Program Highlights
Degree Option
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Modern agriculture demands skilled technicians who have an understanding of the complex designs and
applications of power machinery. The Agricultural Power Machinery major deals with
the techniques of servicing and selling farm machinery and tractors. Students develop
basic working skills in the mechanics of gas and diesel power units, field machines,
hydraulics, transmissions and final drives, as well as diesel engines, power trains,
computerized controllers, electronics, and mobile air conditioning as they pertain
to
modern tractors.
SUNY Cobleskill’s Agricultural Power Machinery program offers students a unique advantage. Thanks to a partnership with John Deere, many students are guaranteed employment upon graduation. All program graduates are highly sought by employers because they possess the knowledge and skills needed for success in an industry where job opportunities are plentiful.
Agricultural Power Machinery students choose one of two tracks — John Deere Agricultural Technology or Power Machinery Technology. Both tracks prepare students to work with and service agricultural machinery and include the same foundation classes.
Students in the Power Machinery Technology complete their for-credit work experience in a professional, industry placement set up with their advisor.
John Deere Tech students complete a minimum of 20 weeks at a paid internship for a John Deere dealership that agrees to sponsor the student.
Students will develop basic working skills in the mechanics of gas and diesel power units, field machines, hydraulics, transmissions and final drives, as well as diesel engines, power trains, computerized controllers, electronics, and mobile air conditioning as they pertain to modern tractors. Additional coursework specializes in tillage, planting, harvesting, and materials handling equipment. Extensive use of electronic technical manuals, computerized testing procedures, and Global Positioning are incorporated in the curriculum. Sample courses include:
Practical knowledge of agriculture coupled with general management practices will prepare students for employment with farms, agricultural equipment dealerships and companies for management, sales, parts and service positions.
All program graduates are highly sought by employers because they possess the knowledge and skills needed for success in an industry where job opportunities are plentiful.
Most students in the John Deere Tech Program are guaranteed employment upon graduation.
Agricultural Power Machinery graduates who wish to pursue advanced study can easily transfer into SUNY Cobleskill’s Agricultural Equipment Technology bachelor degree program.