Agricultural Sciences & Veterinary Technology


This pathway is a great fit if you’re practical, enjoy hands-on work outdoors or working with animals. You can expect to learn from experienced, expert instructors who care about student success.

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Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences Open House

While this event has passed, you can still check out videos from our virtual open house!

  • Learn about JJC's agricultural and horticultural programs, career opportunities, scholarships, and more!
  • Tour our Main Campus, Greenhouse, Land Lab and Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center.
  • Questions? Call (815) 280-2320 or email jennifer.quinn@jjc.edu.
     

Visit our virtual open house page

Agricultural Sciences

The Agricultural Sciences program at JJC prepares students for either transfer or immediate employment in the modern agriculture industry. JJC's Agricultural Sciences program has a long-standing tradition for providing a quality education for its students and community. Hands-on training, state-of-the-art facilities and on-the-job-training are available to all our students.

  • About Us | Contact Information

    Agricultural Science Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees are available in: 

    JJC's Ag Department ensures that all students are getting an education with cutting edge information and quality instructors. Our full-time faculty provide students with a wide range of expertise and instruction to prepare them for their chosen careers.

    Students are exposed to many aspects of agriculture through guest speakers, field trips and hands-on instruction. In addition, individualized academic advising is provided to our students to ensure proper course selection. This is especially important for our transfer degree students to enable a seamless transition from JJC to a four-year agriculture program of their choice.

    Student social groups such as the Student Agriculture Association (SAA), the Post-Secondary Agriculture Student Organization (PAS) and the Collegiate Farm Bureau provide students opportunities to engage in social activities and develop leadership skills. Also, many scholarships and awards are available especially for JJC agriculture students.

    What is Unique About Our Programs?

    Our Associate in Applied Science degrees include a required on-job-training course. Students are placed in paid, full-time internship experiences nationwide and are supervised regularly on-site by JJC staff. Students who enter full-time employment following graduation can expect four to eight job opportunities from which to choose while those who plan to transfer to other institutions will find JJC credits accepted nationwide.
     


    Contact Information

    Tammy Miller
    Ag Business & Transfer Advisor
    Phone: 815.280.2424
    Email: tmiller@jjc.edu

Horticultural Sciences

The Horticultural Sciences program at JJC prepares students for exciting careers in areas such as landscape contracting, floral design, turfgrass management, urban forestry, and greenhouse management.

  • About Us | Contact Information

    The JJC Horticulture program offers students:

    • High-tech learning in JJC's LEED-registered Greenhouse, the first of its kind at a community college in the nation

    • Access to advanced materials and technology, including an arboretum with over 1,000 woody and herbaceous plants

    • Outdoor class laboratories

    • Access to industry insiders through guest speakers and field trips
       

    What is Unique About Our Program? 

    Besides getting an outstanding education, horticulture students at JJC have many opportunities for learning and fun. They attend and participate in activities such as:

    • Student Horticulture Association
    • Illinois and National Postsecondary Agriculture Student Organizations (PAS)
    • Student Chapter of the American Institute of Floral Designers 
    • Planet Student Career Days
    • Illinois Landscape Challenge Day
    • Mid America Trade Show 
    • Green Industry Conference 
    • Midwest Turfgrass Exposition 
       

    Horticulture Certificates

    JJC's Horticulture program offers a number of certificates that are stackable with the program's two AAS degrees. Students who complete a certificate are encouraged to build on the classes they've already taken and complete a degree program.

    Contact Information

    Lisa Perkins
    Horticulture Professor
    Room: S-1015
    Phone: 815.280.2387
    Email: lperkins@jjc.edu

    David Bartz
    Horticulture Advisor
    Phone: 815.280.6692
    Email: dbartz@jjc.edu

Veterinary Medical Technology

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in the Veterinary Medical Technology Program (VMTP) is designed for students who wish to become certified veterinary technicians (CVTs).

  • About Us | Contact Information

    This program combines classroom learning with hands-on laboratory and clinical experience. It offers both full and part-time options as well as day and evening sections. All vet tech courses must be completed within four years of the date of entry into the program.

    The JJC Veterinary Medical Technology Program is fully accredited by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) for licensure in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) administers the examination. Certification requirements may vary from state to state.

    The AAS in veterinary technology is not intended to meet the requirements for application to veterinary school to become a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM).

    Learn More about the JJC Vet Tech program 


    Contact Information

    Karen Magno
    Vet Tech Secretary
    Office: B-1048
    Phone: 815.280.2746
    Email: kmagno@jjc.edu

    Abby Panozzo, CVT
    Professor, Vet Tech Program
    Phone: 815.280.2286
    Email: apanozzo@jjc.edu

Transfer to a Four-Year School

You can save thousands on your education by attending JJC your first two years compared to a four-year public or private institution.

Study Abroad

As a member of the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP), JJC offers many study abroad opportunities around the world for students of any major. Destinations include Japan, Costa Rica, England, France and more!

  • How to Study Abroad

    At JJC, you can choose to study abroad during the fall, spring or summer semesters. All students who want to study abroad should fill out an application and have it completed by the deadlines below.

    • Spring Program: October 15
    • Summer Program: February 15
    • Fall Program: May 15
       

    More on Study Abroad

Careers

All career information sourced from: https://www.onetonline.org/

  • Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

    Regional Employment & Annual Openings - Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

    Employment (Regional) Annual Openings
    2023 59,169 6,410
    2024 58,971
    2025 58,871
    2026 58,837
    2027 58,899

    Annual Earnings & Median Earnings - Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

    Annual Earnings (By Percentile) Median Earnings
    10 $19,899.86 $35,897.65
    25 $23,774.84
    50 $35,897.65
    75 $64,096.98
    90 $132,986.03

    Education Attainment Levels - Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

    Education Attainment Levels (By Percent)
    A High School Diploma Or Less 4.16
    A Certificate 8.82
    Some College 18.50
    An Associate Degree 23.84
    A Bachelor's Degree 44.67
    A Master's Or Professional Degree 0.00
    A Doctoral Degree Or More 0.00
  • First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

    Regional Employment & Annual Openings - First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

    Employment (Regional) Annual Openings
    2023 14,165 1,918
    2024 14,356
    2025 14,536
    2026 14,702
    2027 14,862

    Annual Earnings & Median Earnings - First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

    Annual Earnings (By Percentile) Median Earnings
    10 $28,933.88 $46,112.57
    25 $34,720.13
    50 $46,112.57
    75 $62,972.16
    90 $81,231.43

    Education Attainment Levels - First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

    Education Attainment Levels (By Percent)
    A High School Diploma Or Less 41.24
    A Certificate 13.70
    Some College 6.10
    An Associate Degree 4.06
    A Bachelor's Degree 32.89
    A Master's Or Professional Degree 2.01
    A Doctoral Degree Or More 0.00
  • First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

    Regional Employment & Annual Openings - First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

    Employment (Regional) Annual Openings
    2023 20,944 2,290
    2024 21,162
    2025 21,338
    2026 21,486
    2027 21,624

    Annual Earnings & Median Earnings - First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

    Annual Earnings (By Percentile) Median Earnings
    10 $27,702.10 $51,609.74
    25 $35,858.16
    50 $51,609.74
    75 $73,572.46
    90 $103,197.23

    Education Attainment Levels - First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

    Education Attainment Levels (By Percent)
    A High School Diploma Or Less 24.17
    A Certificate 13.23
    Some College 10.38
    An Associate Degree 13.55
    A Bachelor's Degree 32.32
    A Master's Or Professional Degree 6.34
    A Doctoral Degree Or More 0.00
  • Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

    Regional Employment & Annual Openings - Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

    Employment (Regional) Annual Openings
    2023 10,735 1,120
    2024 11,243
    2025 11,686
    2026 12,089
    2027 12,459

    Annual Earnings & Median Earnings - Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

    Annual Earnings (By Percentile) Median Earnings
    10 $36,423.00 $47,393.36
    25 $39,096.54
    50 $47,393.36
    75 $57,579.43
    90 $64,117.50

    Education Attainment Levels - Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

    Education Attainment Levels (By Percent)
    A High School Diploma Or Less 41.25
    A Certificate 14.63
    Some College 7.37
    An Associate Degree 26.35
    A Bachelor's Degree 4.86
    A Master's Or Professional Degree 0.00
    A Doctoral Degree Or More 5.54

Horticultural Sciences

The Horticultural Sciences program at JJC prepares students for exciting careers in areas such as landscape contracting, floral design, turfgrass management, urban forestry, and greenhouse management.

  • About Us | Contact Information

    The JJC Horticulture program offers students:

    • High-tech learning in JJC's LEED-registered Greenhouse, the first of its kind at a community college in the nation
    • Access to advanced materials and technology, including an arboretum with over 1000 woody and herbaceous plants
    • Outdoor class laboratories
    • Access to industry insiders through guest speakers and field trips
       
    What is Unique About JJC's Horticultural Sciences Program? 

    Besides getting an outstanding education, horticulture students at JJC have many opportunities for learning and fun. They attend and participate in activities such as Student Horticulture Association, Planet Student Career Days, Illinois Landscape Challenge Day,  PAS (Illinois and National Postsecondary Agriculture Student Organizations), Student Chapter of the American Institute of Floral Designers,  Mid America Trade Show, Green Industry Conference, and Midwest Turfgrass Exposition. All these experiences prepare them for great success in their career paths. 


    Contact Information

    Diane Vlna
    Secretary, Ag, Hort & Vet Sciences
    Hours: 9:00am to 4:00pm
    Office: S-1019
    815.280.2320
    dvlna@jjc.edu

    Horticulture Advisor
    Lisa Perkins
    815-280-2387
    lperkins@jjc.edu

  • Horticulture Certificates

    JJC's Horticulture program offers a number of certificates that are stackable with the program's two AAS degrees. Students who complete a certificate are encouraged to build on the classes they've already taken and complete a degree program.

    • The Landscaping CAC, certificate provides interested students with training that will be used on the job. Plant identification courses, landscape layout and landscape construction courses essential to the implementation of successful landscape design. This certificate is stackable with the Landscape Construction AAS degree.
    • Loading... provides the student with a broad background in horticulture as it relates to plant production and plant use.  Horticulture production is ideal for students interested in greenhouse or garden center operations. This certificate is stackable with the Environmental Horticulture AAS degree.
    • Loading... provides students interested in floral design with experience and skills in basic western, party and event floral designs. Students pursuing this certificate find entry level jobs in the retail and wholesale floral industry.  This certificate is stackable with the Environmental Horticulture AAS degree.
    • Loading... provides the student with practical greenhouse experience, knowledge on greenhouse crops and an introduction to pest management within the greenhouse environment.  Upon completion, students are able to enter the greenhouse industry as assistant growers and sales people. This certificate is stackable with the Environmental Horticulture AAS degree.
    • Loading... provides students completing the program the latest skills and knowledge that will allow them to pursue entry level positions in the industry.  Emphasis is on landscape design and construction. This certificate is stackable with the Landscape Construction AAS degree.
    • Loading... is for the student who desires to learn to grow plant material that will then be sold at retail outlets. Course emphasis is placed on woody plant growth and culture, pest management and nursery production. The Nursery Operations certificate is stackable with the Environmental Horticulture AAS degree.
    • Loading... is ideal for students wanting to enter the sports turf or golf turf industries. Courses emphasis turfgrass management and pest control.  Students completing this certificate are ready for entry level position at golf courses, sports turf facilities and park districts. This certificate is stackable with the Environmental Horticulture AAS degree.