The Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture is authorized to confer 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.
RHSA 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 RHSA 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 RHSA courses as non-degree students through the Office of Extended and Continuing Education 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 up to ten Heritage Scholarships for qualified individuals entering the two-year program. Selected applicants receive up to $1,000 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. Applications and additional information are available from the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture, 1376 Storrs Road, U-90, Storrs, CT 06269-4090.
Many other scholarships in Agriculture and Natural Resources are available to Ratcliffe Hicks students.
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.
Registration. Ratcliffe Hicks students are restricted primarily to RHSA courses, numbered 1-99. The following 100-level courses have been pre-approved for all RHSA students:
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 RHSA 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.
General Education Requirements for Both Majors
Mathematics and Computers
Two of the following courses:
Animal Science Core
2 Substitutions may be considered based on SAT scores or placement exams.
3 SAAS 004 may be used in meeting both the general education
requirements and the Animal Science core requirements.
Horticulture Core
Area 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 approved by their 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.
Tech Prep Program. The Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture, in partnership with participating high schools, offers an Agricultural Education Tech Prep program. In Tech Prep, high school students earn credits toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in either Animal Science or Horticulture. Courses include mathematics and science, as well as specific technical subjects in animal science, plant science, and other related disciplines.
Courses and credits for the Tech Prep program are determined cooperatively by the Ratcliffe Hicks School and participating high schools. Tech Prep students who are admitted into the Associate of Applied Science degree program may receive up to 12 credits of approved course work from high school.
For more information on the Agricultural Education Tech Prep program, please contact: Director, Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture, University of Connecticut, 1376 Storrs Road, U-90, Storrs, CT 06269-4090, (860) 486-2920
Special Facilities. Ratcliffe Hicks students utilize the land, animal, and equipment resources of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The College maintains farms, orchards, greenhouses, and nursery operations. Horticulture students gain invaluable experience at the Burr Teaching Nursery, Floriculture Greenhouses, and in other laboratory and field facilities. Animal Science students work with dairy, livestock, horses, and poultry. See the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources section for more information.
Computer Laboratory. A computer laboratory is available for student use in Room 108 of the Ratcliffe Hicks Building. Instructors schedule classes in the facility when appropriate, and the room is open additional hours for individual student use.
Field Trips and Transportation Costs. Many courses require off-campus field trips. Students should budget money for participation.
Extracurricular Activities. Students in the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture are eligible to participate in all University of Connecticut activities for which they are qualified, except NCAA competition. Organizations and activities of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources combine the interests and talents of both the two-year and four-year students in events such as the Horticulture Show, Little International Livestock and Horse Show, and the men's and women's polo teams.
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.