Agricultural Science Major

This major enables students to develop programs of study to serve their individual needs by assembling courses selected from various departments within the College of Agricultural Sciences. The student develops either a broad background in agriculture or a special program of study not currently offered within departments of the college. Students are expected to focus study on one or more disciplines of the agricultural sciences by selecting a minor from the approved list of minors offered by the College of Agricultural Sciences. The student, in consultation with an adviser, is given considerable flexibility for selecting courses to satisfy individual interests and aspirations.

Students can prepare themselves for careers in agricultural and natural resource related sales, and/or public relations; food, agricultural, and natural resource commodity groups, agricultural finance; governmental and conservation agencies; the cooperative extension service; land use and appraisal; and international agriculture agencies.

For the B.S degree in Agricultural Science, a minimum of 123 credits is required.

Why Major in Agricultural Science?
Agricultural Science is for students who want to:

• combine a broad agricultural background with an area of interest not available in one of the more specialized majors;
• accept the challenge of mankind's most critical concern - producing sufficient food for the world's growing population;
• become part of a dynamic, progressive industry that is a world leader in providing food and fiber to millions of people;
• prepare for careers in agribusiness;
• prepare for careers in production agriculture;
• prepare for advanced studies in graduate or professional schools.

Career Opportunities for Agricultural Science Graduates
Preparation in this major provides students with a variety of career options. Many agri-industrial firms want graduates who combine a general knowledge of agriculture with the discipline. Jobs in personnel, sales, management, and public relations are possibilities. Agriculture-related businesses need field personnel with training in general agriculture.

Many graduates find employment in positions with the cooperative extension service, Soil Conservation Service, and the Pennsylvania and U.S. Departments of Agriculture. Many return to family farms to become partners or owners of the farm enterprise.

Perhaps you will choose to combine the general agriculture background from this major with journalism for a career in agricultural communications. A combination of agriculture and government, languages, or education, or one of the many other fields might lead to a career with private firms in international trade and marketing or in government organizations with worldwide responsibilities.

For additional information about Agricultural Science, contact:

Dr. Dennis C. Scanlon
215 Ferguson Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-7441
Email: DScanlon@psu.edu

Or visit the Agricultural Science Web site.