Agricultural Sciences

Graduates of the Agricultural Sciences major will experience an interdisciplinary program of study designed to address the growing needs of today’s evolving agricultural and food systems.  This includes preparation for a variety of employment opportunities. The major complements and supports several new innovative minors on campus, including leadership and social change, and civic agriculture and food systems.

Students enrolled in Agricultural Sciences typically study one of two areas:

• Teaching and Learning in Agriculture: for individuals interested in teaching high school agriculture, and/or working with youth organizations, with a seamless transition into a Master’s program for licensure.
• Community Leadership and Development: for individuals interested in non-formal education and leadership development to improve the sustainability of communities across Virginia and the United States.

Skills and Topics you will Explore The Agricultural Sciences Degree produces graduates with strengths in teaching and learning in formal and non-formal settings, community education and development, and leadership and social change.  Students who can integrate their passion for agriculture with a commitment to working with people have virtually unlimited career opportunities. Specific skill and topic areas you may explore include:

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems
• Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Education – Supporting integrated, applied, and collaborative approaches to STEM-based agricultural education.
• Service Learning and Community Engagement – Connecting agricultural classrooms with the community.  
• Facilitating Community Change -- Developing educational experiences in communities for viable and resilient outcomes. 
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Peers – Providing guidance and direction to employees, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Students with a major in Agricultural Sciences are encouraged to complete a minor as their area of specialization. Approved minors include: Agricultural and Applied Economics (AAEC: ABMN,  AEMN, ENMN, or ITMN), Animal and Poultry Science (APSC), Civic Agriculture and Food Systems (CAFS), Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences (CSES), Dairy Science (DASC), Environmental Science (ENSC), Entomology (ENT), Equine Production (APEQ), Food Science and Technology (FST), Forestry (FORS), Horticulture (HORT), International Agriculture (IAG), Leadership and Social Change (ILRM), Turfgrass Management (TRFM), Urban Forestry (URBF), Watershed Management (WSM), Wetland Science (WESC),or Wood Science & Forest Products (WOOD).

Graduation requirements (check sheets) for the Agricultural Sciences degree are posted to the right side of this page.  For additional information about the Agricultural Sciences degree, contact the department’s advising office by calling 540-231-6836, or emailing Curtis Friedel.