Four-year degrees coming to ABAC January 7

TIFTON - For the first time ever, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will offer four-year degrees in diversified agriculture and turfgrass and golf course management when the spring semester begins on January 7.

The two new Bachelor of Applied Sciences (B.A.S.) degrees are the result of ABAC's State College status within the University System of Georgia and accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

State Colleges offer mainly their traditional two-year degrees but are approved by the Board of Regents to offer selected four-year degrees.

"This is another significantmilestone for ABAC," ABAC President David Bridges said. "Students have told us for many years that they wished ABAC was a four-year school so they could get their entire four-year degree here. Now that wish has come true."

The diversified agriculture degree combines upper level classes in finance, marketing, business management and personnel management with freshman and sophomore classes in areas such as livestock production, forest resources and horticulture production.

Possible employers of diversified agriculture graduates may include those who manufacture, market, and ser- vice agricultural equipment, animal feeds, animal health products, fertilizer, seed, pesticides, and livestock.

Graduates of the turfgrass program will focus on implementing their knowledge of soils, plants, people, and best management practices into a successful business in the turfgrass industry.

The new four-year degree blends the technical education of turf production, professional lawn and grounds care, golf turf, and sports turf with higher level turfgrass and golf course management classes.

Students in the programs can take advantage of ABAC's 200-acre J.G. Woodroof Farm and the college's Forest Lakes Golf Club for hands-on experiences.

Agriculture and Forest Resources Division Chair Tim Marshall said problem solving and critical thinking will be key components of junior and senior level classes in the new degrees.

"Employers in both degree areas want graduates with ability and practical experience who can apply principles and communicate in a working environment," Marshall said.

For more information on the diversified agriculture degree, contact Dr. John Settimi at (229) 391-4809. For more information on the turfgrass degree, contact Dr. Ed Seagle at (229) 391-4808.

Bridges said he expects more four-year degrees at ABAC in the future.