Undergraduate · Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Agricultural Sciences
With access to three working farms, the CAMPP meat processing and production facility, and a commercial kitchen, students in the agricultural science program at McNeese receive a true farm-to-table agricultural experience.
At a Glance
What is a Degree in Agricultural Sciences?
Agricultural sciences is a broad term that encompasses a variety of areas related to agriculture, including farming, ranching, the transportation and business of agriculture, raising and caring for livestock, pre-veterinary medicine, and even human nutrition. With such a broad range of study, agricultural sciences provides a versatile field of study that makes it easy to cross from one career to another, while still giving students the freedom to specialize in what they're passionate about: crop science, animal science, or nutritional science.
Choose from a variety of concentrations
As a student in McNeese's agricultural sciences degree program, you will have the power to tailor your schedule to include classes that will best prepare you for your future career. But you don’t have to do it alone – all students in the College of Agricultural Sciences have a faculty advisor, meaning that one of your trusted professors will be on hand to offer industry-based advice on what concentration might be the best fit.
Explore More for Agricultural Sciences Majors
Housed in the College of Engineering and Sciences, our bachelor's degree program exemplifies McNeese's mission and core values of student success, academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and university-community connections:
Agricultural Sciences Degree Concentrations
Agribusiness
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.
Agricultural Education Grades 6-12
In this concentration, learn how to teach students the fundamentals of agricultural science, agribusiness, plant and soil science, and animal science to junior high and high school students.
Animal Science
Study the biology, genetics, nutrition, growth, behavior, care, and management of a wide variety of animals, including livestock, zoo animals, horses, dogs and cats with a concentration in animal sciences.
Food and Nutritional Sciences
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.
Equine Science
The 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.
Food Technology
Learn how to design, develop, and test new recipes and food technologies while gaining hands-on experience in the food industry with a concentration in food technology.
General Agriculture
General agriculture is a flexible concentration that will equip you with knowledge in a variety of agricultural areas, and allow you to tailor your degree program to fit specific interests.
Nutrition and Dietetics
Start your path towards becoming a registered dietitian and help individuals and communities eat healthier, while gaining a greater understanding of how to fight malnutrition and prevent chronic disease.
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
With 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.
What Can You Do with an Agricultural Sciences Degree?
Depending on your concentration, there are a wide variety of careers in farming, agricultural business, crop management, ranching, livestock production, food production, nutrition and dietetics, and more. Or, continue your education and gain an advanced degree:
Graduate Schools or Programs
- Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences
- Master of Science in Environmental Science
- Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
More Information
Student Activities
Agricultural sciences majors have plenty of opportunities to get involved on campus in organizations that complement 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, the McNeese men’s and women’s rodeo team practice just a few short miles away from campus. Every year, our team qualifies for the College National Finals Rodeo competition in Casper, Wyoming, and in 2018 and 2019, our women’s team brought home the national championship.