Degree Programs
Associate of Science in Agribusiness
The Associate of Science degree in Agribusiness is designed to prepare students for careers in the business segment of the agriculture industry. It provides an understanding of basic business concepts and principles as they relate to the industry. Students will learn the principles of organization and management in these businesses and the application of these principles in agriculture production. It helps prepare them for employment in commercial agriculture and business-serving agriculture.
Associate of Science in Family & Consumer Science
The Associate of Science degree in Family and Consumer Science provides a core program for students, preparing them for transfer opportunities in the following areas: human development and family relations, food and nutrition, family economics and resource management, and general family and consumer science.
Associate of Science in General Agriculture
The Associate of Science degree in General Agriculture focuses on agriculture and related sciences and prepares students to apply specific knowledge, methods, and techniques to the management and performance of agricultural operations.
Associate of Science in Natural Resources
The Associate of Science degree in Natural Resources provides a foundation in the natural sciences, with a focus on the biological and physical science aspects of managing natural resources. Emphasis is also on the social, cultural and economic aspects of managing natural resources and the environment.
Course Descriptions
AGE 150 Agriculture Economics
(Prerequisite: ENG 80)
This course provides an introduction to the economics of agricultural production, marketing, pricing, income and decision-making involving farm operations that includes government policies and programs related to agricultural and socioeconomic problems of farmers. (3 lecture credits)
AGR 100 I Practical Job Experience I
This course is designed to provide the students with needed practical skills while working in an agricultural setting during the Summer Institute, fall or spring semesters. (1 lab credit)
AGR 100 II Practical Job Experience II
(Prerequisite: AGR 100 I)
This course is designed to provide the students with needed practical skills in an agricultural setting in the following two options: Land Grant Research Station or On-Farm Work. (1 lab credit)
AGR 152 Survey of Community and Natural Resources
(Prerequisite: ENG 70)
Students will learn about career options available to them in agriculture, natural resources, and family and consumer sciences by interacting with local professionals working in these fields. Each weekly meeting will cover a different discipline, with an introductory presentation followed by a field trip to observe work within that discipline. Field trips will visit local agribusinesses, farms, and government agencies. (3 lecture credits)
AGR 197 Polynesian Culture and Natural Resources Learning Project
(Prerequisite: A 4-credit Biology course)
This course is designed to provide the necessary background information for participation in a service-learning project. It covers the natural resources of American Samoa and their cultural use. Students will be provided information about the listed topics and have the opportunity to conduct further research. They will also learn about the resources and culture of other countries and make comparisons among the different systems. (3 lecture credits)
AGR 250 Introduction to Horticulture
(Prerequisite: BIO 180)
The basic principles of horticultural crop production include growth, development, reproduction, propagation, and management of the crop environment: soil fertility and plant nutrition, water, temperature, light and wind; crop hazards of weeds, pests and diseases. The production practices for world food crops are studied. Production of locally important crops is emphasized. Practical sessions to complement lectures include field visits and laboratory exercises. (3 lecture credits and 1 lab credit)
AGR 297 Environmental Service-Learning Exchange
(Prerequisite: AGR 197)
This course is a four-week, service-learning course. Students will utilize knowledge gained from MSC 197/AGR 197 to carry out community service projects that will include: stream bank restoration, trail maintenance, and creation of educational displays and signs. They will also learn about the resources and culture of other countries and to make comparisons among the different systems. A portfolio will be kept on activities and a final report will be required on their projects. (2 lecture credits)
ANS 150A Animal Science A
(Prerequisite: ENG 70)
This course opens to all students in developmental studies as an introduction in general agriculture, animal science or natural resource management. Lectures, discussions, and presentations by experts and community members will include topics such as agriculture, livestock, nutrition, breeding, management, and pasture/turf grass, meat processing and marketing. Emphasis will be on swine and poultry production. Students who plan to further their studies of Agriculture beyond the A.S. level must take both this course and ANS 150B. (2 lecture credits)
ANS 150B Animal Science B
(Prerequisite: ANS 150 A)
This course opens to all students in developmental studies as an introduction in general agriculture, animal science or natural resource management. Lectures, discussions, and presentations by experts and community members will include topics such as agriculture, livestock, nutrition, breeding, management, and pasture/turf grass, meat processing and marketing. Emphasis will be on swine and poultry production. Students who plan to further their studies of Agriculture beyond the A.S. level must take both this course and ANS 150B. (2 lecture credits)
FAM 250 Family Finance
(Prerequisite: ENG 150, MAT 151)
This course opens to all students in developmental studies as an introduction in general agriculture, animal science or natural resource management. Lectures, discussions, and presentations by experts and community members will include topics such as agriculture, livestock, nutrition, breeding, management, and pasture/turf grass, meat processing and marketing. Emphasis will be on swine and poultry production. Students who plan to further their studies of Agriculture beyond the A.S. level must take both this course and ANS 150B. (2 lecture credits)
FAM 260 Parenting: Models for Guiding and Nurturing Children
(Prerequisite: ENG 150, PSY 150)
Students will study new models of parenting theories, methods, skills, issues, and resources. They will view parent-child relationships in various cultural contexts. They will also gain the necessary skills for guiding and nurturing children as a parent and for teaching others those skills in high school and adult education settings. (3 lecture credits)
NRS 180 Forests and Agroforestry
(Prerequisite: BIO 180)
An introductory course containing three general areas which focus on the global importance of forests, emphasizing tropical rain forests, specific forest communities, and their uses in Samoa. The theoretical and practical study and measurement methods in forestry; forest management systems, emphasizing agroforestry, community forestry, conservation, and preservation. (3 lecture credits and 1 lab credit)
NRS 200 Natural Resources
(Prerequisite: MSC 160 or MSC 200, NRS 180)
This course provides a comprehensive overview of wildlife, wetlands, and marine natural resources. Special emphasis is on local species, communities and ecosystems. Laboratories are field-oriented, focusing on identification and measurement of resource conditions. (4 lecture credits)
NRS 250 Environmental Studies
(Prerequisite: ENG 151, NRS 200)
This course enables students to develop skills in ethics, interpretation, and investigation in relation to the environmental settings and issues. Global, national and local examples are provided. Student presentations and projects are required. (3 lecture credits)
NUT 150 Nutrition
(Prerequisite: ENG 90)
This course is an introduction to the science of nutrition as it applies to everyday life. The goal is to teach students how to apply the logic of science to their own nutritional concerns. Topics include the six major nutrients: carbohydrates, lipids (fats), protein, vitamins, minerals, and water. The course will also examine the human body, energy balance, weight control, the digestive process, life stages, and diseases as they relate to nutrition and fitness. (3 lecture credits)