Growing enough food to sustain the world is one of the biggest challenges we face in the 21st century, and agricultural scientists play a key role in addressing it. This course aims to prepare students to play a significant role in agricultural science by giving them a thorough understanding of plants, animals, economics, environmental issues and soils, and the relationships between them. It also offers extensive industry experience, and support and assistance through specialised faculty programs. Students should develop the professional skills required to become a recognised expert in agricultural science and be eligible for accreditation as a member of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology. La Trobe has developed some of the best agricultural science teaching and research facilities in the world, through the opening of the AgriBio, the Centre for AgriBioscience , a A$288 million public private partnership.

Australia currently has a critical shortage of agricultural scientists, meaning that graduates have many opportunities to work in a wide range of fields in both rural and city settings. These include conservation, environmental protection, resource management, research, agribusiness, agronomy and biotechnology. Alternatively, graduates could also take their expertise offshore, improving food production and their self-sufficiency in developing countries.