The agriculture program at Bismarck State College moves online this fall, along with other changes.

A refined purpose, added classes and a new name are meant to match changing student needs.

"The agribusiness title didn't fit where we are headed as a program," said Carmel Miller, assistant professor of agriculture. "Technology has become a key strength for us, and agriculture and other fields have started to merge."

It is now the Agriculture Technology and Natural Resources Department to meet the needs of students wanting to study environmental science in addition to the traditional agricultural fields.

Changes affect fall classes but not the degrees that will be offered. The three degree programs are farm and ranch management, agriculture transfer, and agriculture industry and technology, which changed its name from agribusiness sales and service.

New on-line classes are introduction to animal science, introduction to soil science and world food crops. The online classes will use Internet-based information and possible podcasts and video content.

"We're finding the computer indispensable for teaching," Miller said. "Every student could use one in every classroom."

The precision farming class will start using a tablet PC to connect to an online consortium of community colleges to learn about agriculture technology.

For more information, contact Miller at 224-5557 or Carmel.Miller@;bsc.nodak.edu.