When people think of Michigan State University, they often associate it with the bustling East Lansing campus and the traditional Big Ten experience. But for students across Michigan — especially those who may not want a large university campus but still want a world-class agricultural education — there is MSU's Institute of Agricultural Technology.
For more than a century, the Institute of Agricultural Technology has provided innovative, educational programs that develop career-ready graduates in agriculture, environmental and applied technologies. The MSU IAT program is offered at 13 community colleges across Michigan, giving students the chance to pursue specialized certificates in agricultural operations, food processing technology and safety, forest technology, fruit and vegetable crop management, landscape management, urban forest management and viticulture while obtaining their associate degree.
Through these partnerships, students benefit from MSU’s research-based agricultural and technology courses while enjoying the supportive, student-focused environment of their local community college. They receive the same high-quality curriculum taught in East Lansing without the added cost of living on a large campus or the challenges of navigating a large university.
“Community college students often come from more diverse backgrounds,” Brian Gardner, program coordinator for the IAT program at Montcalm Community College explained. “Some are the first in their family to attend college, some are working full-time and others are looking to change careers. At the community college, students get the personal support they need to succeed.”
Most IAT programs are designed to fit the schedules of commuter students, with classes often condensed into two days a week. That allows students, some traveling an hour or more, to balance school with work, family and other responsibilities.
Many parents will ask if there are job opportunities in agriculture. Matt Bernia, MSU IAT program coordinator at Muskegon Community College assures parents and students:
“IAT graduates are entering one of Michigan’s most important industries at a time of enormous opportunity. The state’s agriculture and food processing sectors face a pressing need for skilled workers, driven by retirements, technological change and the growing diversity of farming practices. For graduates of the program, the sky’s the limit for his students. Graduates have gone into careers in forestry, landscaping, crop scouting, agronomy and food processing."
In addition to MSU and community college coursework, IAT students earn industry-recognized certifications and must complete at least 480 hours of internship experience. These internships often lead directly to jobs following graduation. Students in the program also benefit from resume workshops, mock interviews and career networking opportunities that prepare them for long-term success.
Employers who hire IAT graduates consistently praise their new hires for being adaptable, well-trained and ready to work from day one. “Companies value IAT students because they’ve had real-world exposure,” said Bernia. “They understand the science, but they also know how to apply it in the field.” Whether it’s managing pests in a field, applying drone technology in precision agriculture or working in food safety, graduates bring both technical skills and hands-on experience.
“This program attracts students who grew up on farms as well as those who had never stepped foot on one. Regardless of background, the IAT program has changed the trajectory of countless students,” Bernia said.
Savanah Cunningham is one such example. With no agricultural background, she first discovered her passion for farming through gardening at home. That interest led her to Muskegon Community College to complete her associate degree and IAT certification and begin a career in urban agriculture.
“MSU’s IAT program gave me an internship at a small nonprofit urban farm and my very first farming experience. Just over four years later, I’m still at that farm, now as part of an incredible Food is Medicine program through Trinity Health. In my Agricultural Operations role, I work with local farmers to bring fresh produce to the people who need it most, while also growing food on our one-acre farm site. I never imagined this could be a real career I could support myself with and I never would have found it without MSU’s IAT program.”
For some, the IAT experience has shaped not only careers but also personal milestones. Kaitlynn and Bryan Hammis, who met while enrolled in the IAT program at Montcalm Community College, are now married and run two agricultural businesses together. Their companies — Flying Acres, LLC, a full-service drone application provider in Montcalm County and Flying Acres Ag, LLC, a certified agricultural drone dealership — offer aerial spraying, spreading, interseeding, equipment sales, service, training and licensing support.
For Kaitlynn, a lifelong interest in agriculture led her to the IAT program at Montcalm Community College.
“I grew up on a hobby farm with almost any farm critter you could think of. I spent years working on a dairy farm and was working full time on that farm during my college years. Agriculture has always been a part of my life and what better way to continue my education than to pursue a higher education in something that I loved. The program was great for my working schedule with it being close to home and having online options. I have never been a big fan of cities, large crowds, or large classes, so I didn’t think Michigan State University in East Lansing was an option for me. With the partnership between Montcalm Community College and Michigan State University, I was able to get the best of both worlds.”
Bryan reflected on his own experience, offering advice to students considering the program:
“The IAT program gave Kaitlynn and I a solid foundation, not just in agriculture, but in problem-solving and networking. My advice for anyone thinking about this path is simple to take advantage of every opportunity the program gives you. The internships, the connections and the hands-on learning are what set you up for success. Kaitlyn and I wouldn’t be where we are today without it.”
For students and parents, the IAT program represents significant value — an MSU education at community college tuition rates, with full access to study abroad opportunities, student discounts and university resources. Gardner adds, “some of our students have traveled to Northern Ireland to study agribusiness, for a semester and return gaining a global perspective on the industry.” Some program graduates will continue completing a bachelor’s degree at MSU in East Lansing, while others step directly into high-demand careers across Michigan’s agriculture and food sectors.
Students, parents or educators interested in the Institute of Agricultural Technology can start by reaching out to their local community college or visiting the MSU IAT website. School counselors are also encouraged to share information with students who might not realize that agriculture careers go far beyond farming — they encompass science, technology, environmental stewardship and food innovation. As Bernia put it, “IAT is more than a college program; it’s a doorway to Michigan’s future workforce. We want students and families to know that is program exists, the opportunities are here and we’re ready to help you succeed.”
This story originally appeared on the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources website.
