Agribusiness (BS)
Agribusiness is an important field because ag-related industry, from farming and livestock to food production and human nutrition, encompasses a significant portion of careers worldwide.
Discover your Future in Science, Sustainability, and the Great Outdoors
From the genetics of livestock and crops to wildlife science, the economics of agribusiness, managing fisheries, or forest ecology, our programs prepare you to lead in the science and stewardship of our food systems, ecosystems, landscapes, and natural resources. If you’re drawn to wildlife biology, dairy science, biotechnology to improve animal and human health, crop production, or preparing for vet school—Utah State University offers hands-on degrees that connect your passion to purpose.
Explore how plants and animals shape ecosystems and economies, and how agricultural innovation can feed a changing world. Whether you're interested in hands-on outdoor work, laboratory research (or a combination both), USU has a path for you.
These programs are a great fit for students who:
- Enjoy science, nature, and hands-on learning
- Want to make a difference in food, health, or the environment
- Are curious about animals, plants, and how they connect with people
- See themselves in careers that blend biology, business, and sustainability.
Undergraduate Degrees
Agricultural Education - Community-Based Emphasis (BS)
This emphasis prepares students for outreach and education in non-formal and adult education settings. Students will develop a diverse background in agriculture highlighting leadership, human relations, communication, analytical reasoning, critical thinki...
Agricultural Education - School-Based Emphasis (BS)
The school-based agricultural emphasis prepares students to meet state teacher certification requirements to teach agriculture in the public schools. Students can become school-based agriculture teachers and FFA advisors in high schools and technical educ...
Agricultural Systems Technology (BS)
The program combines an understanding of agricultural, biological, and physical sciences with technical and business managerial skills. Graduates may pursue numerous agricultural careers, such as working for an agricultural equipment corporation, managin...
Agricultural Systems Technology and Agribusiness (Composite) (BS)
The composite program prepares graduates for managerial careers within the agriculture industry, including running a family farm or ranch. Graduates may also pursue other agricultural careers, such as working for an agricultural equipment corporation, man...
Animal and Dairy Science (BS)
In this emphasis, students learn the application of scientific and engineering principles to the production of materials by animals to provide goods and services. Topics of study include quantitative trait mapping, genetic manipulation, and cloning.
Applied Economics (BS)
The combined training provided in this degree program is highly sought after by a range of employers in the public and private sectors. Applied Economics majors focus on analyzing and solving problems associated with the production, distribution, and cons...
Climate Science (BS)
The Climate Science Degree (CSD) program integrates basic and applied principles of meteorology, climatology with environmental physics, which are concerned with how natural laws determine the climate. Physical oceanography and land surface physics are al...
Equine Science and Management (BS)
Prepares students for careers like managing equine events, running breeding farms, writing for equine publications, working for breed associations, and working for feed and pharmaceutical companies that deal with equine health.
Forest Ecology and Management (BS)
This degree lets you gain the knowledge and skills needed to manage public or private forests — including a broad understanding of biology, economies, and policies — in the only nationally accredited forestry program in the state.
Freshwater and Marine Ecology (BS)
At the heart of the FAME program is a deep exploration of how aquatic ecosystems work, how they respond to natural and human-driven changes, and how they support biodiversity and societal wellbeing. In this major, students explore the biological, chemical...
Horticulture - Statewide Campus Only (BS)
The Horticulture major is designed for students in USU’s regional campus system along the Wasatch Front. It is targeted to the field of ornamental horticulture and will prepare students for careers in arboriculture, nursery production, landscape manageme...
Management and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems (BS)
Study the physical, chemical, and biological processes associated with managing and restoring rivers, streams, and lakes in a department that is nationally ranked for its research as you gain hands-on experience in the field.
Plant Science (BS)
USU is home to the only agriculturally focused plant science degree in the state. In this program, students focus on the research, production, and management of economically important plants. Students have access to faculty mentors and the opportunity to ...
Ranch Management Economics (BS)
Whether you’re managing a family-owned ranch or working in large-scale operations, this degree equips you with essential skills in applied economics, livestock management, and resource stewardship. Ranching in the Intermountain West—particularly on public...
Rangeland Ecology and Management (BS)
Learn how to manage public lands for recreational use while preserving the land's natural resources and restoring previously misused areas at the first university to offer expansive academic classes in outdoor recreation.
Soils and Sustainable Land Systems (BS, BA)
The Soils and Sustainable Land Systems major provides students with an understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur in the soil-water-atmosphere zone at the earth’s surface.
Veterinary Science (BS)
In this emphasis students will cover topics such as animal biology, management, and disease. Leads to career opportunities in veterinary medicine, life science research, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical testing laboratories.
Wildlife Ecology and Management (BS)
Study with nationally renowned faculty and gain hands-on experience in fieldwork and research of the ecology, behavior, conservation, and management of wildlife populations as you focus on current issues and concerns in natural resources.
Associates
Agricultural Machinery Technology (AAS) (UC)
The one-year certificate program is designed to familiarize students with the agricultural equipment industry. Certificate requirements include technical hands-on training on engines, power trains, hydraulics, DC electrical, and specialized forage, harves...
Agricultural Production and Automated Processing (AAS)
The Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS) in Agricultural Production and Automated Processing degree offers a solid foundation for establishing a rewarding career within the agricultural production and processing industry through hands-on practical tr...
Agricultural Science (AS)
Residents in all areas with in Utah can benefit from a degree program focused on helping graduates learn to design and apply technologies to guide the ethical use of land, food, water, and economic resources.
Ornamental Horticulture (AAS)
Ornamental Horticulture associates degree catalog page in the Plants, Soils & Climate department as part of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Utah State University.
Minors
Agribusiness (Minor)
The general catalog page for the agribusiness minor as part of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Utah State University. Minor requirements and course options are shown on page.
Agricultural Systems Technology (Minor)
Details for the Agricultural Systems Technology Minor in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Utah State University. This page gives the requirements and course details of the minor.
Agronomy (Minor)
Students investigate evolution, utilization, environmental adaptation, principles of agroecology, world production, and economic and social issues arising from crop production and management.
Animal Biotechnology (Minor)
The Animal Biotechnology Minor at Utah State University provides students with knowledge and training in areas that are important for careers in the life science industry.
Animal and Dairy Sciences (Minor)
Students study the influence and contributions of animal production and its commodities toward society.
Applied Economics (Minor)
The Applied Economics curriculum features a combination of economic theory, research, data analysis, and benefit-cost analysis techniques, making it an exceptional foundation for employment in government, industry, or for pursuing graduate studies in fiel...
Climate Change and Energy (Minor)
Students gain understanding of the scientific process and practice critical thinking about science’s role in societal issues. Students integrate socio-economic and sustainability concepts in the analysis of current climate and energy problem(s).
Crop Biotechnology (Minor)
Crop Biotechnology minor catalog page in the Plants, Soils & Climate department as part of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Utah State University.
Equine Science (Minor)
The Equine Science minor offers courses that cover equine healthcare and maintenance, basic equine conformation, and topics essential to current equine industry careers.
Horticulture (Minor)
Horticulture minor catalog page in the Plants, Soils & Climate department as part of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Utah State University.
Ornamental Horticulture (Minor)
Ornamental Horticulture associates degree catalog page in the Plants, Soils & Climate department as part of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Utah State University.
Residential Landscape Design (Minor)
Residential Landscape Design minor catalog page in the Plants, Soils & Climate department as part of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Utah State University.
Soil Science (Minor)
Soil Science minor catalog page in the Plants, Soils & Climate department as part of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Utah State University.
Veterinary Science (Minor)
Students study livestock, poultry, pleasure and companion animals, laboratory animals, and humans comparatively.
Certificates
Agricultural Production and Automated Processing (AAS)
The Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS) in Agricultural Production and Automated Processing degree offers a solid foundation for establishing a rewarding career within the agricultural production and processing industry through hands-on practical tr...
Applied Animal Reproduction (UC)
The Applied Animal Reproduction Certificate is designed to provide students with specialized knowledge and hands-on experience in reproductive technologies and management practices for various animal species.
Beef Cattle Management (UC)
The Beef Cattle Management Certificate is designed to provide students with specialized knowledge and hands-on experience in beef cattle production and management. This program emphasizes practical, real-world applications, preparing students for careers ...
Dairy Cattle Management (UC)
The Dairy Cattle Management Certificate is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the specialized knowledge and practical skills needed for careers in dairy cattle management. Students can pursue this certificate independently or alongsid...
Equine-Assisted Services (ICP)
Students will gain an understanding of the principles of equine-assisted services, the human-animal bond, how to train and assess horses for EAS, and the fundamentals of instructing horsemanship skills. Hands-on labs are provided to enhance student learni...
Foundations in Animal Science (UC)
The Foundations in Animal Science certificate is a 10- to 12-credit program designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of animal science, covering essential topics such as animal nutrition, livestock production systems, and hands-on ma...
Global Agriculture, Leadership, and Education (ICP)
The Global Agriculture, Leadership, and Education - Institutional Certificate of Proficiency as part of the ASTE department in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Utah State University.
Humans and Animal Assisted Interventions (UC)
The Humans and Animal-Assisted Interventions (HAAI) Undergraduate Academic Certificate is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the human-animal bond and its application in therapeutic settings. This certificate prepares stude...
Humans and Animal-Assisted Interventions (PBC)
The Humans and Animal-Assisted Interventions (HAAI) Post-Bachelor's Certificate is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the human-animal bond and its application in therapeutic settings. This certificate prepares students fo...
Livestock Extension (UC)
The Livestock Extension Certificate is designed to prepare students for careers in Extension, specifically focused on serving the animal agriculture needs of Utah's communities and stakeholders.
Ornamental Horticulture (UC)
Ornamental Horticulture Certificate of Completion catalog page in the Plants, Soils & Climate department as part of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Utah State University.
Ranch Horse Management (UC)
Ranch Horse Science is the study of horses used in the ranching industry to complete a number of duties, from transportation up to and including the handling of livestock while on horseback.
Sheep & Wool Production (UC)
The Sheep and Wool Production Certificate equips students with the knowledge and practical skills needed for careers in the sheep industry. This certificate prepares students for roles in sheep management, wool production, and small ruminant farming, ensu...
Graduate Degrees
Agricultural Extension and Education (MS)
Emphasizing a wide range of teaching and learning skills, this MS degree allows students to specialize in teaching, Extension/informal education, and adult education. While this degree does not result in a teaching license for public schools, students wil...
Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences (MS, PhD)
This department hosts a broad range of studies, from traditional animal and dairy management to in-depth biological areas, including cloning, molecular biology, genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics.
Climate Sciences (MS, PhD)
The program at USU focuses on climate variability, prediction/attribution, land surface processes, paleoclimate, and exchanges between land ecosystems and the atmosphere. These subjects impact agricultural crops, rangelands in the area, and mountain ecosy...
Ecology (MS, PhD)
The Ecology Center at USU has had a string of directors known nationally and worldwide as premier scientists in the field of ecology, and students graduating with a degree in ecology are able to make contacts with influential faculty that can help them as...
Fisheries Biology (MS)
Take the unique opportunity to study freshwater fish populations with hands-on field work and a plan of study created just for you.
Food Safety & Quality (MFSQ)
The next generation of food safety leadership starts with you. The 21st century farm-to-fork food chain faces significant challenges, including a shortage of food safety professionals ready to step into leadership roles. A Professional Master’s degree in...
Forestry (MS) (PhD)
Study the management of forest ecosystems and a variety of related issues in a customized plan of study as you earn a graduate degree.
Plant Science (MS, PhD)
The plant science graduate degrees are centered on the biology, genetics, and management of plants and other issues related to agricultural and horticultural production. In particular, USU’s plant science programs focus on regional issues pertaining to th...
Soil Science (MS, PhD)
The graduate programs in soil science are concerned with the chemical, physical, and biological aspects of the soil. This program is particularly strong in water-related issues, especially regional issues involving water and irrigation in the West.
Veterinary Public Health (MPH)
The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree provides students with a strong foundation in the core disciplines of public health.
Watershed Science (MS) (PhD)
Integrate physics, chemistry, and biology to understand watershed systems with hands-on field work and a plan of study based on your individual research interests
Wildlife Biology (MS) (PhD)
Study the management of human-wildlife conflict and current issues and concerns in natural resources under professors who are world-renown for their research and publications.