For more information on these courses please email Tyler Grunewald at or call 218-894-5141.
To find all agricultural-related online courses throughout Minnesota please visit the Minnesota State Website.
For agriculture-themed lessons for your classroom, please visit MN Ag in the Classroom.
Online Agriculture Programs/Courses
Central Lakes College
ANSI 1100 Introduction to Animal Science
This course is a broad introduction to animal science, and the role of animals in society from biological, social, global and industry perspectives. Topics covered include the fundamental concepts of nutrition, anatomy/physiology, breeding, behavior, health care, animal welfare, marketing, economics and management principles as they apply to both traditional and non-traditional species of livestock and poultry.
ANSI 1110 Food Safety: From Farm to Fork
This course is a producer and consumer oriented introduction to food safety and food safety risks associated with the agrifood industry, specifically the food animal sector. Topics of study will include zoonotic and food borne pathogens, chemicals, toxins and drug residues, biosecurity, current technology, consumer perceptions and regulatory agencies responsible for overseeing food safety in the industry. Students will examine food safety risks associated with production, harvest, transporting, processing, distribution, retail sale, home and commercial kitchen use of animals and animal products and learn the control, prevention and intervention strategies available to help minimize the risk of food borne disease. Students completing this course have the opportunity to earn the National Restaurant Association ServSafe Certificate, which meets the State of Minnesota’s requirements for Food Manager Certification.
ANSI 1120 Backyard Poultry: Biology and Management
Backyard Poultry: Biology and Management is a course designed for students interested in learning about the biology of poultry and for those who currently engaged in or are considering engaging in a small-scale poultry farming operation. Poultry species included in this course are chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guineas, pea fowl and game birds. Topics covered include: evolutionary history; anatomy and physiology of the digestive, reproductive and respiratory systems; category, species and breed selection; housing; nutrition; behavior; general healthcare; laying hen and egg biology and management; incubation and after hatch management; managing and processing meat birds; raising waterfowl, pea fowl and game birds and exhibiting poultry.
BIOL 1415 Environmental Biology
This course takes a holistic approach to current status and future prospects of earth’s life support systems emphasizing human impact on the environment. Topics include interrelationships of organisms and their environment, population dynamics, pollution, major ecosystems, examination of causes and possible solutions to major local, national and global environmental problems.
ENVR 1400 Introduction to Environmental Studies
Introduction to Environmental Studies is a global survey of the relationship between humans and the natural environment. The course explores the difficult and controversial environmental issues facing the world today including climate change, solid waste, industrial pollution, species extinction, population growth and the impact of agricultural and extractive industries.
Ridgewater College
This certificate program is completely online and focuses on poultry nutrition, feeds and feeding, mechanical and natural ventilation, as well as disease control.
Agri Business AAS
This program includes courses for all phases of agribusiness. Students will be prepared for occupations in agricultural businesses in the retail and service sectors of agriculture. Students apply classroom knowledge during fall and spring internship experiences.
Agriculture Marketing & Communications
This program will prepare students for a career in agriculture with an emphasis in marketing and communications. Students will learn basic marketing principles, including social media marketing concepts as well as photography and design techniques along with the ability to speak the language of agriculture.
Beginning Meat Cutting Certificate
A program that prepares individuals to receive, cut, and package animal meat products in commercial establishments and to function as licensed meat cutters/butchers. The curriculum also includes differentiating between retail and wholesale cutting. Students will learn about: animal science, meat processing technology, food safety, meat merchandising, and livestock processing.
Northland Community & Technical College
AGRG 1100 Intro to Agriculture
Students will learn and understand different facets of the food, fiber and environmental system in the field of Agriculture. Students will explore the food, fiber and services of the agriculture community at the local, state, national and world wide levels.
Riverland Community College
AGBS-2000; Introduction To Agribusiness Management
This course provides students with a foundation in agribusiness management. Employers desire a combination of technical and business management skills in potential employees. This course includes the study of critical agribusiness skills and their application in the agribusiness industry.
AGSC-1010; Introduction to Agronomy
This course provides an orientation into the profession of agricultural sciences. Combining theoretical and practical knowledge, students investigate plants, the principles and practices of crop production and management, precision farming, sustainability, biotechnology, marketing and sales related to agriculture. A special emphasis on real-world, innovative problem solving will provide students with a background to further specialize in producing and improving food crops. Important current societal issues related to modern agriculture are discussed throughout.
