Agriculture
Admissions Office
Admissions Office
Email: admissions@muskegoncc.edu
Phone: (231) 777-0366
Office Hours:
Mon: 8:30am – 6:30pm
Tue-Thu: 8:00am – 5:30pm
Fri: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Counselor
Matthew Bernia
Academic Affairs - Program Coordinator for MSU IAT
Email: matthew.bernia@muskegoncc.edu
Phone: 231-777-0576
Program Questions
Matthew Bernia
Academic Affairs - Program Coordinator for MSU IAT
Email: matthew.bernia@muskegoncc.edu
Phone: 231-777-0576
Degrees/Certificates
MSU IAT Programs Available at MCC
Agricultural Operations
Agricultural Operations at MCC
About the program
The Agricultural Operations program provides students with a solid background in plant and soil science, precision agriculture, water management, entomology, plant pathology and business management.
The program combines classroom instruction and theory with practical experience gained through field laboratories and an internship. Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of careers in an exciting and growing industry.
Areas of Study
- Farm management
- Agricultural water resources management
- Soil science
- Precision agriculture technologies
- Agricultural compliance and safety
- Plant pathology
Learn More
Food Processing, Technology and Safety
Food Processing, Technology and Safety at MCC
About the program
The Food Processing, Technology and Safety certificate program trains students on the processes and technologies used to convert commodities into consumable food products.
The program combines online and in-person courses with applied learning experiences including a mobile food processing lab, industry clerkship and professional internship.
NOTE: The program’s course delivery format does not meet the online enrollment limits for international students.
Areas of Study
- Food processing and technology
- Facilities management
- Microbiology and chemistry
- Safety principles and regulations
- Applied food processing (cereals and grains, dairy foods, fruits and vegetables, muscle foods)
Learn More
Fruit & Vegetable Crop Management
Fruit & Vegetable Crop Management at MCC
About the program
The Fruit and Vegetable Crop Management program at community college partners provides students an opportunity to apply practical knowledge and training to the selection, use and management of fruit and vegetable crops.
The program combines classroom instruction and theory with practical experience gained through field laboratories and an internship. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in the production of fruit and vegetable crops and management of farming operations.
Areas of Study
- Farm management
- Agricultural compliance and safety
- Soil science
- Training and pruning plants
- Plant pathology
- Irrigation systems
Learn More
Landscape Management
Landscape Management
About the program
The Landscape Management program at community college partners helps students apply practical knowledge and training to the selection, use and management of landscape plants and lawns. Students will learn about plant growth and development along with plant identification, preparing them for careers in the green industry.
The program combines classroom instruction and theory with practical experience gained through field laboratories and an internship.
Areas of Study
- Soil science
- Landscape maintenance
- Irrigation systems
- Landscape plants
- Weed management
Learn More
Urban Forest Management
Urban Forest Management at MCC
About the program
The IAT Urban Forest Management certificate program at Muskegon Community College offers online and in-person classwork blended with applied lab and field experiences. This program provides students with the competencies and technical skills necessary to sustainably manage trees in an urban environment.
Students will connect with local employers for paid summer internships and network with urban forestry leaders at professional meetings.
Forestry has a long history at Michigan State University and continues to prepare educated, experienced graduates who are in high demand by a variety of industry and agency employers.
Areas of Study
- Tree identification
- Tree selection, planting and pruning
- Climbing and aerial work
- Tree health care and risk assessment
- Equipment use and worker safety
- Community engagement
- Crew leadership and management
Learn More
Photos from the program
WHY AGRICULTURE?
Muskegon Community College and Michigan State University – Institute of Agricultural Technology have joined efforts to simplify how you can gain the training and education you need to work in the exciting field of agriculture. Currently, 50,000 agriculture jobs open up every year, but only 25,000 students graduate from agriculture schools each year. Muskegon Community College is partnering with educational, business and industry leaders to help fill the gap in qualified employees.
Students can earn an MSU certificate while also working towards an associate degree. Students take at least 28 credits from MCC that are recognized by MSU toward completion of a certificate, thus significantly lowering the overall program cost to students. Students can choose three MSU certificates that will be available to study locally including Agriculture Operations, Landscape Management and Fruit and Vegetable Crop Management.
MORE ABOUT AGRICULTURE
Invest in Your Future with the Agribusiness Talent Council Scholarship!
Are you a resident of Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, or Ottawa County? Are you a college student or high school senior planning to attend a U.S. college or university? If you’re majoring in, or planning to major in, fields like animal science, horticulture, or another agribusiness-related area, this opportunity is for you!
The Agribusiness Talent Council Scholarship is your chance to earn a $1,000 scholarship to support your education and future career in agribusiness. Applications are now open and will be accepted through March 20, 2026.
Don’t miss this opportunity!
Take the next step toward your dreams in agribusiness by applying today.
APPLY NOW!
Proudly presented by the Agribusiness Talent Council – West Michigan and West Michigan Works!, a division of ACSET. We’re committed to supporting future agribusiness leaders. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For more details, visit westmiworks.org.
Mobile Food Processing Lab
As part of Muskegon Community College’s partnership with Michigan State University’s Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT), students in the Food Processing, Technology, and Safety certificate program gain hands-on experience through a mobile food processing lab located right here at MCC.
This fully equipped trailer mirrors real-world food industry environments on a smaller scale—featuring prep and storage space, food-grade processing lines, and custom-built systems for air, water, and steam. The mobile lab allows students to learn production and safety practices used in modern food processing facilities, preparing them for high-demand roles in the industry.
Take A Tour
West Michigan Works partners with educators, employers, and the Agribusiness Talent Council to strengthen the region’s agriculture and food production workforce. Together, they provide career exploration for students, customized training for workers, and help connect businesses with new talent and resources.
The West Michigan Agribusiness Partnership brings together employers and community partners across seven counties to address workforce needs in the agribusiness industry. The group promotes careers, supports training and recruitment, and connects businesses with resources to build a skilled regional workforce.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) supports Michigan’s food and agriculture industries while protecting consumers and the environment. The agency promotes economic growth, oversees food safety, and manages programs that strengthen agriculture and rural communities.
RELATED LINKS
ENROLLMENT PROCESS
- Submit your application: MSU IAT Application
- Submit your $65 non-refundable application fee using a credit card or electronic check or submit request for application fee waiver.
- Send your official high school transcript to the MSU Office of Admissions through an electronic delivery service such as Parchment, Docufide, Naviance, or E Scrip-Safe. Schools using an email delivery system should use admis@msu.edu for delivery. Schools that do not have access to these services may send official paper documents via U.S. mail to the MSU Office of Admissions, Hannah Administration Building, 426 Auditorium Rd., Room 250, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-2604.
- Apply for enrollment at MCC: https://www.muskegoncc.edu
Click on the “Apply Now” button at the top right corner. After you apply, send your official transcript to MCC, and complete the MCC student orientation. - Apply for FAFSA online: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Complete all financial aid requirements through MCC’s Office of Financial Aid. NOTE: Your financial aid package will be handled through MCC; MCC’s school code is 002297. Federal regulations require that you must have a high school diploma or GED to apply for financial aid. - When notified of acceptance at MSU, set up your MSU email account. Learn to manage your MSU student information, confirm enrollment for each semester and tuition payments www.student.msu.edu You will also need to attend the New Student Orientation (NSO) before you can register for MSU classes.
- Make an appointment with Matt Bernia, MSU IAT Coordinator at MCC, to discuss your education goals, plan MSU/MCC classes, learn how to set up MSU accounts, and how to register for classes at berniama@msu.edu. You can visit Matt in Room 1313C of the MCC Stevenson Center.
