Bachelors Degree in Agricultural Sciences

Program Highlights

What is a Degree in Agricultural Sciences?

Agricultural sciences is a broad term that encompasses a variety of areas related to agriculture, including farming, ranching, the transportation and business of agriculture, raising and caring for livestock, pre-veterinary medicine, and even human nutrition. With such a broad range of study, agricultural sciences provides a versatile field of study that makes it easy to cross from one career to another, while still giving students the freedom to specialize in what they’re passionate about: crop science, animal science, or nutritional science.

Choose from a variety of concentrations

As a student in McNeese’s agricultural sciences degree program, you will have the power to tailor your schedule to include classes that will best prepare you for your future career. But you don’t have to do it alone – all students in the College of Agricultural Sciences have a faculty advisor, meaning that one of your trusted professors will be on hand to offer industry-based advice on what concentration might be the best fit.

At a Glance

Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Program Length: 4 years (120 credit hours)

Availability: in person

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Program overview

Explore More for Agricultural Sciences Majors

Housed in the College of Agricultural Sciences, our bachelor's degree program exemplifies McNeese's mission and core values of student success, academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and university-community connections:

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

Each year, more than 150 scholarships are available for agricultural science majors, and our students are regularly awarded scholarships from private institutions and industries related to agriculture. Contact the Office of Financial Aid to find out more.

Specialized Facilities:

McNeese is home to the one-of-a-kind CAMPP facility, where you can gain unparalleled experience in meat inspection, processing, and safe preparation. McNeese is also one of just a handful of universities with three working farms, where you will work hands on helping to care for livestock and learn how to successfully raise a wide variety of commercial crops.

Applied Research:

Apply your classroom knowledge and develop real-world skills through a variety of internships. Our students have discovered their passions by working as vegetation technicians for the Gulf Coast Soil and Water District, as ecologists for the U.S. Army at Ft. Polk, as wildlife research interns for the Louisiana Department of Fish and Wildlife, and as a ranch hand for private ranches across the United States — and that’s just to name a few!

National and International Conventions

If you’re passionate about research and connecting with professionals in your field, as an agricultural sciences major, you’ll have the opportunity travel to national and international academic and food industry conventions. Previously, our students have traveled to and presented their research at the American Society of Animal Science’s National Annual Meeting, the Institute of Food Technologist’s Food Expo, the Louisiana Academy of Science’s Annual Meeting and the American Meat Science Association’s RMC Annual Meeting.

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Agricultural Sciences Degree Concentrations

Agribusiness

With a concentration in agribusiness, you'll learn the business and management side of agricultural and food industries, including production, distribution and processing, supply and breeding, farm machinery and more.

Agribusiness Curriculum

Agricultural Education Grades 6-12

In this concentration, learn how to teach students the fundamentals of agricultural science, agribusiness, plant and soil science, and animal science to junior high and high school students.

Agricultural Education Curriculum

Animal Science

Study the biology, genetics, nutrition, growth, behavior, care, and management of a wide variety of animals, including livestock, zoo animals, horses, dogs and cats with a concentration in animal sciences.

Animal Science Curriculum

Food and Nutritional Science

In this course of study, you'll learn the principles of food science and nutrition management and how food effects human growth and development, health, and disease prevention.

Food and Nutritional Sciences Curriculum

Equine Science

The concentration in equine science combines the scientific and behavioral study of horses with an exploration of the business, management, and recreational aspects of the equine industry.

Equine Science Curriculum

Food Technology

Learn how to design, develop, and test new recipes and food technologies while gaining hands-on experience in the food industry with a concentration in food technology.

Food Technology Program

General Agriculture

General agriculture is a flexible concentration that will equip you with knowledge in a variety of agricultural areas, and allow you to tailor your degree program to fit specific interests.

General Agriculture Curriculum

Nutrition and Dietetics

Start your path towards becoming a registered dietitian and help individuals and communities eat healthier, while gaining a greater understanding of how to fight malnutrition and prevent chronic disease.

Nutrition and Dietetics Program

Pre-Veterinary Medicine

With a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine, build a strong foundation in animal science and learn the knowledge and skills you'll need to continue your studies in veterinary school.

Pre-Veterinary Medicine Curriculum

Careers and Opportunities

What Can You Do with a Agricultural Sciences Degree?

Depending on your concentration, there are a wide variety of careers in farming, agricultural business, crop management, ranching, livestock production, food production, nutrition and dietetics, and more. Or, continue your education and gain an advanced degree:

Graduate Schools or Programs

Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences
Master of Science in Environmental Science
Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Student Activities

Agricultural sciences majors have plenty of opportunities to get involved on campus in organizations that compliment their degree programs. Clubs include Block & Bridle , Collegiate Future Farmers of America, Ducks Unlimited, Hunt & Seat, Pre-Vet and the all-new Bee Club, where students can get hands-on experience in apiary science by caring for McNeese’s very own beehives.

Career Development and Leadership Events

Agricultural Sciences students can participate in a variety events designed to test their technical, leadership, and teamwork skills, including:

Area III FFA Leadership and Career Development Events
McNeese Invitational Judging Contest
American Jr Brahman Association Leadership Camp
American Farm School
McNeese 4-H & FFA Livestock Judging and Evaluation Camp

Rodeo

One of the few universities in Louisiana with a rodeo team, the McNeese men’s and women’s rodeo team practice just a few short miles away from campus. Every year, our team qualifies for the College National Finals Rodeo competition in Casper, Wyoming, and in 2018 and 2019, our women’s team brought home the national championship.

Agricultural Sciences

Programs Related to the Bachelor’s in Agricultural Sciences

Not sure if the agricultural sciences bachelor’s program is right for you? Check out these other undergraduate degree programs at McNeese and talk about your options with a recruiter.

Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Conservation Management

Bachelor of Science in Biological Science

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Bachelor of General Studies - Applied and Natural Sciences

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