Department of Agricultural Sciences & Technology
Overview
The Department of Agricultural Sciences and Technology offers the Bachelor of Science degrees in Agricultural Sciences and Technology with concentrations in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Plant and Soil Sciences, and Sustainable Agriculture. Flexibility in the curricula of the degree programs permits students to complete an individually tailored program developed in consultation with their advisors. The department has outdoor and indoor laboratory facilities for supporting instructional and research activities.
Students majoring in any of the programs offered in the department are required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours for the degree. These credits include a general education core, a departmental core and courses in the respective programs. Also, students must satisfy the African-American experience requirement, complete 60 clock hours of community service, pass the writing proficiency examination and pass the concentration area comprehensive examination to graduate. The Department’s programs provide students with quality educational experiences in the basic and applied aspects of Agribusiness and Economics, Animal Science, Pre-veterinary Medicine, Plant and Soil Sciences, and Sustainable Agriculture. Students receive the foundation necessary to pursue graduate or professional studies or compete in the job market in their respective disciplines or closely related areas. Students are also provided with opportunities to participate in experiential learning and in extracurricular student activities that enhance development of the total person, which is essential in today’s global community. Please see various concentrations below:
Agribusiness Concentration
The Agribusiness Concentration prepares students for professional careers in agribusiness marketing, management and finance through combining in-depth business concepts with real world application to the food and fiber industry. Agribusinesses process and market food and fiber products, supply inputs to agricultural production and manage agricultural production. Agribusiness majors learn economic principles and strategies for agribusiness marketing and management. With a bachelor's degree in agribusiness, graduates can pursue management positions in accounting, marketing or finance in many businesses related to the food industry, including food production companies, food distribution companies and agricultural equipment manufacturing companies.
Agricultural Economics Concentration
The Agricultural Economics Concentration is an applied field of economics concerned with the application of economic theory in optimizing the production and distribution of food and fiber—a discipline known as agricultural economics. Agriculture needs people who can analyze and manage production, market, and financial risks. Whether on a farm or ranch, in the public or private sectors, or in law practice, an agricultural economics degree will prepare you to take on these challenges. Plus, a study by the United States Department of Agriculture and Purdue University found that in the next four years there will be 57,900 job openings per year for people with a bachelor's degree or higher and expertise in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, or the environment. As an agricultural economics major, students will take classes that focuses on economic and financial principles. Combined with agricultural science classes, these courses will help them to analyze issues in agriculture, business, government, and many other areas. You'll gain skills in planning, evaluation, and management.
Animal Science Concentration
The Animal Sciences Concentration offers education and research for the safe, nutritious and economical production of animal food and fiber, and of animals for recreational purposes, without compromising the environment or jeopardizing the health and well-being of farm animals and farm communities. This program provides educational leadership through high-quality courses, research and extension/outreach programs to enhance human capital and ensure that Louisiana producers and communities benefit from these.
The Animal Sciences major offers an opportunity to apply animal biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and other life sciences to the study of animal breeding and genetics, nutrition, physiology, growth, behavior, and management. The curriculum is extremely flexible and can be applied to a great variety of species, from farm animals and pets to laboratory animals and even some exotics.
Plant and Soil Sciences Concentration
Are you concerned with the environment and our natural resources? Do you enjoy being involved with nature? Are you concerned with the safety of our food supply and human health? Students who share these concerns will find that our plant and soil science program is centered upon our environment, how we interact with it and how our agricultural practices influence its future. With conservation of land, soil and water resources being of the utmost concern, students in the plant and soil science program will engage in studies and research centered upon finding solutions to these concerns.
The Plant and Soil Sciences Concentration offers career options in the fields of agronomy, environmental soil science and horticulture. Through rigorous coursework and research, students learn the importance of farmland preservation, improving crop production, increasing crop nutrition for human health and enhancing crops through genetic engineering. Graduates find employment in diverse areas including federal and state government agencies, farm managers, greenhouse industry, research and engineering firms, chemical and biotechnology companies.
Pre-Veterinary Medicine Concentration
The Pre-Veterinary Medicine Concentration is the course of study students must take to prepare for admission to veterinary medical school. This concentration is a guiding principle for education designed to increase chances for admission to veterinary schools. With a firm basis in the biomedical sciences, the veterinarian of today has an opportunity and obligation to help create and advance the body of medical knowledge that serves society. People have always had a profound interest in maintaining their animals’ health and welfare because of their dependence on animals for food, textiles, companionship, and sport. There are over 86,000 professional veterinarians in the United States today, about three-fourths of whom are engaged in private practice and one-fourth who work in various areas of government and corporate veterinary medicine.
Sustainable Agriculture Concentration
The Sustainable Agriculture Concentration focuses on creating food systems in urban environments while prioritizing ecological and social well-being. It combines practical experience with theoretical knowledge to cultivate leaders in urban farming and sustainable agriculture. This degree can lead to various career paths, including farming, education, advocacy, and policy-making. Students will take classes that focuses on hydroponics, aquaphonics, agricultural communications, farm management, home vegetable gardening, soil & water management, and more.
Learn More!
To see the undergraduate catalog for the Department of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, click below:
