Ivy Tech School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering & Applied Science
Precision Agriculture Equipment Technology
The World Needs Farmers. Farmers Need You.
What You'll Learn
At one point, farming was mostly done by hand with animals and manual labor. Today, growing food for the world includes the use of technology integrated with machinery.
The Precision Agriculture Equipment Technology program at Ivy Tech is the first of its kind and is taught by instructors with real-world experience. Students will use state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with the newest on-board equipment, as well as tractors, combines, sprayers, and more.
Precision agriculture combines computer technology with GPS and mapping software to record and track yield information. Classes focus on a variety of subjects necessary to be successful in this field, including production agriculture, mechanical systems, electronics, and even business strategies and global farming issues! Students will spend a significant amount of class time completing hands-on activities with the ability to have one-on-one time with the instructor.
Career Options
Graduates from the Precision Agriculture Equipment Technology program are prepared to start a career as a precision agriculture technician. This could mean working day-to-day in a variety of environments such as a farm, office of a large farming technology company, equipment dealership, or input supplier facility.
Our graduates will have the foundation needed to begin a high-paying job in the community, getting in on the ground-floor of this rapidly expanding job field.
Degree Types Offered
Credential Type
Associate Degree – Career-Ready Degree
Long-Term Certificates
– known as Technical Certificates (TC)
Short-Term Certificates
– known as Certificates (CT)
You are interested in farm machinery and enjoy fixing things.
You have a desire to work at a farm implement dealership.
You enjoy trying new things and experimenting with new automation equipment.
You are goal-driven and would enjoy figuring out ways to increase crop yields.
You have a desire to work for an agriculture service provider.
You enjoy technology and wish to apply that interest to the farming industry.
You have a desire to troubleshoot and diagnose high-tech equipment.
You're looking for a quick way to get started in precision agriculture.
Seeking specialized training in commercial pesticide and fertilizer application.
Interested in obtaining short-term certificates for career advancement or entry into the agricultural industry.
Preparing for the Indiana Pesticide Applicator Core Exam and seeking comprehensive knowledge and skills in agricultural plant pest control and fertilizer application.
Seeking specialized training in commercial pesticide and fertilizer application.
Interested in obtaining short-term certificates for career advancement or entry into the agricultural industry.
Preparing for the Indiana Pesticide Applicator Core Exam and seeking comprehensive knowledge and skills in agricultural plant pest control and fertilizer application.
Note: Program availability varies by location and not all program tracks are offered at each campus/location.
Associate Degree – Career-Ready Degree
Becoming an agricultural equipment technician requires a great deal of knowledge. From properly being able to diagnose an issue with farming equipment to performing maintenance on some of the industry's largest and most powerful machinery, graduates from the Associate of Applied Science in Precision Agricultural Equipment Technology program will have the knowledge necessary to go into the workforce.
Long-Term Certificates
known as Technical Certificates (TC)
The Agriculture Equipment Service Technician Technical Certificate (TC) program is a great starting point for students that share an interest in both farm equipment mechanics and Precision Ag systems. Upon completion of this TC, students will be ready for a career as a technician, working on farm equipment and utilizing Precision Ag systems in commercial agriculture. Students with this degree are commonly hired to work at farm implement dealerships.
The Precision Agriculture Specialist Technical Certificate (TC) program is a great starting point for students that share an interest in both Precision Ag systems and Agronomy. Upon completion of this TC, students will be ready for a career focused on integrating Precision Ag systems that empower agronomic returns. Students with this degree are commonly hired to work at agriculture service providers.
The Precision Agriculture Technician Technical Certificate (TC) program is a great starting point for students that share an interest in both Precision Ag systems and farm equipment. Upon completion of this TC, students will be ready for a career focused on troubleshooting and utilizing Precision Ag systems in commercial agriculture. Students with this degree are commonly hired to work at farm equipment service providers.
Short-Term Certificates
known as Certificates (CT)
The Certificate program is a great starting point for students that wish to start their Precision Agriculture career and create upwards mobility in the field. Graduates of the Precision Agriculture Certificate (CT) are commonly hired in entry level positions as an operator or applicator.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
If your goal is to earn an associate degree or technical certificate in precision agriculture, you can earn this short-term certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level precision agriculture careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate if your plan includes working while in school.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 18 credit hours.
A fit for students who are interested in a short-term certificate to learn valuable skills for commercial pesticide & herbicide application. The Certificate helps provide the knowledge necessary to prepare for the Indiana Pesticide Applicator Core Exam which includes, Agricultural Plant Pest Control Exam (Category 1), and the Agricultural Fertilizer Applicator Exam (Category 14). If a student passes these exams, they will have the qualifications to become a certified Applicator within the Agricultural industry.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
If your goal is to earn an associate degree or technical certificate in precision agriculture, you can earn this short-term certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level precision agriculture careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate if your plan includes working while in school.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 18 credit hours.
AGRI 223 - Plant Pest Id and Control CREDIT HOURS MIN: 3
Precision Agriculture Equipment Technology is offered at 4 Ivy Tech locations in Indiana. Each location offers a unique combination of certificate and degree options:
Is Precision Agriculture Equipment Technology Right for Me?
You enjoy working outside, specifically on a farm.
You like operating machinery and discovering how it works.
You are a problem solver.
You like to troubleshoot.
You like to analyze data.
You enjoy Unmanned Aerial Systems UAVs and remote sensing applications.
Are you interested in aerial applications related to crop production.
Sound Like You?
If you identify with the traits above, informatics may be the path for you! Take the next step to get started or speak with your local advisor to learn more.
Prerequisite Courses for Precision Agriculture Equipment Technology
Students coming to Ivy Tech with their high school diploma or equivalent can start straight into the degree program without completing any prerequisite courses as long as they are considered college ready by the knowledge assessment.
No Expiration of Credits
There is no expiration date for course credits that were earned in previous years from Ivy Tech Community College.
Transfer Credit for Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses completed at colleges other than Ivy Tech will only be considered for general education selection points if transfer credit has been awarded and courses appear on the Ivy Tech transcript prior to the application deadline.
TR grades are not recognized by the online application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that transfer credit has been awarded and that TR grades are updated to transfer letter grades (TA, TB, TC) on their Ivy Tech transcript.
It is recommended that college transcripts be submitted to the Registrar’s office for evaluation and transfer credit at least 4 weeks prior to the program application deadline to ensure adequate time for processing.
See when specific classes will be offered by searching our class list in Schedule Builder. First, select the semester you’re looking for and then enter the name of the class in the search bar.
If you’re a current student, upcoming classes are easy to find in Schedule Builder in MyIvy.
Class Formats
Courses in the Precision Agriculture program are typically held in a traditional, in-person format. Instructors do strive to offer some instruction virtually when possible for a blended class format. That said, the nature of the program is very hands on, which makes in-person instruction extremely valuable to students.
Applying to Ivy Tech is Free & Easy
The Ivy Tech application is free and easy—you don’t need a certain test score, GPA, or class rank to get started at Ivy Tech. Applying takes about 10-15 minutes and can be completed entirely online.
No Application Deadlines
Ivy Tech does not have a deadline for admission. Our 8-week class sessions start throughout the year—in January, March, June, August, and October—and there is no hard deadline for applying for any of the start dates. It's important, though, to apply early enough that you'll be able to complete all the degree planning, financial aid, and registration activities that need to happen before your first day. We recommend you apply about one month before you intend to start classes. See upcoming start dates
Steps to Apply
(1) Apply to Ivy Tech
If you’ve never applied to Ivy Tech Community College before (or if it’s been two years since you last attended classes here), your first step is to apply to Ivy Tech. You can apply online or in person. To apply in person, reach out toyour local admissions team and arrange a meeting. Or, stop by any campus on any Tuesday for Tuesdays@TheTech to receive personal assistance with applying and registering for classes.
After you submit your application, you'll be asked to upload documentation—such as SAT/ACT/PSAT scores or high school and college transcripts—that can assess your readiness for college-level coursework and help us make sure you are taking classes that are the right fit for you. How to upload assessment documents
If you don't have your scores or transcripts at your fingertips, don’t worry. Go ahead and submit your application. You can go back to upload assessment documents at any time until the end of the term for which you applied.
(3) Look for a Confirmation Email
Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided on your application. Typically the email will arrive within 1-2 business days of submission, but during peak processing periods (April-June) could take up to 5-10 business days.
The email will contain instructions on how to register for classes, as well as important information regarding your Ivy Tech student portal (MyIvy account), tuition, payment options, and more.
(4) Create an Account in MyIvy
MyIvy is Ivy Tech's online student portal. Students use MyIvy to check e-mail, register for classes, pay tuition, manage financial aid, get the latest news and announcements, and much more. MyIvy also contains "QuickLinks" to the Ivy Tech websites and online tools you will use most often. Learn more about MyIvy
Before you can register for classes you will need to submit documentation or complete an assessment test. Your test scores can help us determine the best English and math starting classes for you. See the Test Score Course Placement Chart
If you submitted assessment documentation during the application process, your advisor will likely be able to work with those documents to determine course placement and you won't need to take any further steps. If you don't have any of those documents or the scores don't meet minimum thresholds, don’t worry! Your advisor will direct you to complete our freeKnowledge Assessment to help develop your customized learning path to better prepare you for courses.
(6) Register for Classes
Once you have completed the steps above, you may register for classes. Ivy Tech students register for courses using the Schedule Builder tool which can be accessed withinMyIvy. If you are a new, first-time Ivy Tech student, we recommend that you meet withyour advisor who will help you develop your Academic Completion Plan and help you sign up for courses that are the best fit for you.
For a complete list of registration steps, including detailed registration steps, deadlines, and information about holds, withdrawals, waitlists, and refunds, visit our Registration 101 page.
(7) Pay Your Tuition
After registering for your courses, your bill can be viewed in yourMyIvy account > Student Dashboard- > View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made in your MyIvy account. For complete information about payments, including payment options, payment plans, how to make immediate payments, due dates, information about refunds, and more, visit our Payments page.
If you’re not yet an Ivy Tech student, contact us at 1-888-489-5463 and we’ll be happy to help.
Current Students
Contact your academic advisor, who can answer any questions you have about the Precision Agriculture Equipment Technology program and your certificate and degree options.
Find Local Advising Contact Info
Don't see a nearby Advising location?
Call 1-888-489-5463 and we'll get you started.
Madison Advising Center
590 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, IN 47250
Fax 812-265-4028
Zoom Video Calls Available by appointment only. Call 812-256-2580, ext. 4502 to make an appointment.
Advising Team Tricia Miracle 812-265-2580 ext. 4137 tmiracle2@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 812-510-3844 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Wednesdays 9:00-1:00pm & Thursdays 2:00-5:30pm Zoom Link
Lisa Kelley 812-265-2580 ext. 4163 lkelley3@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 502-414-1597 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Tuesdays 1:30pm-5pm & Thursdays 8:30am-12pm Zoom Link
Starting Oct. 28th Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All other days by appointment from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. **Special Saturday December 7 @ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2021 State Occupational Employment and Wage estimates: Indiana.(2022). Lightcast™, lightcast.io. Occupational Overview for Indiana, 2022-2023
2 Associate degree cost is determined by tuition for an in-state, full-time student. Certificate and technical certificate costs are determined by tuition for an in-state, part-time student. Additional fees may be applied. Visit the Tuition & Fees page to learn more.
