"I chose the Agricultural Sciences major because I wanted a well-rounded encounter with the many aspects of agriculture. I'm really glad to be able to this, it's exactly what I want."

- Will Mccaffrey,
3^rd year student

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Program Coordinator

Krista Isaacs
605 Bradfield Hall
(607) 255-0660
agsci@cornell.edu

Program Director

Dr. Antonio (Toni) DiTommaso
903 Bradfield Hall
(607) 254-4702
ad97@cornell.edu

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the Agricultural Sciences major

What can I do with an Agricultural Sciences degree?

Our interdisciplinary program is for students wishing to pursue a general education in agriculture to prepare for careers that require knowledge of food systems and natural resources. The program's flexibility and "wide breadth with some depth" allows students to respond quickly to the fast paced changes occurring in agriculture today. Students graduating with an Agricultural Sciences degree are trained to address complex global agricultural issues of today and have a knowledge base that leads to employment in a variety of fields. Such careers may include the production and marketing of plant/animal foods, agricultural education in secondary schools, organic farming, cooperative extension, and crop consultation, among others. By interacting with faculty in our small intimate program, students have direct access to broad networks of employers and post-graduation opportunities.

What type of student majors in Agricultural Sciences?

Students majoring in Agricultural Sciences are those that have a desire to learn the biological, social and economic foundations of agriculture from some of the top experts in the world. Students in our program include those who have grown up on farms and those who have recently become interested in agriculture through previous classwork or other experiences. Our students have interests in numerous sectors of agriculture, including organic farming, livestock production, agribusiness, international development, teaching and research!

Are there any international opportunities available?

Absolutely! Cornell is one of the world leaders in international agriculture and rural development. As an Agricultural Sciences major, participation in at least one class focusing on international agriculture is required. You will have boundless opportunities to earn credit for your participation in structured study tours to places like Mexico, India and the Philippines to learn about agriculture outside of the U.S. Many students also arrange for their required Internship to be based internationally at a farm or organization. If going abroad is not for you, you have the opportunity to learn about international agriculture through classes taught by experts with a lifetime of experience in small scale rural agriculture in different regions of the world.

Wow, it looks like I have to take a lot of required classes! Is this true?

No! All students are required to take the core courses in sustainable agriculture, soil science, crop science, horticulture, and integrated pest management, as well as gain practical experience by completing an internship and a "hands-on" experiential learning capstone course addressing real problems in agricultural science. The rest of your schedule is up to you to decide together with your advisor by using the extensive list of course options that are part of our major! In this way, the Agricultural Sciences program is designed to allow you to build the curriculum that best fits your needs and interests. The emphasis on one or two concentration areas also allows you to become an expert in the area of agriculture that is most exciting to you. Concentrations requiring at least 12 credits are available in the following areas: Animal Science; Applied Economics & Management; Crop Production and Management; Communication and Education; and Sustainable Agriculture.

What if I would like to transfer into the Agricultural Sciences program from another institution? What will I need to do?

Many of our students transfer into our program after 1 or 2 years at another institution. Matter of fact, nearly 1/3 of the enrolling class in the Cornell College of Agricultural and Life Sciences transfers from other institutions! If you are considering a transfer to Cornell, the most important thing you can do is make sure that you take the required coursework prior to application. To find out more about how to do this, visit Admissions.

I see that you require an internship to complete an Agricultural Sciences degree. When would I do my internship?

Internships are one of the most important, and one of the most exciting, components of the Agricultural Sciences program. Students participate in internships at various points in their programs at Cornell. Some students do longer internships over the course of the semester, dedicating a few hours each week to their projects. Others choose more intense experiences, working full time over summer and semester breaks. And many students choose to do more than one internship. The choice is yours!

What types of internships are available?

Opportunities to intern are currently available with farms, non-profit organizations, cooperative extension, agribusiness, greenhouses, and more! Internships allow you to 'get your hands dirty." They provide you with the opportunity to increase your understanding of agricultural systems by participating in supervised (and often paid!) work, while at the same time developing your decision-making skills by observing how professionals develop solutions to complex agricultural problems in the field.

Since students come from across the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, are there regularly planned activities that help us get to know each other outside of classes?

Yes! Since students in the Agricultural Sciences program come from across the college, we strive to create a family of students who not only take courses together, but also study, learn, discuss and have fun together as a group. We do this by organizing activities that facilitate learning in an interdisciplinary setting, such as inviting guest speakers from various sectors of the agricultural industry to lead discussions, offering professional development workshops to train students for the workforce, and hosting social events for students in the major. Many, but not all, of these activities take place within the Seminar in Agricultural Sciences, offered every semester for majors.