the United States. Accreditation is vital to what we do. It serves as a measure of quality, allows us to access and distribute federal student aid, facilitates the transfer of classes between institutions and more. The Higher Learning Commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Faculty & Staff
Shari Carpenter
Dean of Applied Science & Technology
Emily VanDeveer
Administrative Assistant | Applied Science & Technology Division
Kathy Helmers
Agriculture Professor
Colin Jones
Diesel Technology Instructor | Applied Science & Advanced Technology
Blake Patton
Director - Agronomy Innovation Center & Land Lab Supervisor
Zachary Vahlkamp
Heavy Equipment Technology Associate Professor | Applied Science Division
Addison Page
Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
Applied Science & Technology Division
Phone: (618) 437-5321 ext. 1261
Email: AppliedScience@rlc.edu
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Applied Science
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Applied Science
