Precision Agriculture Techgronomy Diploma
Take an active role in bridging the gap between advancing technology and agriculture with the Precision Agriculture - Techgronomy diploma.
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.
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.
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.
Accreditation: Graduates are eligible for 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).
Credentials: Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a diploma in Precision Agriculture - Techgronomy.
Program Details
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- 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
Academic Upgrading and High School Applicants: 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.
International Students in this program will require a Co-Op Permit, a Study Permit and a Social Insurance Number for this program.
Transfer Options: 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.
Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.
International Applicants: 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.
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- Year 1: Tuition: $6,775 / Fees: $1,370 / Books & Supplies: $1,500
- Year 2: Tuition: $6,775 / Fees: $1,370 / Books & Supplies: $1,500
Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for complete details.
*Please note that international students pay 3.5 times the domestic tuition amount. These fees are provided as estimates only for the purposes of budgeting. All students should refer to the Fee Schedule for the most accurate information and all fees are subject to change.*
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. Not all that apply will receive an entrance award.
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.
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For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.
Academic Calendar: Precision Agriculture Techgronomy
Term 1-
Completed the following:
- ATG1001 - Data Collection and Analytics (2-2-0 hrs)
- ATG1005 - Food and Agriculture - Science and Decision-Making for a Complex World (2-1-1 hrs)
- ATG1007 - Electronics and Control Systems (3-2-0 hrs)
- ATG1009 - Project Management and Leadership (3-0-0 hrs)
- ATG1008 - Solving Technology Problems (0-3-0 hrs)
Term 2-
Completed the following:
- ATG1002 - Soil Health in Agricultural Ecosystems (3-2-0 hrs)
- ATG1003 - Plants in Agricultural Ecosystems (3-1-0 hrs)
- ATG1004 - Water in Agricultural Ecosystems (3-1-0 hrs)
- ATG1006 - Zone Management in a Digital Farming System I (0-4-2 hrs)
- ATG1010 - Preparation for Techgronomist Internship (3-0-0 hrs)
Term 3- Complete 1 of the following
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Completed the following:
- ATG2000 - Internship (0-0-0 hrs)
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INTERNSHIP (Minimum of 400 hours over 4 months)
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Term 4-
Completed the following:
- ATG2001 - Agricultural Equipment Design and Function (2-1-1 hrs)
- ATG2003 - Zone Management in Digital Farming Systems II (0-4-2 hrs)
- ATG2004 - Principles of Business and Entrepreneurship (2-1-1 hrs)
- ATG2008 - Soil Variability and Fertility Management (2-1-1)
- ATI3010 - Communications and Client Relations (3-0-0 hrs)
Term 5 -
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Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has a solid reputation working with employers in the industry! This directly translates into jobs for our graduates. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Precision Agriculture Specialist
- Agriculture Business Development Integrator
- Precision Farming Sales Specialist
- Precision Farming Technical Lead
- Knowledge and Innovation Coordinator
- GIS Specialist
- Data Management
- Applications Engineer
- Adoption Specialist
- Precision Agronomist
- Digital Farming Specialist
- Account Executive
- Agricultural Operator
- Service Technician
- Agricultural Consultant
- Crop Risk Specialist
Visit ALIS to find Occupational Profiles with current wages, industry trends and more!
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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:
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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:
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Go to portal.office.com
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Enter your Olds College email address and password
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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.
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