Academic Programs Catalog

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Undergraduate Programs

Personal attention is a key aspect of all college programs, and undergraduate research is promoted and encouraged. The college offers a highly student-oriented advising system. Students are assigned an academic advisor to suggest courses and career emphases. In the student-advisor relationship, the capabilities, aspirations and goals of the students remain paramount throughout their academic careers. Academic advisors work closely with students from the time they express an interest in the major, and undergraduate research is encouraged in all majors.

For students who desire one of the degree options available through the college, but wish to delay their choice of a specific major until a later date, a no–preference program is offered. Under this arrangement, first-year students enrolled in the Neighborhood Student Success Collaborative may designate their major preference as Agriculture and Natural Resources No–Preference. Students selecting this major preference are advised by faculty members in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Through careful selection of courses, they are encouraged to explore a variety of areas to help in selecting a major. The key element of this program is its flexibility. Students may remain in it until they attain sophomore or junior standing, or they may select other major preferences at any time before becoming juniors.

Bachelor of Science degree programs are offered in the following areas: Agribusiness Management; Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education; Animal Science; Construction Management; Crop and Soil Sciences; Dietetics; Entomology; Environmental Economics and Management; Environmental Studies and Sustainability; Fisheries and Wildlife; Food Industry Management; Food Science; Forestry; Horticulture; Nutritional Sciences; Packaging; and Sustainable Parks, Recreation and Tourism. A Bachelor of Arts degree program in Interior Design and a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree program in Landscape Architecture are also offered.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources cooperates with the College of Engineering in offering an undergraduate program in Biosystems Engineering. The college also participates with the College of Social Science in offering an undergraduate program in Urban and Regional Planning.

Students who are enrolled in bachelor's degree programs in the college may elect the Minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. For additional information, refer to the statement on Minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies in the College of Natural Science section of this catalog.

 


Honors Study

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources encourages honors students to develop enriched and distinctive undergraduate programs. In each of the career pathways offered in the college, members of the faculty are carefully selected to serve as departmental Honors College advisors. These advisors assist each Honors College student in planning a rigorous and balanced program that reflects individual interests and competencies. In  addition to the university–wide array of introductory Honors courses available to exceptional students, the college encourages participation in research and enrollment in graduate courses and independent study.

 


Opportunities for Individual Emphasis

In furthering the students’ education, the flexible nature of the program in each major makes it possible for students to pursue areas of special interest through regular course work, special seminars, research and travel. By anticipating new and growing areas of need for trained personnel, the college makes it possible for students to prepare themselves adequately in these areas. Following are a few of the opportunities for special emphasis available to students in any major within the college.

International Study. The college offers opportunities for short-term and semester-length study abroad programs around the world. Undergraduates are encouraged to make a study abroad experience part of their curriculum. In addition, students in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and others interested in agricultural development abroad, may select courses from numerous subject areas. Offerings in agricultural economics, agricultural engineering, animal science, crop and soil sciences, extension personnel development, forestry, horticulture and resource development have special relevance to international agriculture and rural development. Emphasis is placed on environmentally sound crop and animal production, application of new technical knowledge, planning and administration, and efficient use of human and natural resources for developing countries.

Science Emphasis. Many students realize early in their college years that they wish to prepare for careers in research or university teaching. Academic advisors assist them in selecting science courses (biological, physical and social) and mathematics courses that will offer the best possible preparation for graduate study.

Undergraduate Research. The college Undergraduate Research Program allows students to become more actively engaged in their education through intellectual inquiry and practical learning. Students work closely with a faculty mentor to conduct original research in the chosen area of interest.

 

 


Freshmen

Students meeting the general requirements for admission shown in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog are enrolled in the Neighborhood Student Success Collaborative (NSSC).  However, they may declare a major preference in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and be assigned an academic advisor in the College. Freshmen who declare a major will usually have both an NSSC advisor and an advisor in their major.

 


Admission to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

  1. Completion of at least 28 credits acceptable to the college with an academic record, which at least meets the requirements of Academic Standing of Undergraduate Students.
  2. Acceptance as a major in one of the academic programs of the college.

Several majors within the College have limited enrollment and may admit students only upon reaching junior standing or have other requirements that must be met prior to admission to the major. These majors include construction management, dietetics, interior design, landscape architecture, and packaging. For additional information, refer to the statements on the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, School of Packaging, and the School of Planning, Design and Construction.
 
Students with fewer than 28 credits may designate a major preference within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Students selecting a major preference within the College are advised by faculty members or advisors in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.


Graduation Requirements

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog.
    Alternative tracks to Integrative Studies in General Science have been approved for selected majors leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in the college.  For additional information, refer to the lists of requirements for the major and degree programs that appear in the statements on the departments.

    The completion of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources mathematics requirement referenced in item 2. a. below may also satisfy the University mathematics requirement.
  2. The requirements of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the Bachelor of Science degree that are listed below:
    1. The mathematics requirement may be met by completing one of the following or may be satisfied by placing into a calculus course based on the Mathematics Services Placement Exam.
      1. Mathematics 103 and Statistics and Probability 200 or 201.
      2. Mathematics 103 and 114.
      3. Mathematics 116.
    2. Economics 201 or 202.
    3. At least 26 credits in courses in the college.
    4. The specific requirements for a major in the college.

Students who are enrolled in bachelor's degree programs in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources may elect a Minor in Environmental  and Sustainability Studies.  For additional information, refer to the Minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies statement in the College of Natural Science section of this catalog.