B.S. in Agricultural Science & Technology
General Description:
Agricultural Sciences and Technology (AGST) is a major in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences that is designed to develop students in to becoming well-rounded agricultural scientists. Students take courses in Animal Science, Crop Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Economics, Pest Management, and Agricultural Engineering. This major has many open electives that will allow the student to design their own curriculum and to develop depth of knowledge in areas that meet their future goals. For example, some students choose to develop their expertise in animal sciences and agronomic crops, while others may take more courses in environmental sciences or agricultural economics.
Hands-on Experience:
Agriculture is an applied science and all AGST students have the opportunity to experience agriculture. All AGST students are required to do an internship. Students must also take a Capstone class their senior year. Capstone classes are designed to have students apply the knowledge that they have obtained in their studies to solving real-world problems. AGST students are also encouraged to learn outside the structured classroom setting. Many students work in University research labs or on University research farms. The close proximity of the United States Department of Agriculture Beltsville Research Center also provides many opportunities for our students. AGST students have opportunities to join agriculturally-based student clubs, such as the Animal Husbandry Club and the collegiate 4H Club. We also have a very active Agricultural Honor Sorority, Sigma Alpha and several judging teams. Each spring semester the University of Maryland sponsors AG Day. This is a student-run event occurs on the campus farm and it includes many agricultural activities, such as student livestock shows, horse shows, demonstrations, etc.
Who are AGST students?
AGST students have diverse backgrounds and professional goals. Some students are interested in managing a farm, teaching in a FFA program, environmental aspects of farming, extension, agricultural communications, marketing, or graduate school. Some students transfer in from community college others start as freshman. A number of students double major in AGST and another university major. However, all AGST have an interest in learning more about agriculture.
Your Future:
The AGST curriculum is designed to help students reach their career goals. The broad base of agricultural courses that students take in this major prepares them for employment opportunities in many agricultural fields. Employment opportunities include agricultural management, regulatory, teaching, extension, tech support, marketing, etc. Some students may wish to continue their education in graduate school. The AGST major is well suited to prepare students for graduate school. AGST has strong basic science requirements that are necessary to enter in to a MS or PhD program. AGST majors are also prepared to apply to get a masters degree in education, so they can teach agriculture in high school.