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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Paths to CALS

There's more than one path to CALS.

We Want You Here

We need 1,100 more students in our four-year programs and 90 more in our two-year programs to meet the demand for CALS grads in North Carolina and beyond.

Competition to get into NC State is on the rise. And we are committed to helping all qualified students find a path to CALS.

Wolfpack Connect Guarantees Your Pathway to NC State

Learn About The Program

High school senior?

Let’s get you started.

Career-ready but need more skills?

You’ve come to the right place.

Discover CALS

Learn about summer programs and campus visits

Transition to CALS through Wolfpack Connect

Eligible transfer students get guaranteed admission

Transferring from community college?

Browse the CALS transfer guides.

Request information about CALS

Receive information about our undergraduate programs.

Before You Apply

Have a question about applying to CALS? Start here.

Guidance for Applicants
Biochemistry student in the lab.

First-Year Admissions

42% First-Year Applicants Accepted in 2024

CALS attracts students who turn passion into purpose.

96 NC Counties Represented

CALS students bring various perspectives and a shared mission, making a difference in their communities and across the state.

41 States and 35 Countries

Students around the globe are drawn to NC State’s blend of innovation, hands-on learning and real-world impact.

  • We use a holistic admissions process for evaluating applicants.
  • We understand that leadership experience in organizations such as 4-H and FFA, an agricultural background, or participation in NC State programs are strong indicators for student success.

Learn more about your options for fall semester admission and spring semester admission.

“It’s Not Where You Start. It’s Where You Finish.”

Students share why they chose NC State and how they found their path to CALS.

Agricultural Institute

Whether you want to jump-start your agricultural career, return to the family farm or continue your education in a four-year program, the Agricultural Institute is for you.

Our small class sizes ensure you receive invaluable one-on-one interaction with our expert faculty and staff, as well as unique hands-on learning experiences.

Choose from six degree options, ranging from agribusiness management to landscape technology — working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Next Generation of Ag Leaders

Rooted in six generations of farming, Josie Pace is studying agribusiness management at the Agricultural Institute. Her internship with Kornegay Family Farms helped cultivate the knowledge to carry her family’s legacy forward.

Read Josie’s Story
Young woman with blonde hair, red top, blue jeans, standing in field among black cows
Josie Pace on her family farm in Archer Lodge, North Carolina

Discover CALS

CALS offers hands-on ways for future students to experience life at NC State. Through our summer programs, K-12 students explore labs, classrooms and real-world projects. Spend a Day at State gives high school juniors and seniors a personalized look at campus life, connecting them to faculty and staff. CALS Quest Days invite high school freshmen and sophomores to explore agriculture and life sciences up close while connecting with future classmates.

Students leading sheep

Summer Programs for K-12 Students

CALS’ summer K-12 programs are designed to inspire future scientists and leaders through hands-on learning. These programs offer students a chance to dive into agricultural and life sciences, engage in research and experience college life.

Learn More 
Mr. and Ms. Wuf and NC State students

Spend a Day at State

Our Spend a Day at State program invites high school juniors and seniors to explore their department of interest, CALS and NC State through tours, conversations with faculty and staff, and current student interactions. This gives them a first-hand glimpse of what being part of the Wolfpack community is like.

Learn More 
high school students in lab

CALS Quest Days

Quest Days offers high school freshmen and sophomores who are beginning their college search — and have not decided on a primary major — a chance to hear from current students, see campus and learn about CALS.

Learn More 

Wolfpack Connect

Wolfpack Connect guarantees admission for eligible transfer students, ensuring a smooth transition to NC State after completing an associate degree at a participating North Carolina community college.

CALS offers several eligible majors and concentrations to equip you for meaningful and in-demand careers in agriculture and the life sciences.

Earn your bachelor’s degree and jumpstart your career!