Click here for more information regarding careers and example jobs in each major and specialization shown or listed below.
Agribusiness and Applied Economics
The Agribusiness and Applied Economics major integrates business and economic principles needed to manage, market and finance agribusiness firms in domestic and international markets. This is an excellent option for students interested in business.
Creative individuals who are interested in communication areas such as graphic design, marketing, radio and television will enjoy this communication major with a focus on agriculture. It teaches students how to communicate scientific information to farm and non-farm audiences. This is an excellent option for students interested in communications.
Agricultural Systems Management
Students study how to manage agricultural production and processing systems, including field production machinery, irrigation and drainage systems, processing equipment or commodity handling and storage facilities. Fundamental and advanced technology courses will be taken as well as business management and agricultural sciences to prepare for a range of opportunities in agricultural industries. These graduates manage machines, money, and people.
This major was previously Agricultural and Extension Education. Students prepare to become high school agriculture teachers, food science educators, or sales representatives with the curriculum focusing on an array of agriculture topics.
Animal Sciences
Students can seek two different degree options in Animal Sciences. The B.S. in Agriculture allows students to study physiology, reproduction, anatomy, genetics, nutrition, behavior, and animal management. There are three specializations through this degree: Animal Biosciences (an excellent pre-veterinary track), Animal Industries, and Veterinary Technology. The B.S. in Nutrition is focused on a strong science foundation in nutrition. This is a cooperative degree with the Department of Human Nutrition, and it allows students to focus their studies in either animal or human nutrition. This is an excellent degree for those seeking a professional or graduate school program.
Community Leadership
This major is designed to equip students with knowledge and skills to be effective leaders and educators. There are two specializations. The Community and Extension Education specialization prepares community Extension Educators, practitioners, and leaders to promote positive change through learning and partnerships that strengthen individuals, families, and communities. The Leadership specialization prepares graduates with the capacity to influence positive change, and prepares students for leadership positions in the broad field of agriculture and natural resources.
Construction Systems Management
This program is designed to give students a comprehensive education in the technical, analytical, and business aspects of construction. Students learn how to plan and manage the construction of residential and commercial buildings as well as other infrastructure.
Students who take this major will learn the planning and preparation needed for cuisine and create food dishes for the consumer market.
Studying insect science is preparation for careers in basic and applied sciences. Insects and their relatives are some of the most important life forms on the planet because they negatively and positively impact plants, animals, and human society. Students in agriculture, environmental sciences, and life sciences benefit from knowledge in insect biology, ecology, and management.
Environment, Economy, Development and Sustainability
This is a multi-disciplinary degree program that focuses on the human dimensions of sustainability. Sustainability is a rapidly growing area that requires knowledge of human and natural systems as well as the skills to manage change, think holistically, and assess sustainable development in a variety of settings. This is a joint major between the School of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics.
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary study of the interactions between the living and non-living components of the environment. Specializations allow students to focus on water, ecosystem restoration, soil resources, environmental molecular science or environmental science education.
Environmental Policy and Decision Making
The ability to meet the challenges of environmental concerns requires an understanding of human actions at the individual, community, and societal level. The major provides students with opportunities to develop important skills relevant for environmental careers as well as effective citizenship in a world where environmental challenges are growing each day. Students can choose to focus their studies on climate change, international issues, or water conservation.
Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering
This program of study is offered jointly with the College of Engineering. Students identify and solve engineering problems related to production and processing of food, fiber and renewable energy as well as sustainability of these systems and preservation of the natural resources base. Graduates are employed as engineers with manufacturers, processors, government agencies and consulting firms or enroll in graduate and professional schools.
Students who study this major maintain the largest and most efficient food production system in history. They also learn the skills to manage food science and business practices.
Product development, sensory testing and the science behind food is covered in this program. If you can't leave the Food Network alone, this major might be a great fit!
Forestry, Fisheries, and Wildlife
Students will use basic biology to solve problems in the conservation and restoration of landscapes, ecosystems, habitats and plant and animal species that are affected by man's use of resources. This major provides deep training in one or two of the disciplines, while giving students a broad base of knowledge they can draw upon to seek interdisciplinary solutions to contemporary problems and advance their academic and professional careers.
Meat science is a field of study that combines the basic principles of science, economics, marketing, and the 5 senses. In this major, students will develop a better understanding of meat and muscle as a food product, focus on anatomy, muscle biology, meat processing and food safety. Students will learn to further process and add value to the meat product they are developing to provide consumers with muscle food products that deliver a wholesome, nutritious, desirable eating experience.
This major provides graduates with a foundational understanding of a broad range of natural resource systems. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students will complete courses in the natural sciences, environmental systems and the social sciences to better understand how decisions are made regarding the use or protection of those systems.
This major, administered by the Department of Plant Pathology and Entomology, provides knowledge and skills in the management of pests, diseases, weeds, etc. for careers in agriculture and environmental science. Jobs include crop/landscape/forest management and consulting, research technicians, and employment with government agencies.
Plant Pathology majors study the plant diseases that devastate our crops, forests, and landscapes in areas ranging from molecular genetics to applied aspects of plant disease management. Students will also study innovative technologies in plant health management. It is an excellent choice for students interested in graduate study for careers in research, education, and/or industry.
Students in this major will learn every aspect of the golf industry required to achieve the ultimate goal of becoming a member of the Professional Golf Association of America. This is an interdisciplinary program of study that incorporates many fields including business administration, hospitality management, coaching of golf, and turfgrass science. Unlike most majors, Professional Golf Management requires 16-20 months of internship experiences that are chosen by the student with the assistance of the Internship Coordinator.
Sustainable Plant Systems
As the population continues to expand, there is an increasing need to limit our reliance on imports while preventing further damage to the environment. Each of the four specializations within Sustainable Plant Systems play a special role in providing the world with plants for food, pleasure and recreation, and environmental improvement.
Agronomy is the application of biological, chemical, and physical principles to crops and cropping systems to increase their efficiency in converting light and supplemental resources into food, feed, fiber or fuel.
Horticulture professionals grow vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants. They must know many different kinds of plants, how they grow, develop, reproduce, and adapt to different environments.
Landscape Design and Management involves creating as well as managing the landscapes for commercial, civic, and residential use.
Turfgrass Science students study the grasses used to enhance our environment.