Agricultural Science Major

A hands-on approach to the wide world of agricultural science.

A broad background in the science, management, business, philosophy, and practice of agriculture. Graduates thrive in every imaginable ag-related business, lead government agencies, teach aspiring ag professionals, or continue to graduate school.

A broad education in agriculture, with a laser focus.

Agriculture is a moving target. Demand for products and services, and the expertise needed to get it all done, changes daily. The Agricultural Science major provides a hands-on, science and business look at the full spectrum of agriculture, so you have an incredible range of knowledge to draw on. As trends shift, you’ll have the background to adjust.

You won’t be a jack of all trades, master of none. Every Agricultural Science major completes a minor to concentrate on a specific area that matches professional aspirations and personal interests.

Agricultural Science is the right major if you’re:

  • seeking the broadest possible exposure to all areas of agriculture
  • looking to tailor-make an academic experience that matches your passions and professional interests
  • preparing for a career in agribusiness or other aspects of the food and fiber industries
  • planning to continue your studies at professional schools
Become part of an industry that's a world leader in providing food and fiber to millions of people.

A premier academic experience.

Career-Driven Curriculum

The formula for success as an agricultural professional is the mastery of the science, leadership skills, and emerging trends critical to successful ag enterprises. Those are the competencies we teach.

Example Courses

  • Developing Youth Leadership through Organization and Program Structure
  • Introduction to International Agriculture
  • Food Facts and Fads
  • Plant Stress: It’s Not Easy Being Green
  • Introduction into Ethics and Issues in Agriculture
  • The Fungal Jungle: A Mycological Safari from Truffles to Slime Molds

Minor

Students majoring in Agricultural Science must complete an 18-21 credit minor from within the college. This is an incredible opportunity to customize your curriculum, separate your résumé from the pack, and dig deep into your interests.

Minors to broaden and focus your Penn State Ag experience

  • Agribusiness Management
  • Agronomy
  • Animal Science
  • International Agriculture
  • Leadership Development
  • Poultry and Avian Science
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation—Food and Bio-Innovation

See the complete list of minors offered by the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Ag Journeys

“The Ag Science major gives me a taste of everything.”

– Mitchell Valentin

The syllabus is only a starting point.

Grads let us know that what they learned outside the curriculum has a huge impact. There are clubs and teams for just about any interest you can imagine. Dive in, learn, meet people, and have fun.

Same goes with our internship opportunities. Companies compete to bring Penn Staters onboard for the summer, and many students return to campus with a summer of practical experience and a job offer waiting in the wings. There are also research and study abroad opportunities to gain experience and academic credit. 

Craft your experience.

Related clubs and teams 

  • Agribusiness Management Club
  • Horticulture Club
  • Livestock Judging Team
  • Student Farm
  • Sustainable Agriculture Club
  • See all clubs and teams

Recent internships

  • Agribusiness companies
  • Extension offices
  • Farms
  • Non-profits
  • Plant Production
  • Public agencies
  • Universities

Popular study abroad 

  • Belize (Agricultural Education)
  • Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand (Agricultural Sciences, Animal Science, Ecosystems, Food Science, Plant Science)
Agricultural science students enjoy study abroad opportunities such as hiking a tropical rainforest in Puerto Rico.
Penn State students enjoying a rainforest experience in Costa Rica.
Penn State students marveling at the Angkor Wat water management system.

A practical, workforce-ready degree—and a college experience you’ll love.

Penn State Agricultural Science grads are leading family farms, running greenhouses, walking the halls of government, thriving in graduate programs, and teaching others, all over the world.

Our alumni out in the world

  • Agriculture sales companies
  • Agricultural finance
  • Cooperative extension
  • Conservation agencies
  • Food, agricultural, and natural resource–related commodity groups
  • Government agencies
  • International agricultural agencies
  • Land-use and appraisal organizations
  • Production farming
  • Public relations

Agricultural Science Career Options

Harness the power of a truly unique education at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Here are just a few examples.

Organic farm certification specialist

An organic farm certification specialist determines if agricultural operations meet government and industry organic standards.

What will I do?

  • Review applications from farm operations desiring organic status
  • Inspect farms to determine if the equipment, materials, plants, animals and producers meet recognized organic standards
  • Stay current on organic farming practices, regulations, and laws

Agricultural loan officer

An agricultural loan officer services farm loans offered by government agencies and/or banks.

What will I do?

  • Loan servicing, counseling and technical assistance to borrowers and manages an extensive portfolio of loans
  • Determine a borrower’s financial soundness and assist borrowers in achieving loan approval
  • Expand access to farm loans to farmers who are unaware of eligibility for farm program loans.

Farm manager

A farm manager oversees all aspects of a farm business, including the maintenance of all buildings and equipment, the well-being of livestock and the safety of farm employees.

What will I do?

  • Set and monitor animal nutrition programs
  • Coordinate veterinary care
  • Maintain equipment
  • Hire, train and supervise farm employees
  • Maintain records
  • Remain current on industry trends and regulations

Industrial sales representative

An industrial sales representative sells specialized equipment and services to customers ranging from multinational corporations to family farms.

What will I do?

  • Solicit potential customers and travel to customer locations
  • Demonstrate products and services and close the sale
  • Stay current on competitor offerings
  • Assist customers with any questions or concerns after the sale

Agricultural Science students in the news

March 18, 2024

Environmental resource management student is a USDA Future Leader in Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has recognized Emma Chaplin, a second-year student majoring in environmental resource management in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, as a Future Leader in Agriculture.

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March 1, 2024

Student Engagement Network Grants can fund a wide range of student projects

Undergraduate students from all campuses and majors can now apply for a Student Engagement Network Grant to support a variety of engagement experiences during Maymester and summer 2024. Engagement experiences can take many forms and grants of $1,000 to $2,000 can help students cover many kinds of costs.

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February 7, 2024

No place like Antarctica: Students take study abroad trip of a lifetime

For the first time, Penn State students could experience Antarctica’s wonders through an embedded course, “Antarctica: Human Impacts on a Fragile Environment,” offered this past fall.

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January 30, 2024

Aspiring natural resource professionals showcase skills in Dendro Cup contest

On a brisk afternoon in December, students in a forestry course in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences ventured into a wooded field on the University Park campus, eager to discover woody plant specimens and claim bragging rights in the second annual Dendro Cup competition. Designed by instructors Eric Burkhart and Calvin Norman, the competition evaluates the expertise gained by students in the morning and afternoon sections of their fall semester field dendrology course.

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