Agricultural Operations Degrees - MSU Partnership

Choose your path in agriculture: Career-ready or transfer-focused

Glen Oaks Community College and Michigan State University’s Institute of Agricultural Technology (MSU IAT) have partnered to offer two options for students passionate about agriculture: The AAS is designed for students who want to go straight into the ag
workforce. The AS is best for students who want to transfer to Michigan State University  pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Both programs include MSU-delivered ag training, real-world internships, and the flexibility to serve high school graduates, adult learners, and working farmers across southern Michigan and northern Indiana.

Point of view: As students are standing in a field looking at their instructor, they are all standing in front of a tractor

Why Choose Agricultural Operations at Glen Oaks?

  • Earn MSU credentials while attending Glen Oaks locally
  • Access hands-on ag courses, labs, and internships through MSU Ag Tech
  • Learn in small, supportive classes tailored to your goals
  • Prepare to enter the workforce or transfer to a university
  • Build skills in crop production, ag technology, business, and irrigation systems

What You’ll Learn

The program is delivered in two parts:

  • Year 1: 
    While there is flexibility with some courses, each semester will be a mix of Glen Oaks and MSU classes. 

  • Year 2: Specialize with MSU Agriculture Technology
    You’ll take MSU-taught courses in crop production, ag systems, and more—often hosted on the Glen Oaks campus. This year also includes a professional internship with a local ag employer arranged through MSU.

This structure combines the affordability and support of Glen Oaks with the agricultural leadership of MSU—giving you a workforce-ready degree without leaving the region.

Which Agricultural Degree Is Right for You?

Feature AAS in Agricultural Operations AS in Agricultural Operations
Goal Enter the workforce directly Transfer to a university
Focus Technical ag skills + hands-on training General education + science foundation
Ideal for Students returning to the farm or entering ag careers Students planning a bachelor’s degree in agriculture
Career Outcomes Farm management, irrigation tech, crop production, ag equipment Agronomy, plant science, ag business, food systems
Transfer-Ready? Some courses may transfer Yes, designed for full transfer
Hands-On Training? High (labs, MSU internship, skill-based courses) Moderate (labs + science courses + MSU internship)
MSU Ag Tech Involvement Year 2: Courses + internship Year 2: Courses + internship
Length 2 years full time 2 years full time

 

Click below to learn more about these programs.

Agricultural Operations - MSU, AS          Agricultural Operations - MSU, AAS

Earn Free MSU Credits with Your State FFA Degree

If you’ve completed a state-approved Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Education program and earned your State FFA Degree, you may qualify for six free credits at MSU.

To be eligible, students must:

  • Be admitted to MSU or the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology
  • Complete a state-approved AFNR program
  • Earn the State Future Farmers of America (FFA) Degree

Learn More About

MSU’s State FFA Degree Completer Program

FAQs

Q: What’s the difference between the AAS and AS programs?
A: The AAS is designed for students who want to go straight into the ag workforce. The AS is best for students who want to transfer to a four-year university and pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Q: Are these programs online?
A: No. Most courses are in-person at Glen Oaks or hybrid from MSU, with fieldwork and internships built in.

Q: How is the time split between Glen Oaks and MSU?
A: Year 1 is primarily at Glen Oaks. Year 2 includes MSU-taught ag courses and your internship experience.

Q: Can I attend part-time?
A: Yes. Many students complete the program while working or managing family or farm responsibilities.

Q: Will my credits transfer to MSU or another university?
A: The AS degree is designed for transfer and aligns with many Michigan universities. The AAS may include transferable courses but is not designed as a full transfer degree.

 

Ready for the Next Step?