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Precision Agriculture Techgronomy Diploma

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Length: Two Years Delivery: Blended Program Intake: Fall Intake
CIP Code: CIP Code: 01.0000

This two-year program will provide you with an in-depth understanding of how to leverage advancing technology, with the science of agronomy, to make data driven decisions that favorably impact crop production.

Overview

Tapping into the Smart Farm ecosystem, you will receive instruction from world-class leaders in agriculture, automation and artificial intelligence within the agri-food industry. Through hands-on learning, you’ll be equipped with the necessary skills to effectively integrate precision technology, with agronomy, to create systems that are both actionable and effective, for on-farm decision making.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a diploma in Precision Agriculture - Techgronomy.

Accreditation

Graduates can seek out membership in the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA), where they can pursue the following professional designations: In-Training Program (ATT), Professional Agrologist (PAg) and Registered Technologist in Agrology (RTAg).

Work-Integrated Learning

As part of the Precision Agriculture - Techgronomy program, you will complete a four-month paid internship where you will gain practical experience while developing your skills in leadership, communication, project management and data collection.

Admission Requirements

  • 50% or better in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2
  • 55% or better in Math 20-1 or 20-2
  • 50% or better in Two of Biology 20, Chemistry 20, Physics 20 or Science 20, OR One of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Physics 30 or Science 30
  • Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement

Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.

  • Applicants currently in high school or who are completing academic upgrading must submit proof of enrollment and any available interim/midterm marks. Final marks must be submitted within one month following the completion of the course(s) and no later than one month prior to the program start date.
  • Olds College welcomes applications from International Applicants and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. Please note, it is still necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency.

    International Students in this program will require a Co-Op Permit, a Study Permit and a Social Insurance Number for this program.

  • Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has developed agreements with other educational institutions to allow for transition to Olds College, or to another institution to continue your education. Articulations & Agreements.

Program Details

Tuition, Fees & Affordability

Estimated Tuition & Fees for Domestic Applicants

Year Tuition Fees Books & Supplies Estimated Total
Year 1 $6,400.00 $1,600.00 $1,500.00 $9,500.00
Year 2 $6,400.00 $1,600.00 $800.00 $8,800.00
  • These fees are provided as estimates only based on the current academic year.
  • The estimate only includes tuition, mandatory fees and books & supplies.
  • Refer to the appropriate academic year Fee Schedule for the most up to date information.
  • International students pay a differentiated tuition rate and should refer to the appropriate academic year Fee Schedule.

Tuition, Fees & Payments


Housing & Meal Plans

Olds College offers two residence options — Centennial Village and College Courts. Students living on campus are required to choose a meal plan. Housing and meal plan costs are based on the full academic year (September to April), but students in single-term programs will only pay for the corresponding term. 

For more details, visit Dining at Olds College and Campus Housing.

Course Details

For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.

Academic Calendar: Precision Agriculture Techgronomy

Term 1
  • Completed the following:
    • ATG1001 - Data Collection and Analytics
    • ATG1008 - Solving Technology Problems
    • ATG1002 - Soil Health in Agricultural Ecosystems
    • WIL1500 - Preparation for Experiential Learning in the Workplace
    • LVS1370 - Principles of Animal Agriculture
Term 2
  • Completed the following:
    • ATG1003 - Plants in Agricultural Ecosystems
    • ATG1004 - Water in Agricultural Ecosystems
    • ATG1006 - Zone Management in Digital Farming Systems I
    • ATG1005 - Food and Agriculture - Science and Decision-Making for a Complex World
    • AGN1540 - Introductory Pest Management
Term 3
  • Complete 1 of the following
    • Completed the following:
      • WIL2500 - Experiential Learning in the Workplace
    • INTERNSHIP (Minimum of 400 hours over 4 months)
Term 4
  • Completed the following:
    • ATG2001 - Agricultural Equipment Design and Function
    • ATG2003 - Zone Management in Digital Farming Systems II
    • ATG2004 - Principles of Business and Entrepreneurship
    • ATG2008 - Soil Variability and Fertility Management
    • ATI3010 - Communications and Client Relations
Term 5
  • Completed the following:
    • ATG2006 - Applied Data and Technology in Digital Farming Systems
    • ATG2007 - Responsible Innovation in Agriculture
    • ATG2009 - Telematics and the Internet of Things in Agriculture
    • ATG1007 - Electronics and Control Systems

Funding & Awards

Student Funding

For information on how to apply for government student loans, financial aid or for help with financial planning, visit our Student Funding page.

Scholarships & Student Awards

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology offers over 450 awards, valued at $500,000+ in scholarships, bursaries and prizes. Thanks to our industry partners, alumni, and friends of Olds College we are fortunate to offer a generous student awards program to students.

For additional information on scholarships, bursaries and prizes at Olds College, visit Scholarships & Awards

Entrance Awards Available!

Entrance awards range from $250 - $1,500 for students applying for the upcoming academic year and have paid the tuition deposit by the deadline.

Awards are selected randomly from those that have applied and qualify based on the criteria.
Award will be applied as a tuition credit to the student's account after the add/drop course deadline, confirming full-time attendance.

Career Outcomes

Our graduates are highly sought after, thanks to our strong industry partnerships and hands-on training. You’ll be well-prepared for a variety of exciting careers in agriculture, including:

  • Precision Agriculture Specialist
  • Agriculture Business Development Integrator
  • Precision Farming Technical Lead
  • GIS Specialist
  • Precision Agronomist
  • Digital Farming Specialist
  • Agricultural Consultant
  • Crop Risk Specialist

Ready to start your career?

Visit ALIS - Occupational Profiles to discover current wages, industry trends, and more about your future job.

Admitted Students

Program Dates

Find out when your term start and end dates are, so that you know when you are expected to be in attendance. For more information, please review the Program Dates & Fee Schedule.

Class Registration

You will be registered into your classes automatically. This will happen approximately 1 month prior to the start-date for your program. You will be notified once you have been timetabled into your courses. You will be able to see your class schedule in your My Olds College account. If you need to make any changes to your class registration, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

Technology Requirements

It is required that you come to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with the following technology:

  • Students will use a variety of memory-intensive, Windows-only programs extensively in lectures and labs. A PC laptop running the latest version of the Microsoft Windows operating system (as of December 2020, Microsoft Windows 10. Mac and Chrome OS are not suitable. Minimum of 8GB RAM and 250GB (512 Gb recommended) available disk storage space is mandatory for this program. Laptops should have sufficient battery life to operate in the field for up to 2 hours.

As part of your student accounts, all students have access to Office 365 for the duration of their time with Olds College. To access this you just need to follow these steps:

  • Go to portal.office.com

  • Enter your Olds College email address and password

  • Once logged in, there is a button on the right that says “Install Office Apps”

This will give you access to the full Office suite on your computer. 

Materials & Supplies

The following items are required:

  • Coveralls
  • Rubber boots
  • Steel toed work boots (CSA approved)
  • Safety glasses

There may be other necessary items (ie. cold weather attire) that may be required during your time at Olds College. A copy of your valid driver’s license is necessary to operate Olds College equipment.

Information on required textbooks and any further supplies will be provided as you attend each class. All books and supplies will be available during the first few weeks of classes in the College Campus Store.

Other Important Information

  • Time Requirements: An exciting component to this program is you will participate in an off campus hands-on field school experience.
  • Additional Skills: Basic computer skills are recommended for all and it is certainly beneficial to have some prior experience with computers before you arrive at the College. A familiarity and comfort in use of Google Docs, word processing, spreadsheet and e-mailing software will be a definite asset.

 

Program Highlights

Julie Cobb

Like many others, I lost my job during the pandemic. Having spent the last 25 years working at an airport, it was time for change. I have always been interested in agriculture and have a computer programming diploma already, so on my wife’s suggestion I looked into program offering at Olds College. When I found the Precision Agriculture Technology program I knew it would be a perfect fit for me.

Julie Cobb Precision Agriculture - Techgronomy Diploma

Research Technician, Olds College

Megan Miller

Olds College provided me with the skill sets needed to find a job in the industry I wanted. Through the small class sizes and hands-on learning, I gained skill sets relevant to getting a career in the environmental field today. I made some of the most meaningful friendships with people who are as passionate about this industry as I am.

Megan Miller 2018 Graduate

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Olds College Recruiter with prospective students

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Applications for 2027-28 open Oct. 1, 2026, 9 a.m.

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