Viticulture
Agricultural Technology Certificate
Hybrid
Course Delivery
60
Total Credits
$537.50
Total Credits
2 Years
Minimum Duration
Program Overview
The Certificate in Viticulture provides students with an excellent background in plant science along with the specific expertise and skills needed for careers in the rapidly expanding grape industry - supplying grapes for table, juice and wine making. This skill and expertise are in demand in Michigan and throughout North America and beyond. The combination of on-line viticulture courses delivered by experts from throughout the United States, hands-on experience at local vineyards, fresh markets, juice processors, packing plants and wineries and the fundamental plant science courses makes graduates in the Viticulture program in high demand. A certificate from MSU will provide an opportunity for individuals to secure additional credibility in their respective industry. MSU has the relationships with the industry and community colleges to address these needs.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of this program will have the following general skills:
- A basic understanding of technical math needed for budgeting, pesticide application, and business and technical operations in viticulture.
- Written and verbal communication skills needed to: prepare and deliver presentations; create narratives for budgets, strategic and maintenance plans and management goals; communicate effectively with supervisors, employees and the public.
- Computer skills to develop and maintain routine technical records and plans; office applications including but not limited to Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; internet skills and social networking.
Students of this program will also receive extensive hands-on training and education through a required internship working with industry and specific labs and practicum in a variety of courses. This practical experience will further enhance the students ability to be prepared for the job market or to continue their education.
Career Outlook
Graduates will find employment in the following agriculture industries:
- Vineyard owner
- Vineyard manager
- Vineyard nursery manager
- Vineyard appraiser
- Consultant
- Viticulturist
A Top-Ranked Education
- 60th Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2024
- 123rd Global University — U.S. News & World Report, 2024
Dr. Dorcia Chaison
Interim Director, Institute of Agricultural Technology
Course Information
Required Core
AT 202 - Agricultural Regulations, Compliance and Safety (3 Credits)
AT 293 - Professional Internship in Agricultural Technology (3 Credits)
CSS 126 - Introduction to Weed Management (2 Credits)
CSS 143 - Introduction to Soil Science (2 Credits)
ENT 110 - Applied Entomology of Economic Plants (3 Credits)
HRT 231 - Clerkship in Grape Harvesting and Processing (1 Credit)
HRT 232 - Principles and Practices of Grape Production (3 Credits)
HRT 233 - Field Practices of Viticulture (3 Credits)
HRT 234 - Current Issues in Viticulture and Enology (1 Credit)
PLP 105 - Fundamentals of Applied Plant Pathology (2 Credits)
Electives
Complete a minimum of 7 elective credits in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources or VESTA as approved by the program coordinator in the Institute of Agricultural Technology
Additional course work
Complete 30 credits of additional course work through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Northwestern Michigan College or an approved transferring institution. All course work must be approved by the program coordinator in the Institute of Agricultural Technology
Admissions Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
- Completed high school
- Have a High school or other post-secondary gpa or life experience that indicates your ability to be successful. This is generally a 2.0, but maturity, work experience and life circumstances are considered.
To apply to this program:
- Submit your online IAT application and $65 non-refundable application fee. First-time users will need to create an account to start a new application. Select the AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY application from the menu.
- Send official transcript(s) for all educational institutions listed on your application for admission, including high school and college, by electronic document delivery to the MSU Office of Admissions through email at admis@msu.edu or an electronic delivery service such as Parchment, Docufide, Naviance, or E Scrip-Safe. 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.
- Admission to the Institute of Agricultural Technology is based on several factors including the availability of space in your desired program of study. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Key Dates
Rolling Applications
Students can start the program in any semester. We recommend submitting applications at least one month prior to the start of the semester to allow time for processing.
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$537.50
$1,434
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found here.
Program Overview
The Certificate in Viticulture provides students with an excellent background in plant science along with the specific expertise and skills needed for careers in the rapidly expanding grape industry - supplying grapes for table, juice and wine making. This skill and expertise are in demand in Michigan and throughout North America and beyond. The combination of on-line viticulture courses delivered by experts from throughout the United States, hands-on experience at local vineyards, fresh markets, juice processors, packing plants and wineries and the fundamental plant science courses makes graduates in the Viticulture program in high demand. A certificate from MSU will provide an opportunity for individuals to secure additional credibility in their respective industry. MSU has the relationships with the industry and community colleges to address these needs.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of this program will have the following general skills:
- A basic understanding of technical math needed for budgeting, pesticide application, and business and technical operations in viticulture.
- Written and verbal communication skills needed to: prepare and deliver presentations; create narratives for budgets, strategic and maintenance plans and management goals; communicate effectively with supervisors, employees and the public.
- Computer skills to develop and maintain routine technical records and plans; office applications including but not limited to Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; internet skills and social networking.
Students of this program will also receive extensive hands-on training and education through a required internship working with industry and specific labs and practicum in a variety of courses. This practical experience will further enhance the students ability to be prepared for the job market or to continue their education.
Career Outlook
Graduates will find employment in the following agriculture industries:
- Vineyard owner
- Vineyard manager
- Vineyard nursery manager
- Vineyard appraiser
- Consultant
- Viticulturist
A Top-Ranked Education
- 60th Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2024
- 123rd Global University — U.S. News & World Report, 2024
Dr. Dorcia Chaison
Interim Director, Institute of Agricultural Technology
Course Information
Required Core
AT 202 - Agricultural Regulations, Compliance and Safety (3 Credits)
AT 293 - Professional Internship in Agricultural Technology (3 Credits)
CSS 126 - Introduction to Weed Management (2 Credits)
CSS 143 - Introduction to Soil Science (2 Credits)
ENT 110 - Applied Entomology of Economic Plants (3 Credits)
HRT 231 - Clerkship in Grape Harvesting and Processing (1 Credit)
HRT 232 - Principles and Practices of Grape Production (3 Credits)
HRT 233 - Field Practices of Viticulture (3 Credits)
HRT 234 - Current Issues in Viticulture and Enology (1 Credit)
PLP 105 - Fundamentals of Applied Plant Pathology (2 Credits)
Electives
Complete a minimum of 7 elective credits in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources or VESTA as approved by the program coordinator in the Institute of Agricultural Technology
Additional course work
Complete 30 credits of additional course work through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Northwestern Michigan College or an approved transferring institution. All course work must be approved by the program coordinator in the Institute of Agricultural Technology
Admissions Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
- Completed high school
- Have a High school or other post-secondary gpa or life experience that indicates your ability to be successful. This is generally a 2.0, but maturity, work experience and life circumstances are considered.
To apply to this program:
- Submit your online IAT application and $65 non-refundable application fee. First-time users will need to create an account to start a new application. Select the AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY application from the menu.
- Send official transcript(s) for all educational institutions listed on your application for admission, including high school and college, by electronic document delivery to the MSU Office of Admissions through email at admis@msu.edu or an electronic delivery service such as Parchment, Docufide, Naviance, or E Scrip-Safe. 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.
- Admission to the Institute of Agricultural Technology is based on several factors including the availability of space in your desired program of study. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Key Dates
Rolling Applications
Students can start the program in any semester. We recommend submitting applications at least one month prior to the start of the semester to allow time for processing.
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$537.50
$1,434
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found here.
The MSU Value Promise
You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.
As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years.
MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.
MSU has been offering online degree programs for over 20 years. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.
MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.
MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.
MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.
Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.