The Department of Agriculture, Food, and
Resource Sciences prepares students to make
significant, positive contributions to the Food
and Agricultural Sciences through learning,
discovery, and engagement. The goal of our
academic programs is to provide the nation
and the world with graduates who have
attained intellectual and professional
competencies. Students are provided with
experiential learning opportunities through
our state-of-the-art research, education, and
farm facilities. This active learning
environment prepares students for careers in veterinary medicine, food and fiber processing, animal management and production, natural resource sciences, agricultural education, food safety, plant breeding and biotechnology, business and technology, greenhouse & nursery management, marketing and management, landscape design, economic research, water quality, international trade and development, nutrient management, and extension education.
Experiential Learning
The study of Agriculture is an applied science,
which allows our students to gain hands-on skills
and knowledge by working and conducting
research in our farm and educational facilities.
Students studying Plant and Soil Science have
access to our Agriculture Microbiology Lab,
Plant Tissue Culture Lab, Water Quality and
Nutrient Management Lab, and Greenhouses.
Students studying Animal and Poultry Science/Pre-Veterinary
Medicine have access to all of the farm animals and the majority of their classes are
held in the Poultry Research and Education Center and the Swine Research and
Education Facility. All of the students studying Agriculture have access to the
Agricultural Mechanics Laboratory, Geospatial Information Technology Laboratory,
and the Agricultural Research Building.
Faculty and staff within the department conduct research on: precision agriculture/agronomic crops, animal management and production, biotechnology, entomology, international trade and development, product marketing, water quality and nutrient management, food safety and bio-security, specialty crops/product development, and food quality enhancement.
What makes the department so unique is that our students are provided with
opportunities to conduct their own research projects and/or assist faculty with their
research. Our students are provided with an active learning environment that allows
them to gain the skills and knowledge to compete successfully in a global society.
Internship opportunities are encouraged to enrich the academic experiences of our
students. In the past, our students have worked at Disney World National Arboretum;
Pioneer Hybrid International; Dow AgroSciences; Mountaire; Perdue; Monsanto;
Con-Agra; and U.S. Department of Agriculture agency sites in several states including
those of the Natural Resource Conservation Service and Animal Research Service. Our
students have also had internships at other universities. On-campus internships may
also be obtained at the animal, plant, and soil science facilities.
Scholarships are available through the university and department based on need and
academic performance. Work-study jobs may also be obtained in the department.