Agricultural and Natural Resources Technologies

The Viticulture and Enology Technology curriculum is designed to prepare individuals for various careers in the grape growing and wine making industry. Classroom instruction, practical laboratory applications of viticulture/enology principles and practices are included in the program of study.

Course work in viticulture includes aspects of plant science, vineyard stock selection and propagation, soils, vine nutrition and pest management, planning, layout, economics and management of vineyards. Those interested in enology will receive training in the classroom, laboratory and field in the tools and techniques of wine making. Related courses in microbiology and fermentation science, sensory analysis, winery economics and marketing are offered.

Graduates should qualify for employment opportunities in vineyards, wineries, garden centers, greenhouses, related sales areas and government agencies. Graduates should also be prepared to take the North Carolina Pesticide Applicators Examination and the North Carolina Certified Plant Professional Examination.

This program focuses on the application of scientific and agribusiness principles to the production of grapes, the making of wine, and the wine business. Potential course work includes instruction in grapes and wines of the world; grape production; winemaking technology; plant biology; chemistry; food science, safety, and packaging; soil science; pest management; and marketing and business management. 

The Marine Science curriculum prepares individuals for a variety of marine-related occupations such as marine conservation, water analysis, marine scientific research support and commercial fishing. Individuals will be prepared as naturalists within the ecotourism industry and be trained in observational and measurement techniques aboard a variety of vessels including ocean-going research vessels.

Course work includes a unique blend of traditional and contemporary vocational, technical, and scientific marine education. Course work specific for Marine Sciences includes instruction in biological sciences, environmental sciences, and marine sciences. Field and laboratory experiences prepare students to identify, observe, and collect scientific data associated with the fauna and flora found in the rivers, estuaries, sounds, and ocean. Course work in Marine Technologies includes instruction in the use of physical, chemical, meteorological, biological, and geological oceanographic instrumentation and sampling equipment.

Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities with aquariums, fisheries, corps of engineers, marine patrol, ecotourism companies, commercial fishing industries, entry-level field or laboratory positions with industries, state and federal agencies, and educational facilities associated with marine science and research. Career opportunities include oceanography, environmental science, marine biology, geophysical exploration, and fisheries-related employment.

This program focuses on the scientific study of the ecology and behavior of microbes, plants, and animals inhabiting oceans, coastal waters, and saltwater wetlands and their interactions with the physical environment. Potential course work includes instruction in chemical, physical, and geological oceanography; molecular, cellular, and biochemical studies; marine microbiology; marine botany; ichthyology; mammalogy; marine population dynamics and biodiversity; reproductive biology; studies of specific species, phyla, habitats, and ecosystems; marine paleocology and palentology; and applications to fields such as fisheries science and biotechnology.

The Brewing, Distillation and Fermentation curriculum is designed to prepare individuals for various careers in the brewing, distillation and fermentation industry. Classroom instruction, practical laboratory applications of brewing, distillation and fermentation principles and practices are included in the program of study.

Course work in brewing, distillation and fermentation includes production, operations, safety and sanitation, and associated process technologies. Related course work is offered in fermentation production, safety and sanitation, applied craft beverage microbiology, agriculture, marketing, management, equipment, packaging, and maintenance.

Graduates should qualify for employment opportunities in the brewing, distillation and fermentation industry. Students may be eligible to sit for the professional Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) certification exams which correspond to the program of study.

This program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to brew, distill and ferment various products, including beverages. Includes instruction in production of fermented products, cultivating, marketing, management, legal issues, inspection, maintenance, service and repair of equipment, facility operations, packaging, sanitation, and welding.

The Aquaculture Technology curriculum prepares individuals for careers in aquaculture and management of aquatic ecosystems. It provides a broad background in science and math as well as specialized course work and practical experience in fish, shellfish, and aquatic plant production and management.

Course work includes biology, chemistry, and math, as well as water quality and limnology, nutrition and feeding, genetics and breeding, facilities construction, and business. Students will spend time working in the industry through the cooperative work experience or conducting an individualized study through the aquaculture project.

Graduates may find employment on private farms and government hatcheries or at public aquariums. Graduates may also start new businesses in fish, shellfish, or aquatic plant farming; pond and lake management services; or home/office aquarium or water garden management services.

This program prepares individuals to select, culture, propagate, harvest, and market domesticated fish, shellfish, and marine plants, both freshwater and saltwater. Potential course work includes instruction in the basic principles of aquatic and marine biology; health and nutrition of aquatic and marine life; design and operation of fish farms, breeding facilities, culture beds, and related enterprises; and related issues of safety, applicable regulations, logistics, and supply.

The Agribusiness Technology curriculum is designed to provide the entrepreneurial and technical skills necessary to manage a profitable, environmentally sound, community based small farm or agricultural business. The objective is the development of a workforce knowledgeable in sustainable agriculture practices.

Students will learn the fundamentals of agriculture, focusing on crop production and business. Emphasis is placed on entrepreneurial and field training. Students will also learn the basic principles of our economic system and government policies and programs relating to agriculture.

Graduates should qualify for a variety of jobs in agricultural businesses such as equipment, feed, and agricultural supply sales; store management; farm operations; wholesale and retail produce management; nursery operations; and environmental and agricultural education.

This program prepares individuals to manage agricultural businesses and agriculturally related operations within diversified corporations. Potential course work includes instruction in agriculture, agricultural specialization, business management, accounting, finance, marketing, planning, human resources management, and other managerial responsibilities.