SASKATOON — Students in the new Certificate in Introductory Agriculture program can study online or in-person at their own pace to learn about agriculture in the Canadian Prairie Region.
“The new Introductory Agriculture certificate is designed for a variety of learners from different education and professional backgrounds,” said Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn (PhD), dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources (AgBio) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). “The College of Agriculture and Bioresources developed this certificate to provide students flexible learning and choice in their pathway to admission. Applicants can range from mature students who want to broaden their scope of professional practise into agriculture, to undergraduate students across different academic disciplines.”
The target audience for the new certificate also includes educators who want to deliver science-based agriculture programs in primary and secondary schools, individuals seeking entry-level, non-professional agriculture employment, and new and current USask undergraduate students. USask students can earn this certificate concurrently with their degree or diploma program or take it as a standalone program. It provides students from different academic disciplines, such as business or engineering, a competitive edge by expanding their scope for future careers.
The Introductory Agriculture certificate provides a base knowledge of agriculture in the Canadian Prairie region. Students will learn key competencies in the field of agriculture, diverse ways of knowing, agrology and professional practice in agriculture, the scientific principles that govern agriculture and the environment, and the socio-economic impacts of agriculture.
“The College of Agriculture and Bioresources has a proud history of responding to the educational needs of Saskatchewan, the nation, and the world by developing innovative programming,” said Dr. Tom Yates (PhD), associate dean academic of AgBio. “The Introductory Agriculture certificate is the fifth new educational program we’ve launched since 2022. We’re committed to empowering students to learn in ways that fit their lives and therefore benefit their communities.”
Courses in the Introductory Agriculture certificate can be transferred into other AgBio undergraduate degree and diploma programs. Students also have the choice to study online or in-person at their own pace. New applicants can start the 15-credit unit certificate as early as January 2026. Questions about the program can be directed to AgBio Student Services.
— Submitted by USask Media Relations
