Undergraduate Programs

Trained to Lead and Serve

An exciting and dynamic field, agriculture involves a range of disciplines. And your opportunities are not limited to the local farm. Many graduates travel the globe—delivering agricultural advances to farmers around the world.

Students can choose one of three majors toward a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree: agricultural education and agricultural science; two minors in Extension education and leadership in agricultural and life sciences; and one certificate in agricultural leadership.

Agricultural Education Major

Our agricultural education students graduate from NC State prepared to teach agriculture and be FFA advisors in public and private schools. Many of our alumni pursue careers in middle and high schools, universities and community colleges, county extension offices, and in the agricultural industry. Learn more about the many agricultural and human science career opportunities available. 

Teacher Licensure

Completion of the B.S. program in agricultural education leads to teacher licensure in North Carolina for grades 6-12. Because of North Carolina’s reciprocity agreements, graduates also can pursue certification in about 35 states. Download the Teacher Licensure Checklist to review the requirements for admissions to teacher education candidacy and help you stay on course.

Curriculum

The agricultural education curriculum has three components:

1. General education courses required for all NC State University students.
2. A broad understanding of agriculture. Students complete introductory courses in animal or poultry science, plant science, soil science, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering, and forestry to develop the necessary agricultural background to provide information to a variety of clients.
3. A concentration in one area of agriculture: agribusiness management, agricultural engineering technology, agronomy, animal science, horticultural science, natural resources, or poultry science. Each curriculum culminates in a semester-length practicum experience in which students apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.

Agricultural Science Major

The agricultural industry needs professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in the agricultural sciences who are prepared to lead in their organizations and communities. Students pursuing a B.S. in Agricultural Science study theory-based leadership and the dynamic aspects of the food and fiber industry with concentrations in two agricultural areas. Our graduates succeed in leadership roles across agricultural industries. Learn more about career opportunities for ag science graduates.

We Grow Leaders

The leadership component is a unique feature of the agricultural science program. Students have opportunities to develop the competencies and theoretical understandings necessary to work independently and as part of a team, communicate effectively, solve problems, and understand basic business concepts. When they graduate, they are poised to work in agricultural organizations and advance into leadership positions.

Curriculum

The agricultural science curriculum has three components:

1. General education courses are required for all students at NC State University.
2. Leadership courses taught within the department. Students complete course work in contemporary leadership theories, personal leadership development, team leadership, and organizational leadership which they then apply to complete their senior seminar in leadership. In these courses, students develop relationships with each other and with department faculty as well.
3. A broad overview of agriculture. Students complete coursework in both basic agricultural courses (animal science or poultry science, plant science, and shop Processes and management) as well as agricultural specialty areas. Students then select two specialty areas to study. Students often use these concentration areas to secure two minors from within CALS.

Agricultural Science – Online Major

The Agricultural Science – Online major is the same robust major and preparation for a career in agriculture as our Agricultural Science on-campus major. The difference is the delivery mode for coursework. All courses in the Agricultural Science – Online degree program are delivered at a distance via the NC State Moodle learning management system. Students complete their coursework synchronously (scheduled class meeting times) or asynchronously (independently scheduled time) online.

The Agricultural Science – Online major offers a pathway to a degree for students who are unable to relocate to Raleigh to conduct their studies. The distance delivery mode enhances access to education and professional development opportunities in agriculture and related sciences. The Agricultural Science – Online major promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world.

Once completed with the Agricultural Science – Online major, our graduates succeed in leadership roles across food and agricultural industries. Learn more about career opportunities for agricultural science graduates.

Curriculum

The Agricultural Science – Online curriculum has three components:

1. General education courses are required for all students at NC State University.
2. Leadership courses taught within the department. Students complete coursework in contemporary leadership theories, personal leadership development, team leadership, and organizational leadership which they apply to complete their senior seminar in leadership. In these courses, students develop relationships with each other and with department faculty.
3. A broad overview of agriculture. Students complete coursework in both basic agricultural courses (animal science or poultry science, plant science, and agricultural technology) as well as specialty areas in agriculture. Students select two specialty areas to study. Students may use these concentration areas to secure two minors from within CALS.

Minors

Are you interested in enhancing your academic interests? An undergraduate minor from the Agricultural and Human Sciences department can do just that. We offer minors in Extension Education and Leadership in Agriculture and Life Sciences. 

Students should first contact the minor coordinator for more information on the minors. Once ready to apply, visit MyPackPortal and navigate to CODA: Manage Majors/Minors.

Visit the Student Services website for more information on the process.

Agricultural Leadership Certificate

The certificate in agricultural leadership is a 12-credit undergraduate program for individuals interested in leadership. Students can develop the skills, competencies and theoretical understandings necessary to work independently and as part of a team, communicate effectively, solve problems, and understand basic organizational concepts. Visit the university catalog for course information. When you’re ready to apply, visit the Online and Distance Education website for application information.