Program Overview

International Agricultural Development

The International Agricultural Development major is designed for students interested in the ways that culture, economics, and technology affect agriculture. This program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to help produce and distribute food to people in emerging economies. Students in this major learn about improving food production, nutrition, marketing, and health in less technically advanced countries. The program trains students in both technical and societal areas of agriculture, preparing them to address the problems of world hunger and health.

Major Requirements

The major offers two core tracks: the social sciences core and the natural sciences core. The social sciences core provides a background in the social and cultural roots of hunger and poverty, preparing students to work with agencies and missions that aim to help hungry people. The natural sciences core focuses on making technological improvements to food production and distribution systems in less developed countries. At the upper division level, students further refine their specialization by taking courses that support their goals in areas such as agricultural production, economic development, environmental issues, rural communities, or trade and development in agricultural commodities.

Major Details

• Core Tracks:
  • Social Sciences Core
  • Natural Sciences Core
• Upper Division Specializations:
  • Agricultural Production
  • Economic Development
  • Environmental Issues
  • Rural Communities
  • Trade and Development in Agricultural Commodities

Careers

Graduates of the International Agricultural Development major can pursue a variety of careers, including:

• Agribusiness Manager
• Community Organizer
• Corporate Sustainability Officer
• Economist
• Educator
• Farmer
• International Aid Worker
• International Development Practitioner

Graduate Study

The major also prepares students for graduate study in fields such as:

• International Agricultural Development
• Horticulture and Agronomy
• Agricultural Resource Economics
• Community and Regional Development
• Soils and Biogeochemistry

Alumni Employers

Alumni of the International Agricultural Development major have been employed by organizations such as:

• Driscoll’s
• Catholic Relief Services
• International Fund for Agricultural Development
• United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
• Peace Corps

Related Degrees

Related degrees include:

• Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
• Plant Sciences
• International Relations

Program Features

• Internship Opportunities: Explore internships and jobs on campus and beyond.
• Course Roadmap: Find detailed course requirements for the program and map out the path to graduation.
• Faculty Collaboration: Undergraduates work directly with faculty through research projects and labs.
• Global Learning Programs: Expand horizons by studying abroad or pursuing global learning on campus.
• Undergraduate Research: Participate in one of the hundreds of research opportunities available.
• Career Connections: Learn how to connect the major to career opportunities.