Agricultural Sciences Degree Program Highlights
Incorporating the fields of science, economics, and education with hands-on experience, McNeese State University’s bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences equips you with the skills required to meet the needs of a variety of careers in agriculture, food science, and agribusiness. From animal science to pre-veterinary medicine, each of our degree programs offer high-quality instruction that is student-focused, experienced faculty committed to excellence in teaching and service, and interdisciplinary, experiential learning.
Choose from a variety of concentrations
Learn to work closely with animals with a concentration in equine science or pre-veterinary medicine, or focus on the human side of food science with a concentration in nutrition and dietetics, food technology or agribusiness. With nine different concentrations that each focus on a unique aspect of agriculture or food science, McNeese has a curriculum that’s exactly what you’re looking for.
At a Glance
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Program Length: 4 years (120 credit hours)
Availability:
Agricultural Sciences Degree Concentrations
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. Student coursework is focused on economics, marketing, and management within these industries.
Agribusiness CurriculumLearn how to teach students the fundamentals of agricultural science, agribusiness, plant and soil science and animal science with a concentration in agricultural education. Upon graduation, you will be licensed to teach agricultural education in secondary schools.
Agricultural Education CurriculumStudy the biology, genetics, nutrition, physiology, growth, behavior, care and management of a wide variety of animals, including domestic livestock, zoo animals, horses, and companion animals with a concentration in animal sciences.
Animal Science CurriculumIf you're interested in the science of food and nutrition but aren't looking to become a registered dietitian, this concentration is for you! 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 CurriculumThe 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 CurriculumLearn how to design, develop, and test new food technologies while gaining hands-on experience in the food industry, research laboratories and government agencies with a concentration in food technology.
Food Technology ProgramGeneral agriculture is a flexible concentration option that will equip you with a broad knowledge in a variety of agricultural and food science areas, or allow you to tailor your degree program to fit specific interests or degree tracts.
General Agriculture CurriculumWith a concentration in nutrition and dietetics, start your path towards becoming a registered dietitian and gain a greater understanding of the nutritional health of individuals and communities and medical nutrition therapy.
Nutrition and Dietetics ProgramWith 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 CurriculumWhat Can You Do with a Agricultural Sciences Degree?
Depending on your concentration, there are a wide variety of careers or graduate studies you could pursue with a degree in Agricultural Sciences. Here are just a few examples:
Graduate Schools or Programs
- Master of Science in Integrative Biology
- Master of Science in Chemistry
- Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences
- Master of Science in Environmental Science
- Master of Science in Health and Human Performance – Nutrition and Wellness
Job Titles or Employers
- Agribusiness Field Representative
- Agricultural Loan Officer
- Agricultural Resource Production Specialist
- Agriscience Teacher
- Agronomist
- Animal Scientist
- Biological Engineer
Crop Management Consultant
Farm Services Agent
Farmer or Rancher
Feedlot Manager
Food Inspector
Food Scientist
Government Program Manager
Grain Merchandiser
Natural Resource Policy Analyst
Plant and Animal Inspector
Plant Scientist
Poultry Production Manager
Rangeland Scientist
Regulatory Agent
Research Technician
Resource Economist
Rural Development Specialist
Soil Scientist
Swine Production Manager

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, McNeese sends a number of competitors from both the men and women’s teams to the College National Finals Rodeo competition in Casper, Wyoming, every year. For the past two years in a row, the McNeese women’s rodeo team has won national championships in both individual and all around events.
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.
Program Contact
Dr. Frederick "Chip" LeMieux, Department Head
337-475-5690
agscience@mcneese.edu