Reviewed by: Michael Seale
The BATMan degree—why these 2 Auburn students chose it as their major
Reading time: 5 minutes
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No, we’re not joking—you can seriously go to one of the top schools in the Southeast and major in a degree named after a superhero.
Read on to learn why these two students decided to study BATMan (Biological & Agricultural Technology Management) and what they plan to do after college.
Meet Jake + Emily
Meet Jake:
- Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
- Year at Auburn: Fifth year
- Agricultural background: Helped his grandfather on his farm
- Favorite hobby: Being outdoors + turkey hunting
Meet Emily:
- Hometown: Samson, Alabama
- Year at Auburn: Senior
- Agricultural background: Was in FFA (Future Farmers of America), worked in the fishery at her high school + her family does small scale farming
- Favorite hobby: Reading
- Fun fact: She grew up an Alabama fan, so going to Auburn made her a ‘huge traitor’ in her family
Q: What is the BATMan degree?
It’s not every day you hear about a degree named after a superhero, so we wanted to understand what BATMan entailed. According to Auburn’s College of Agriculture, the degree is designed to “produce graduates to solve problems and provide citizens with healthy food, clean water, affordable energy, and a healthy environment.”
Here’s how Jake and Emily described it:
“It’s about all the new technology being used in agriculture—like tractors going autonomous or pivots used to water your crops or spread pesticides. Because of the technology the industry has developed, most of these devices can be controlled from phones now.”
Jake Waddell
“Through technological management, we look at issues within agriculture and biology. We analyze data, work with geographic information systems, use technical programs like AutoCAD and more.
We’re learning how to solve complex technical problems but also gaining the practical skills of agribusiness management and marketing.”
Emily Ward
Q: Why did you choose BATMan?
Both Jake and Emily switched from the College of Agriculture’s Biosystems Engineering major to BATMan during their sophomore semesters. Check out why they chose BATMan:
“I always used to think I would follow in my grandfather’s footsteps and go into mechanical engineering, but I ended up being much more excited about BATMan. I love the mix of the technology and the hands-on agricultural applications. These are two things I’ve always enjoyed, so seeing them come together has been really meaningful for me.”
Jake Waddell
“BATMan is in the same department as Biosystems Engineering, so the programs and classes are really similar. The biggest difference is that the Biosystems major zeroes in on engineering; whereas, BATMan focuses more on management and practical approaches to solving technological problems.
I feel like I am perfectly placed in this program. Every day I am reminded that I am doing the right thing, and I’m so excited to enter the workforce with all the knowledge I have gained.”
Emily Ward
Q: What are your favorite parts about your major?
“My favorite class ever is still BATM 1110. It’s the first class you take in the major, and it’s the first insight of the technological side of agriculture. So you learn a lot about computer applications like civil fusion, 360 and AutoCAD.
I loved being able to draw up a design we did of a house in the class. I could print off that design and give it to a builder, and it would come to life. I was doing some internships at the time and got to use the skills I was learning in BATM 1110.”
Jake Waddell
“Being a part of the College of Agriculture is a major part of why I love BATMan so much. This year, I’m on the College of Agriculture Executive Council, and I also work at one of the Auburn research facilities.
The College of AG is like a family. I love having a small cohort and being so well acquainted with faculty and staff.”
Emily Ward
Q: What are your career goals?
BATMan opens students up to an incredible number of career paths, which is evident through Jake and Emily’s distinct plans.
“I have a couple of different options I’m thinking through. I’m interested in the idea of running a construction company and using AutoCAD and other systems I’ve learned to draw house designs and layouts.
I also have been looking into utilizing drones to take aerial photos to analyze low areas and pinpoint issues with crop fields. I have a Crop and Soil Sciences minor, which would equip me well for that career path.”
Jake Waddell
“I’ve always wanted to work in water. During my sophomore year, I got to do an internship in Charleston, South Carolina, with a landscaping company called The Greenery, and I did aquatic pond maintenance. It was interesting to learn the landscaping side of water.
And then this summer, I got to work with the Water Resources Center. Both of these internships gave me assurance that I want to pursue a career in water. After graduating, I plan to move to Enterprise, Alabama and work for the city doing water quality and maintenance.”
Emily Ward
Start your BATMan journey today
If you want to study the perfect mix of advanced technological theory and hands-on application, the BATMan degree is the program for you—check it out today.
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