At NCTC we strive to continue providing students with opportunities to obtain the knowledge and skills needed to compete in today's Agricultural industry and a great foundation for those who aspire to transfer to a senior university. Innovation, globalization, critical thinking, diversity, leadership, problem solving, hand-on experience; these are key words in describing what we offer our students at North Central Texas College.

Agricultural professionals, of today and tomorrow, are farmers, engineers, educators, scientists, managers, communicators, market and sales representatives, and diversified production specialists. Each of these careers requires an abundant education in mathematics, science, oral and written communication, and leadership skills. As U.S. agriculture continues its expansion into the global economy it is also important to embrace diversification and develop an understanding of other cultures and customs.Approximately 23 million Americans, or 1 out of every 6 workers, are currently employed in the agricultural and food system.Careers in this industry are important and rewarding because the products of agriculture are either essential to life or contribute to significantly improve our quality of life.

Career opportunities in agriculture are numerous and include:  horticulturists - veterinarian - agriculturalist - animal behaviorist - animal ecologist - animal geneticist - animal nutritionist - animal physiologist - cattle rancher - dairy farmer – economist – educator - diversified crop farmer - diversified livestock producer - farmer - farrier - fish farmer - food processing supervisor - forester - groundskeeper - landscaper - soil conservationist, just to name a few.

Each year more than $20,000 worth of Agriculture scholarships are awarded to NCTC students who are studying in the field of Agriculture, Horticulture, Farm and Ranch Management and Equine Science.

Degrees Offered:

• Associate of Science in Agriculture (University Transfer Curriculum)
• Associate of Applied Science Degree in Farm and Ranch Management
• Associate of Applied Science Degree in Equine Science
• Associate of Applied Science Degree in Equine Business Management
• Agriculture Management Certificate (one year)
• Equine Breeding Farm Management Certificate (one year)
• Horse Management & Training Certificate (one year)
• Horticulture Management Certificate (one year)

Horticulture - NCTC Greenhouse

Horticulture is the science and art of growing garden plants for the economic, aesthetic, and nutritional well being of society.   A dynamic and diverse field, it is among the few to bridge the gap between science, art, business, and technology.   Horticulture is not only a multi-billion dollar industry that offers increasing job opportunities for students seeking careers in the area, but horticulture also offers countless opportunities for hobbyists.

The NCTC Horticulture Program provides a broad, technical education in the field of horticulture, emphasizing practical knowledge that will prepare students to work in multiple facets of the industry, including landscaping, floristry, horticulture crop production, and greenhouse management.

Students learn a variety of horticultural techniques such as plant propagation, organic gardening, soil preparation, plant identification, and pest management.

Facilities:

• College Experimental Farm            
• Registered Red Angus Demonstration Herd                      
• Bull Evaluation Center                                 
• State-of-the-art Greenhouse
• Indoor and Outdoor Arenas
• 20 Stall Barn with wash rack, tack and feed rooms available for student boarding

Departmental Organizations:

• Agriculture Club        
• Collegiate FFA                                 
• Horticulture Society of NCTC                                 
• Equestrian Team
• Horse Judging Team
• Livestock Judging Team

North Central Texas College is located in the heart of the horse industry of North Texas. The horse industry is a highly diverse industry that supports a wide variety of activities in all regions of the country. Of the approximately 6.9 million horses in the US, over 1 million (or 15%) of those reside in Texas. The Equine Science program at NCTC offers a great deal of hands-on experience in training, breeding and management, as well as classroom instruction on the science and business aspects of the horse industry.

The goal of the Equine Science program is to offer a well-rounded, quality education for those students interested in becoming an equine professional.  It is our goal to provide the students with instruction and experiences that mirror the real world requirements, and in turn put forth a hard working, reliable student that will be a true asset to the industry.

Equine Science

Steve Keith, Chairman

Agriculture Department

Phone: 940-668-4217
Office: Gainesville - Room 502
Email: skeith@nctc.edu