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Majors

We give students hands-on experiences for a rewarding future in the agricultural industry.

Majors That Matter

Are you interested in working with animals or on a golf course? Do you enjoy growing crops? Or, do you want to launch an agricultural start-up? From production to sales, we have a program for everyone who is passionate about agriculture.

Make Yourself More Marketable

Stand out by adding another area of focus to your degree program. From poultry to field crops, we offer five unique concentrations. If you’re seeking a management role, check out our new agricultural operations certificate program.

Majors and Curriculum Viewbook

AGI offers six academic programs — ranging from agribusiness management to landscape technology — working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree. Look through our digital viewbook to dive deeper into the different majors, concentrations, and courses. Click on the icon on the bottom far right to view it in full-screen mode.

Agribusiness Management

Man cradling 5 sweet potatoes in his arms, wearing an NC State t-shirt with their "Think And Do" slogan printed on it.

The Business of Agriculture

Agriculture is a multifaceted and cutting-edge industry that incorporates the fundamentals of business activity, including economics, marketing, sales, law, policy, and international trade.

The agricultural business management major combines core knowledge in agricultural business and economics with skill-building in areas such as animal production and management, crop production, pest management and equipment maintenance.

You will be prepared to succeed in managerial positions in ag and ag-related businesses, including:

  • Farm Management
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Animal Health Sales
  • Agricultural Lobbying
  • Agricultural Import/Export
  • Advertising

View the semester-by-semester curriculum for the agricultural business management major. 

John Russ is the coordinator and an advisor for the agribusiness management degree program. Agribusiness management advisors:Jonathan Phillips and Julianne Treme.

Field Crops Technology

Young farmer in a cotton field in eastern North Carolina

Solving Problems to Feed the World

A growing world population and decreased arable land make it extremely important to explore new ways to grow more crops on less land.  

The program focuses on sound crop and soil management practices and the wise use of farm resources. Students learn efficient and effective production strategies for the major agronomic crops based on best practices and integrated pest management principles, agricultural business principles, and environmentally sound soil management. View the semester-by-semester curriculum of the field crops technology major.

Amy Johnson is the coordinator and advisor for the field crops technology program.

General Agriculture

AGI graduate offering advice to local farmer

Learn About Crops, Animals, and Everything in Between

The general agriculture (GNA) degree offers students the opportunity to earn a degree in agriculture without having to focus on one specific area, such as horticulture or animal science. With this degree, you’ll be prepared for a job in any area of agriculture.

The program also offers the opportunity to concentrate on specific topics. GNA students can choose from agribusiness management, field crop production, general livestock management, poultry management, and swine management. These concentrations allow students to take a spectrum of courses while also focusing on one area closely.

Unsure about what to study? View the semester-by-semester curriculum.
Jobs in this area include:

  • Farm Management
  • Machinery and Equipment Sales
  • Agricultural Chemical Distribution

Amy Johnson is the coordinator and advisor for the general agriculture degree program. Karl Jicha is an advisor.

Livestock and Poultry Management

Students in a farm
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Help Provide Protein to a Hungry World

With the current projections of the world population to exceed 9 billion by 2050, it is critical to prepare students to meet the expected increases in demand for affordable protein. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Livestock and Poultry Management is designed for students with an interest in working with various livestock (dairy, beef, and swine) and poultry (broiler, turkey, and commercial egg) species after graduation.

We prepare graduates for entry-level management positions in live production, technical consultation, or allied industries. The curriculum includes technical courses such as beef, swine, and poultry management courses; ag business courses; and General Education Program (GEP) courses which include English, math, humanities, and social sciences. View the semester-by-semester curriculum.

Career possibilities include:

  • Poultry Management
  • Livestock Management
  • Feed and Equipment Sales

Carrie Pickworth and Lynn Worley-Davis are the coordinators and advisors for the livestock and poultry management degree program. Billy Flowers is an advisor.

Horticultural Science Management

Seven seedlings in containers

Learn the Science — and Business — of Growing Plants

The horticultural science management major is for students interested in growing, installing, or maintaining ornamentals, and landscape plants and edibles. This program provides a foundation of science-based horticultural knowledge while emphasizing artistic and nutritional principles of plant use. The various courses allow students to direct their learning toward ornamentals and landscapes or small-scale farming. Internships are required to reinforce classroom principles and vary based on the individual. View the semester-by-semester curriculum in ornamentals and landscape technology or small-scale farming.

With this major, you can pursue a career as a:

  • Production Manager
  • Horticulture Entrepreneur
  • Landscape Foreman
  • Pest Management Technician
  • Small Farm Manager

Jodi Riedel serves as the coordinator and an advisor for the horticultural science management degree program. Email her for more information about the required courses in horticultural science. Lis Meyer and Helen Kraus are advisors.

Turfgrass Management

students discussing turfgrass management

Work Outdoors

Students who have an appreciation for working outdoors or for the challenge of creating and maintaining beautiful surroundings may be interested in a career in turfgrass management.

Turfgrass managers establish and maintain grasses for functional (erosion control), recreational, and ornamental purposes. They manage people and budgets and use their knowledge of plants and soils to produce high-quality, visually appealing turfgrass areas. There are ample employment opportunities for well-trained managers in this industry. View the semester-by-semester curriculum.

Career possibilities include:

  • Lawn Care
  • Athletic Field Manager
  • Golf Course Superintendent
  • Parks and Recreation Management
  • Sod Production and Installation

Emily Erickson serves as the coordinator and advisor for the turfgrass management degree program.

New to AGI: Agricultural Operations Certificate

To address the need for qualified managers in the agricultural industry, the Agricultural Institute has introduced an undergraduate certificate in agricultural operations. The program will support students in learning the skills necessary to stay ahead of the curve in the agricultural workforce.

NC State College of Agriculture and LIfe Sciences student Collin Blalock sits on the back of a tractor with in a field. He is surrounded by bushels of produce.
After growing up in South Dakota and serving in the military, Steven Valencsin earned two degrees from NC State’s Agricultural Institute.