Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University A land-grant institution
Agricultural Sciences
The Department of Agricultural and Extension Education offers a degree in Agricultural Sciences for those students who wish to strengthen their leadership skills and have an interest in agriculture and related areas. This program provides students a unique combination of breadth and depth in a strong science-based program. Students whose career objective can be found in agricultural or agricultural-related disciplines such as sales, education, training, Extension/outreach, business, and international work will find this degree very flexible and adaptable to their needs and interests.
The Agricultural Sciences Undergraduate Major at Virginia Tech
Students in Agricultural Sciences can select at least two from several different minors or concentrations in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Natural Resources, as well as in the Department of Biological Sciences to tailor-make their degree.
The possibilities include: Agricultural and Extension Education; Agricultural and Applied Economics; Animal and Poultry Sciences; Biochemistry; Biological Systems Engineering; Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences; Dairy Science; Environmental Science, Food Science and Technology; Horticulture; Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise; Entomology; International Agricultural Development, Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science; Fisheries and Wildlife; Forestry; Wood Science; Geography; and Biology. Students also have the opportunity to select an additional 15 hours from the previously named departments and there is a minimum of 13 hours of free electives.
Academic Preparation
All admission offers for this program of study are made through the university’s Admissions office. To be a competitive candidate for freshman admission, prospective students should follow the guidelines listed on the Admissions website. In order to be a competitive candidate, students seeking to transfer after one year of college work should have a 3.0 grade point average and successfully complete transferable course work in English, mathematics, and appropriate lab sciences. Students planning to transfer under the Guaranteed Admissions Articulation Agreement between Virginia’s community colleges and the college should follow academic guidelines noted on the Admissions Articulation Agreements web page.
Career Opportunities
Numerous surveys have indicated that employers will hire employees who have strong skills in communications and leadership. The Agricultural Sciences degree produces graduates who have strengths in both areas. Students who like to work with people and know their subject matter well, have virtually unlimited career opportunities.
Graduates who have a minor in Agricultural and Extension Education will meet Virginia teaching licensure requirements with an endorsement in Agricultural Education and will be able to teach grades 6 through 12. Graduates who also complete the Biology minor can easily meet requirements for an additional endorsement in that field. Those who have this background may choose to become an educator in a different setting such as an Extension agent or a trainer for industry.
There are an unlimited number of career opportunities for graduates because of an unlimited number of minor combinations. Graduates could combine a minor in Agricultural and Applied Economics with one in Horticulture and work in horticultural sales or be the owner of a horticultural business. Minors in Dairy Science and Animal and Poultry Science could lead to a position in almost any phase of the animal industry. The graduate who wants to become a farmer will have a strong background in numerous areas of scientifically based agriculture and natural resources. Minors in Biology and Forestry could lead to a professional position with the United States Department of Agriculture. The degree will also prepare graduates for careers in communications and politics, as well as for graduate school.
Beyond the Classroom
- Gain leadership experience and participate in service learning projects through membership in the Agricultural Education Society.
- Coordinate and conduct an annual leadership conference for middle school students and FFA contests for several hundred FFA members.
- Study abroad with opportunities that offer a range of global experiences.
- Receive recognition for your accomplishments at the annual departmental banquet.
- Personalize your academic experience with independent study projects and research.
- Receive outstanding academic advising and career counseling.
- Share your experience with others by participating in the college’s student ambassador program.
- Gain valuable on-the-job experience and explore future career opportunities through internships with industry and agency partners.
Facilities
All facilities used by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College Natural Resources are available to students majoring in Agricultural Sciences. They include classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, and the university farms and research centers.
The Departmental FFA Historical Room houses the oak table where the Future Farmers of Virginia was founded. The Future Farmers of Virginia was used as the model for the Future Farmers of America, now called the FFA.
Overview of Course Work
All those majoring in Agricultural Sciences complete a year of biology, math, and chemistry, along with other university, college, and departmental requirements. Depth for the major comes from instruction in a minimum of 63 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Natural Resources courses, depending on the minors and concentrations selected. Breadth comes from 15 hours of course work in departments other than those housing the two minors or concentrations. In addition, at least 13 hours of free electives are available.
For more information Contact:
Thomas Broyles, Coordinating Counselor
Department of Agricultural and Extension Education
268 Litton Reaves Hall (0343)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-6836
tbroyles@vt.edu