At a glance:

The Agricultural Engineering Technology program was developed for students seeking careers associated with the application of technologies in the field of food and fiber production. Careers in Agricultural Engineering Technology include: agricultural equipment manufacturers, agricultural/industrial equipment sales and service, fiber processing, food production/processing industries, geospatial technologies and technological fields in government-related careers. The Agricultural Engineering Technology program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. The program prepares students to be successful in careers associated with industry or government. The curriculum is also structured to prepare students for admission to graduate school in Agricultural Engineering Technology, Agricultural Operations Management, Agricultural Systems Management, or Agricultural Mechanics.

Why should a student choose the program at UT Martin?

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and applications are integral    to many areas in the geosciences and other disciplines. Students who systematically develop skill sets and experience in GIS may possess key advantages in professional advancement and graduate studies. A special certificate which recognizes basic proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and applications is now available.  See pages 106 and 107 in the current Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog for details and requirements to meet certification standards.

Are there any special opportunities available such as internships, global travel, etc?

Supervised field experience, or an internship, is available for academic credit. It is required of all students in park and recreation administration, agricultural business, agricultural science production and plant science programs, and strongly encouraged for students in all other agricultural and natural resources management degree programs. Internships are designed to enable a student to obtain credit for completion of a prescribed program of work with an approved business or agency. Students have served as interns in a variety of agricultural management and marketing positions and as interns with a variety of city, state and federal agencies. Supervision and evaluation are provided by faculty and on- the-job supervisors. An essential element of this program is that the work experience be designed so it contributes to a student’s learning and level of competence in his/her chosen career area; routine summer jobs or seasonal employment that do not meet these criteria cannot be considered for internship credit. Students interested in the program should apply for participation one semester in advance and they should have achieved senior standing at the time the work experience begins in the case of park and recreation administration – and junior standing in the case of other concentration areas.

What can a student do after graduation – graduate school, possible careers?

The production of food and fiber, processing them, and transporting the final products to the world’s people is the largest enterprise on earth. Everyone everywhere depends on agriculture. Colleges of agriculture throughout the country recognize the necessity for trained individuals in the field of agricultural engineering technology. It is estimated that nearly 50,000 jobs related to agriculture become available each year and many of them are related to agricultural engineering technology. Some of the many career opportunities available for agricultural engineering technology graduates include those with agricultural equipment manufacturers, agricultural/industrial equipment sales/service, food & fiber industries, financial services, and government agencies. Students can also pursue requirements to meet land surveying license requirements as well as experience for precision agriculture. (GIS/GPS).

What kind of student organizations, clubs, or honor societies can a student join?

Agriculture and natural resources management students are active in several organizations which include the Agronomy Club, Alpha Gamma Rho, Block and Bridle Club, Collegiate FFA, Collegiate 4-H, National Agribusiness Marketing Association, Park and Recreation Adventure Club, Equestrian Team(Athletics), Rodeo Team (Athletics), UT Martin chapter of the Wildlife Society, Student Cattlemen’s Association, UT Martin Turf Club, Sigma Alpha and UT Martin Pre-Veterinary Club. These student organizations provide opportunities for meeting established professionals in the field, enhancing leadership skills and participation in social activities. Teams composed of students enrolled in agriculture or natural resources management annually participate in intercollegiate contests in livestock judging, crops judging, horse judging, NAMA Quiz Bowl, SAEA Quiz Bowl and soil judging. Instruction and coaching are provided by faculty members and membership on the team is based upon participation and competitive performance in practice exercises. The teams have received awards in regional and national competition. They provide excellent opportunities for &interested students to sharpen their evaluation skills. Equestrian competition is also available to interested students through the UT Martin athletics program.

What kind of facilities and equipment will be available to the student?

The UT Martin Agricultural and Natural Resources Field Teaching and Demonstration Complex, located adjacent to the campus, is utilized as the lab farm in the department’s teaching programs. Together, both units comprise 680 acres and include herds of beef cattle, sheep, goats, horses and swine, as well as greenhouses and landscape, wildlife, field and forage crop demonstration areas. These facilities are used by faculty and students to conduct research that complements the teaching program as well as contributes to the broad objectives of the Center of Excellence. The organization outlined above enables students to become familiar with research conducted at the teaching farm, other experiment stations of the UT Institute of Agriculture and other laboratories of the university. UT Martin, in this way, occupies a unique position that differentiates it from other institutions. UT Martin also has the Ned McWherter Agricultural Complex (pavilion and stalling facility), an Equine Center, West Tennessee Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the Ray and Wilma Smith Livestock Merchandising Center, with all of these hosting a variety of events throughout the year.

Does the faculty specialize in certain areas?

Mr. Richard Shadden (rshadden@utm.edu) is a Professor of Agricultural Engineering Technology with over 35 years of teaching experience in higher education and has been recognized with numerous teaching awards.  He specializes in waste management and biofuels. Dr. Tim Burcham (tburcham@utm.edu) is the Parker Chair of Excellence chairholder with over 19 years experience in higher education and is a Registered Professional Engineer. He specializes in waste management and precision agriculture as well as developing alternative technologies for on-line course offering.