Agriculture

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A student tends to some fava beans at the University Farm.

Insight

Agriculture is and will remain a major industry in the nation as well as in California. There is a steady, continuing supply of professional managerial jobs for well-educated people in agriculture and natural resource management. In response to the quality of our programs and the career opportunities, the number of majors in the College of Agriculture continues to rise.

Individuals enrolled in the College of Agriculture receive theoretical knowledge and practical experience—both very necessary in becoming the future leaders of this important economic sector. Students learn through an integrated approach about the complex set of interrelationships between agriculture, the environment, political and social forces, and other sectors of the economy.

Facilities

Excellent agricultural facilities include 800 acres of irrigated farmland and approximately 240 acres of rangeland. A variety of crops are grown at the University Farm. It has excellent orchards and croplands and hosts a variety of livestock to support the educational mission.

Barns, shops, greenhouses, orchards, and laboratories at the University Farm, along with ample classrooms and well-equipped laboratories on the main campus, provide students with a fine environment in which to study and learn about agriculture, natural resources and agricultural business management.

University Farm offers students the opportunity to obtain practical experience in many different areas of both plant and food animal production systems. In addition, students have excellent opportunities to participate in funded applied agricultural research activities conducted by faculty and staff.

Outlook

Career opportunities appear excellent. Federal reports indicate that in the 21st century there will be more professional job openings in the agricultural and natural resource management sectors than there will be qualified graduates to fill those positions. Some graduates in agriculture enter positions leading to management responsibilities on the farm or ranch, in industry, in business, in governmental land management and regulatory agencies, or in research and education.

Other agriculturists are finding employment in various agriculturally related careers such as purchasing, advertising, public relations, transportation, inspection, and market reporting. And still others have taken positions with agricultural cooperatives, food and dairy product companies, agrichemical manufacturing and sales companies, farm credit, and agricultural communications.

For today's commercial farmer and natural resource manager, a degree in agriculture provides the technical and business background necessary to keep up with rapid changes that are taking place within the agricultural industry. The professional areas of teaching, agricultural extension, rural development, and basic or applied research also attract many graduates.

Programs

Undergraduate

Bachelor's

Minors

Certificates

Credentials

Pre-professionals

Graduate

Master's