Major Decisions, Minor Options

For some students, tradition plays a big part in their selection of a major in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. They come from family-run farms or animal-breeding businesses and they are well aware of the academic excellence the college offers. They know that completion of a degree in the ag sciences will help prepare them to run the farm or one day own their own business. For them, it's a no-brainer.

But, by far, most students - more than 85 percent - who come to the college are not from agricultural backgrounds. And many students seeking a science-based education aren't even aware of the wealth of options and potential professions available through an education in the agricultural sciences. To their detriment, they end up choosing a different curriculum and perhaps missing an opportunity.

Teaching, research, marketing, management and technology are just a few of the areas for which a major in the ag sciences can prepare a student, according to J. Marcos Fernandez, associate dean for undergraduate education in the college. In addition, the option to pursue a dual major can increase the possibilities for education and employment in the agricultural arena.

"Our college—considered among the finest agricultural colleges and universities in the country—offers a myriad of exceptional and exciting educational opportunities for our students, leading to fulfilling and rewarding careers in all facets of natural and social sciences, business and education," says Fernandez. "In addition, our college is committed to preparing the ‘complete student' through educational offerings inside and outside the classroom, leading to the development and sharpening of leadership, communication, interpersonal and organization skills. Recent recognitions and awards by our student clubs and intercollegiate teams at regional, national and international competitions reflect this renewed emphasis on educating the ‘complete student.'"

The College of Agricultural Sciences offers 19 majors in specific academic programs.

For more information on applying for a major or minor, contact the Office for Undergraduate Education, 101 Agricultural Administration Building, University Park, PA 16802, or call 814-865-7521. For more information on the specific majors and minors, visit the College of Agricultural Sciences on the Web at http://www.cas.psu.edu/.