Students in this major are the protectors of the world’s plant-based food supply. The agriculture and food security major prepares students to manage plant pests and diseases from a holistic perspective. Students learn to understand the complexity of relationships within agricultural ecosystems, how external factors influence these systems, and how to effectively manage pests and diseases without incurring undue risks to human or environmental health. Course offerings begin with a strong scientific base in biology and chemistry, and expand to focus on crop science, soil science, integrated pest management, and plant pathology. The major is an exciting blend of classroom instruction and field experience that is tailored to the eventual employment goals of the student. Graduates who can evaluate and diagnose pest and plant disease problems and recommend economically and ecologically sound ways to correct them are in great demand.

Graduates who can evaluate and diagnose pest and plant disease problems and recommend economically and ecologically sound ways to correct them are in great demand. Employment opportunities are available in a wide variety of settings. For instance: Agrichemical Companies State Agencies Federal Agencies International Agriculture Environmental and Regulatory Agencies Agrichemical Companies Agricultural and Environmental Consulting Firms Food Processing Forest Products Vegetable and Seed Companies Agriculture and food security majors often work as: Crop Consultant or Researchers Farm Owners or Managers Greenhouse Managers Nursery Operators Plant Breeders Plant Nutrition Specialists Soil Chemists Soil Conservationists Weed Scientists