Agriculture, Nature and Environment

The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is a university-wide degree coordinated through the College of Arts & Sciences by the Interdisciplinary Studies Committee. This multi-discipline academic program is appropriate for students motivated by specific interests not recognized in traditional majors and is not intended to compete with existing programs. 

• Gender Studies

The Department offers a major in Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture designed to provide students with curricula that has foundation in biology, ecology, natural resources management, social sciences, mathematics, and other educational subjects needed by natural resource professionals. Over 40 undergraduate courses in ecology, organismal biology and taxonomy, habitat evaluation and management, wildlife and fisheries management, human dimensions, policy, biometrics, landscape ecology, and special topics are offered by over 20 departmental faculty and instructors. 

The Sustainable Bioproducts major prepares students with a strong foundation in the manufacturing of wood and fiber-based products, their physical and mechanical properties, environmental implications, marketing, sales, and trading of wood and composite materials composed of agricultural residues and other natural fibers. Besides structural materials, specialty chemicals such as polymers and adhesives from natural resources, and bioenergy such as bio-oils, alcohols, and pelletized fuels are increasingly important to sustainable industrial production. 

The undergraduate major in natural resource and environmental conservation is a science-based program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. The natural resource and environmental conservation major offers concentrations in natural resource law and administration, natural resource technology, and resource conservation science are accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF).

The undergraduate major in forestry is a science-based program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. The forestry major concentrations in Environmental Conservation, Forest Business, Forest Management, Urban Forestry, and Wildlife Management leading to the B.S. degree in Forestry are accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF). These programs prepare graduates for professional careers in forest resource management and use.

Agronomy is the study of the science behind soil management and crop production. Agronomist use technology from the fields of biology, chemistry, economics, ecology, soil science, water science, pest management and genetics to improve and manage the crops of the world. Student will learn about producing and using plants in agriculture for food, fuel, fiber, recreation, and land restoration. The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences offers 4 concentrations.

Horticulture is the cultivation of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Students learn to produce and market plants and flowers that may be sold to a landscape contractor, a lawn and garden super center or to a floral distributor. 

A landscape contractor is a specialty contractor who provides the materials and services needed to make the landscape architect's project become a reality; and/or to provide the management and maintenance needed to keep the project in prime condition after implementation. 

The Agriculture Education, Leadership, and Communications major equips graduates with the ability to inform and engage people about agricultural information and issues. This is achieved through curriculum emphasizing practical knowledge and hands-on experiences in teaching, leadership, and communications, in addition to well-rounded, individualized coursework in agricultural topics.