Agricultural Science Major
The Agricultural Science degree prepares individuals for a variety of agricultural careers. Many agricultural businesses and organizations seek graduates who have a diversified knowledge of agriculture and life sciences, which includes production agriculture, business, leadership, and management. Many graduates become involved in agricultural business and industry, production agriculture operations, agricultural research, international agriculture development, or pursue advanced graduate study in one of their specialization areas. Graduates will have the knowledge of the diversified field of agriculture, basic agricultural sciences, leadership principles, the basic principles of production, and the application of basic science principles to production agriculture and agricultural business management. Graduates will be able to plan and conduct basic agricultural research, manage an agricultural enterprise (business or production), provide leadership in a variety of employment settings, and effectively communicate orally and in writing.
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Focus Areas
The Agricultural Science major allows students to develop a personalized curriculum within agriculture and life sciences. Students select two agricultural focus areas that will serve their individual needs and career interests. Students can select focus areas from the following:
| Agribusiness |
| Agricultural Education, Leadership and Communications |
| Agricultural Pest Management |
| Animal Production |
| Floral Management |
| Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture |
| Food Science |
| Forestry |
| Golf and Sports Turf Management |
| Integrated Crop Management |
| Precision Agriculture |
| Soil and Environmental Sciences |
| Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture |
Internships
Internships are designed to enhance the education of students through meaningful off-campus work experiences. An internship is an important part of the major in Agricultural Science major as it provides an opportunity for students to apply classroom learning to the work place. The goal of internships is to provide students with valuable professional growth and development opportunities that prepare them for rewarding careers. Successful internships not only complement academic progress, but also provide employers a preview of prospective candidates for employment.
Careers
| Agribusiness Human Resources Manager |
| Agribusiness Public Relations Agent |
| Agricultural Broadcaster |
| Agricultural Insurance Agent |
| Agricultural Journalist |
| Agricultural Loan Officer/Lender |
| Agricultural Machinery Dealer |
| Agricultural Production Manager/Consultant |
| Agricultural Real Estate Broker |
| Agrochemicals Salesperson |
| County Extension Agent |
| Farm Co-op Manager/Supervisor |
| High School Agricultural Education Instructor |
| Mississippi Department of Agriculture Commodity Grader |
| Natural Resources Conservation Service |
| Soil Conservationist |
| USDA Resources Management Specialist |
Scholarships
Students may apply for university, college and departmental scholarships through one application. You can find the scholarship application once you login to myState. Under the banner tab, select Financial Aid and Scholarships. The application is listed as Submit/Revise General Scholarship Application
Student Organizations
Student organizations provide an excellent opportunity to network with professionals and peers. There are numerous organizations that are available through the Department and the University.
Study Abroad
The Office of Study Abroad (OSA) offers the students and faculty of Mississippi State University the opportunity to explore academic opportunities outside of the United States. Students have three options to study abroad: MSU Faculty led-programs, exchange programs, and affiliated provider company programs. Find out more at the MSU Office of Study Abroad.
Transfer Students
Students may transfer to Mississippi State University from regionally accredited community, junior or senior colleges for any period of enrollment, provided they have earned a 2.0 GPA (as computed by Mississippi State University) on all college courses attempted as well as earned a 2.0 GPA on the 30-hours of core courses. Transfer students should look at the transfer course equivalent guide to determine which courses will transfer.