Program Overview

Overview of the Agricultural Science (BS) Program

The Agricultural Science (BS) program at NC State University is designed to equip students with extensive knowledge and experience in the agricultural sciences. This program focuses on the dynamic aspects of the food and fiber industry, allowing students to pursue two agricultural specializations.

Program Objectives

Students who major in Agricultural Science will:

• develop skills for working independently and as part of a team, communicate effectively, solve problems, and understand basic business concepts.
• pursue two of the following specializations: Animal Science, Agricultural Business Management, Agricultural Environmental Technology, Agroecology, Crop Science, Food Science, Horticultural Science, Poultry Science, Soil Science, and Feed Mill Management.
• succeed as communicators, extension agents, and leaders in the agricultural industry.

Plan Requirements

The program requires a total of 120 credit hours, including:

• Orientation: AEE 103 Fundamentals of Agricultural and Extension Education
• Communication and Social Sciences: COM 110 Public Speaking or COM 112 Interpersonal Communication
• Mathematical and Natural Sciences: MA 107 Precalculus I, MA 121 Elements of Calculus, BIO 181 Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity, BIO 183 Introductory Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology, CH 101 & CH 102 Chemistry - A Molecular Science and General Chemistry Laboratory
• Professional Content Courses: CS 213 Crop Science or HS 201 The World of Horticulture: Principles and Practices, SSC 200 & SSC 201 Soil Science and Soil Science Laboratory
• Select one of the following Animal/Poultry Science Courses: ANS 150 & ANS 151 Introduction to Animal Science and Introduction to Animal Science Lab, or PO 201 & PO 202 Poultry Science and Production and Poultry Science and Production Laboratory
• Select one of the following Economics Electives: ARE 201 Introduction to Agricultural & Resource Economics, EC 201 Principles of Microeconomics, EC 205 Fundamentals of Economics
• Select one of the following Introductory Agricultural Electives: AES 201 Shop Processes and Management, ES 100 Introduction to Environmental Sciences, FS 201 Introduction to Food Science
• Agricultural and Extension Education Required Courses: AEE 230 Introduction to Cooperative Extension, AEE 311 Communication Methods and Media, AEE 323 Leadership Development in Agriculture and Life Sciences, AEE 490 Seminar in Agricultural and Extension Education
• Agricultural and Extension Education Advised Electives: 15 hours
• Restricted Elective Option 1 and 2: 12 hours each, focusing on one of the agricultural disciplines
• GEP Courses: ENG 101 Academic Writing and Research, GEP Humanities, GEP Health and Exercise Studies, GEP Elective, GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives
• Free Electives: 10 hours

Semester Sequence

The sample plan of study includes:

• First Year: Fall Semester (AEE 103, BIO 181, COM 110, ENG 101, MA 107, GEP Health and Exercise Studies) and Spring Semester (ANS 150, ANS 151, BIO 183, MA 121, GEP Humanities)
• Second Year: Fall Semester (AEE 323, Introductory Agricultural Elective, CH 101 & CH 102, AEE 230, AEE 311) and Spring Semester (Agricultural and Extension Education Advised Elective, Economics Elective, Free Elective, CS 213 or HS 201, GEP Humanities)
• Third Year: Fall Semester (SSC 200, SSC 201, Agricultural Specialization I Course, GEP Elective, Agricultural and Extension Education Advised Elective) and Spring Semester (Agricultural and Extension Education Advised Elective, Agricultural Specialization I Course, Agricultural Specialization II Course, GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives, Free Elective)
• Fourth Year: Fall Semester (Agricultural and Extension Education Advised Elective, Agricultural Specialization I Course, Agricultural Specialization II Course, Agricultural Specialization II Course, Free Elective) and Spring Semester (Agricultural and Extension Education Advised Elective, AEE 490, Agricultural Specialization I Course, Agricultural Specialization II Course, GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives)

Career Opportunities

The Agricultural Science (BS) program prepares students for various career titles, including:

• Agricultural Inspector
• Animal Breeder
• Animal Husbandry Worker Supervisor
• Aquaculture Specialist
• Bank and Branch Managers
• Buyer
• Crop Workers Supervisor
• Farm and Ranch Manager
• Farm Management Advisor
• Farm Products Purchasing Agent
• Farmers and Ranchers
• Fish Hatchery Manager
• Food & Drug Inspector
• Greenhouse and Nursery Manager
• Horticultural Worker Supervisor
• Industrial Production Managers
• Marketing Managers
• Purchasing Manager
• Sales Representative (Agricultural Products)
• Winemaker / Vinter

Students can explore career details and information on wages, employment trends, skills needed, and more through resources like NCcareers.org, Occupational Outlook Handbook, and Career One Stop Videos. Additionally, Focus 2 Career Assessment and Focus 2 Apply Assessment are available to support students in exploring and choosing the right major and career path.