B.S. in Agriculture and Society

This undergraduate degree emphasizes the application of social science knowledge to issues related to agriculture and society. The interdisciplinary major draws largely on courses from sociology, political science and economics. Its goal is to prepare students to become leaders in addressing complex issues related to the social and human dimensions of agriculture at both the local and global level. Students will learn social science concepts and skills to understand analyze and communicate complex ideas, information and data related to agricultural systems. Internships are an important part of the Agriculture & Society major. The curriculum offers the flexibility needed to accommodate the special interests and needs of each student. THE CURRICULUM IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES: Recognize, analyze and evaluate the critical human and social factors (e.g. practices, policies, laws, institutions) impacting agriculture. Understand the social dimensions of agriculture and its connections with food and environmental systems. Develop problem solving, critical thinking, and leadership skills to positively influence human impacts on agriculture. Understand the perspectives of diverse stakeholders and develop strategies to communicate clearly and effectively to a range of audiences. Students will develop the necessary skills to become effective leaders with companies, local, national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government agencies that work on agricultural, food and environmental related issues. Graduates can work as public policy analysts, government relations, public relations, program analyst, program specialists, marketing, sales, agriculture, educators, and executive directors.