Spring off-campus MSU Viticulture and Applied Plant Science Courses enrollment deadline nears

Spring semester Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology Applied Plant Science and Viticulture certificate programs course enrollment, at northwest and southwest Michigan community college locations, ends Nov. 8, 2013.

Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology is now taking applications for off-campus certificate programs in Applied Plant Science and Viticulture at northwest and southwest Michigan community college locations.

The Institute of Agricultural Technology at MSU (MSU IAT) has been conducting practical plant, animal and technology certificate courses on its East Lansing campus for more than 100 years. Commercial horticulture programs relating to fruit, vegetable, greenhouse production and ornamentals are attracting students to Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, and Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. In addition to local access to MSU academic Certificate programs serving agriculture, the community college collaboration enables students to obtain an Associate’s Degree through supplemental coursework. MSU classes begin Jan. 6, 2014.

Spring semester classes include Principles of Grape Production I, Current Issues in Viticulture and Enology, Berry Crop Production and Management, Compost Production and Use, Landscape Irrigation, Landscape Design, Landscape and Turfgrass Business Operation, and Passive Solar Greenhouses for Protected Cultivation.

Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology off-campus coordinators guide prospective students through the application process, creation of a course of study, and student internship. All MSU IAT courses are taught by Michigan State University approved faculty and Michigan State University Extension staff. Credits earned in these courses are fully transferable to on-campus bachelor’s degree programs.

Act now since MSU IAT application deadlines and procedures differ from those of community colleges.

The registration deadline is Dec. 14, 2013 for on-line Viticulture Enology Science Technology Alliance (VESTA) courses which operate through a separate registration system. Start dates vary.

To obtain information about VESTA and off-campus MSU IAT Applied Plant Science certificate programs and admission requirements, visit the MSU IAT website or call 517-355-0190. Lake Michigan College-based Coordinator, Stacey Rocklin, may be reached at 269-927-8772 or rocklin@msu.edu, and Northwestern Michigan College-based Coordinator, Brian Matchett at 231-995-1719 or matchet4@msu.edu.

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