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 grad school.
A broad agricultural education, 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
- interested in tailor-making 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 on to professional schools
See the University Bulletin for details on program requirements, suggested academic plan, and more.
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. 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
- Collegiate 4-H
- 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)
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 up-to-date 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
January 7, 2022
International agriculture minor helps put Penn State grad on path to vet school
During her senior capstone class in international agriculture, Penn State alumna Abigail Seeley worked on a grant proposal that has proved valuable as she works to become a veterinarian.
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November 24, 2021
College of Ag Sciences junior grows ag education knowledge through internship
Morgan Bear, a third-year agricultural and education extension major in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, exchanged a typical classroom setting for a mobile agriculture education lab last summer as an educational intern for the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation.
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October 18, 2021
Penn State student feels at home as a Beef-Sheep Center live-in worker
Blair Steele, a fourth-year student in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, is using the knowledge and skills she has acquired from her work at Penn State's Beef-Sheep Center to advance her career goals.
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October 6, 2021
Penn State alumnus furthers agricultural education abroad despite pandemic
After his plans to serve with the Peace Corps were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Manny Catala pivoted quickly to continue his service to students abroad. Catala, a 2019 graduate of Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, will teach in Ghana this year as part of the International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program.
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