The Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture confers Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Animal Science and Horticulture. This two-year program of technical and applied education is only available at the Storrs campus. The School was established in 1941 by the University of Connecticut through a bequest from Mr. Ratcliffe Hicks of Tolland, Connecticut.
The School provides an excellent opportunity for students with a variety of educational backgrounds and experiences to further their education in the areas of horticulture and animal science. Students include recent high school graduates as well as adults who are interested in continuing education or a career change. Course work offers a balance between technical and theoretical aspects of each subject with emphasis on hands-on learning.
Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture graduates have the skills and knowledge to enter challenging and exciting careers. They are highly qualified for competitive positions and often manage or own businesses and production operations. Many Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture graduates continue their education and pursue baccalaureate or higher degrees.
Admission Requirements. Admission is open to qualified graduates of approved secondary schools. See the Admission section of this Catalog for required courses and units. Foreign language study is not required for admission into the two-year program; college preparatory level courses are recommended, but not required. Applicants must submit a high school transcript, Scholastic Assessment Test scores, and a personal statement describing their interest, experience, and career goals in the field of agriculture. Applicants who are not graduates of a secondary school must present a copy of a State Equivalency Diploma and a personal statement.
Students from some New England states may be eligible to enroll in the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture at a reduced tuition rate through the New England Regional Student Program. Eligibility for Associate degree programs in Animal Science and Horticulture are described in the Admissions section of this Catalog.
Non-Degree Study. Individuals interested in obtaining specific skills and knowledge relating to the many diverse areas of plant and animal science may also register for Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture courses as non-degree students through the College of Continuing Studies at the University of Connecticut. Non-degree students do not have to apply for formal admission to the University.
Scholarships
The Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture offers Heritage Scholarships for qualified individuals entering the two-year program. Selected applicants receive up to $1,200 toward educational expenses in their first semester. Based on academic performance, scholarships may be renewed for three additional semesters. Continuing students with outstanding academic performance may also be considered for Heritage Scholarships.
Incoming students are reviewed for Heritage Scholarships prior to entering the program. Selection is based on academic and career-related accomplishments, and potential for continued success. Incoming students may apply in writing to the Director, Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture, 1376 Storrs Road, Unit 4090, Storrs, CT 06269-4090.
Many other scholarships in Agriculture and Natural Resources are available to Ratcliffe Hicks students, for more information please see: http://www.canr.uconn.edu/rh
Animal science majors focus on equine studies or production agriculture, including both dairy and livestock. Graduates seek positions in the horse industry, production enterprises, animal health, breeding and genetics, nutrition, meat science and food handling, or related service industries.
Faculty Advisors. Faculty advisors are assigned to students upon entry into the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture according to a student's major and area of special interest. Advisors assist students in the selection of appropriate courses and help them develop an individualized program that will meet educational and career goals. The Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture Director's Office and Academic Advisory Center provide additional support to faculty advisors and Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture students.
Registration. Ratcliffe Hicks students are restricted primarily to Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture courses, numbered 1-99. Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture students may register for up to 19 credits of 100 level courses as indicated in the "Associate Degree Requirements" section below.
No more that 19 credits of 100-level course work may be used toward the Associate of Applied Science degree. Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture students must have approval of the advisor and director to register for 100-level courses not listed below. Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture students may not register for 200-level courses or skill code courses (W, Q, C) unless approved by the director. Inappropriate registration may result in administrative changes to a student's schedule or credit restrictions toward graduation requirements.
Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture students who have earned at least 24 credits and are not on scholastic probation may place a course, for no more than four credits, on Pass/Fail. Credits earned from a Pass/Fail course may be used toward the total credit requirement for the Associate of Applied Science degree, but can not be used to meet any other graduation requirement.
The University General Education Requirements for baccalaureate student do not apply to students in the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture. All students must pass the following courses in order to earn the Associate of Applied Science Degree:
Writing:
ENGL 104, 110, or 111 (based on SAT scores)
Mathematics:
SAAG 090
Students with higher level math ability may be eligible for a substitution
or exemption for SAAG 090 based on Math SAT scores and/or performance on
the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture Math Proficiency Test.
Arts and Humanities:
One course from the following;
ART 135, DRAM 101, 110;FREN 171; HIST 108, HIST 131, HIST 132; ILCS
158; MUSI 191; PHIL 102, PHIL 104;
POLS 106;
WS 104; SPAN 181, 182;
FREN
161 or
162 (or other 100 level course approved by the Ratcliffe Hicks School
of Agriculture director)
Social Science:
POLS 173 and
One additional course from the following:
ANTH 100; ARE 110, 150 (SARE 050); GEOG 104,
160;
HDFS 190;
POLS 121,
132,
143;
SOCI
107, 115,
125 (or other 100 level course approved by the Ratcliffe Hicks
School of Agriculture director)
Other Alternatives:
Students may substitute COMM 105, NUSC 166, or PLSC 125 for the additional course requirement (not for POLS 173) in the Social Sciences category above.
Science and computer technology requirements for the Associate degree are incorporated into courses required for the major.
Major Requirements
SAAS 004, 005, 006, 007, 020; SAPB 015Horticulture Core
Horticulture majors may select options in Nursery/Landscaping, Floriculture or Turfgrass Management.
Nursery/Landscaping or Floriculture
SAPL 003, 022, 025, 041, 042, 062Turfgrass Management
SAPL 003 , 022 , 023 , 024 , 042 , 045Area of Specialization for Both Majors
In addition to the general education requirements and the major core requirements listed above, students must complete at least 12 credits of course work related to an area of specialization within their major. These courses must be Ratcliffe Hicks courses numbered 001-099 and must be approved by the student's advisor.
Internship, Independent Study Courses, and Special Topics. Students may apply no more than six credits of these courses toward the minimum graduation requirement of 64 earned credits.
Plan of Study. Students should work closely with their advisors to select appropriate courses. Each student should prepare a tentative plan of study, outlining all courses, with an academic advisor as early as possible.
A final plan of study, approved by the major advisor and the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture Director, must be filed with the Director of the School and the Degree Auditor no later than the end of the fourth week of classes of the semester in which a student expects to graduate.
Field Trips and Transportation Costs. Many courses require off-campus field trips. Students should budget money for participation.
University Fees and Expenses. For fees and expenses see statement under Undergraduate Fees and Expenses.
Housing Regulations. Students who desire housing will be assigned
rooms in residence halls with baccalaureate students. See the section devoted
to Residence Halls under General Information for additional information.