BCCC seeks approval for new Agribusiness Technology Program | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Beaufort County Community College is seeking approval to offer course work in the field of Agribusiness Technology, a field that will provide many job opportunities for area residents, college officials announced this week.

    Courses in the new Agribusiness Technology Program are scheduled to begin in August 2014 through BCCC's Arts and Sciences Division, pending approval by the N.C. Community College System and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

    BCCC will be one of only four community colleges in the state to offer Agribusiness Technology, once the program is approved, and the only college in northeastern North Carolina to do so. Others with the program include community colleges in Bladen, Duplin and Wayne counties.

    "Once approved, the Agribusiness Technology Program will provide a new career path for those in our area who are interested in an agriculture-based career," said Dr. Barbara Tansey, BCCC president. "Agriculture continues to be an important part of the economy in northeastern North Carolina and this program will train students for jobs to serve that important business sector."

    Those attending the Beaufort County Agriculture Expo from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at Northside High School can also learn more about the proposed Agribusiness Technology Program. BCCC's Small Business Center is one of the sponsors of the event.

    BCCC's four-county service area is home to about 800 farms that generate about $300 million in agricultural receipts each year, according to figures from the N.C. Rural Center.

    "Our Agribusiness Technology graduates would be able to provide needed services to those farms," Tansey said of the proposed program.

    If approved, it will prepare graduates for a variety of jobs in agriculture such as equipment, feed and agricultural supply sales, store management, farm operations and office management of agricultural products marketing firms.

    Students in the program will need two years to complete the course work, after which they receive an associate in applied science degree in in agribusiness technology. An associate's degree in the program is expected to require coursework in agricultural chemicals, soil science, animal science, plant science, animal health management, business and economics, among others.

    More information about Agribusiness Technology is available by contacting Dixon Boyles, dean of BCCC's Arts and Sciences Division, at 252-940-6223 or by visiting the BCCC website at www.beaufortccc.edu.

    For more information about enrolling for classes at BCCC or to schedule a placement test, contact the Admissions Office at 252-940-6237. Applications are available on the BCCC website at www.beaufortccc.edu.


    Beaufort County Community College is a public comprehensive community college committed to accessible and affordable quality education, effective teaching, relevant training, and lifelong learning opportunities for the people served by the College.