College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Curriculum in Agricultural Science
The Agricultural Science curriculum is designed to offer the student a combination of courses in scientific agriculture and in professional education that will meet requirements for employment and advanced study in different careers in which the emphasis is on formal and informal programs of education. Such careers may include teaching agricultural science in high schools, area vocational schools and community colleges; working as an agricultural extension agent; working as an agricultural representative for a marketing agency, an agricultural supply company or other industries related to agriculture; and serving as an agricultural technician in an international program.
A student majoring in agricultural science will be counseled by an advisor in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications to ensure that the program developed with the student will satisfy his or her unique interests, needs and professional aspirations. A combination of courses in scientific agriculture, education and general studies provides students with a knowledge of scientific agriculture and the ability to work with and influence people. Flexibility in course selection allows a student to place emphasis on a particular field of agriculture or to prepare broadly in agricultural studies. This flexibility might prepare a student to teach in a particular school setting, focusing upon a certain curriculum (e.g., horticulture, animal science and agricultural business).
Many aspects of the practice of agriculture are learned through experience. Enrollment in high school agricultural science and participation in FFA and/or 4-H are encouraged and recommended.
A student following this curriculum may be eligible to enter public schools as a teacher of agricultural science under the Texas Education Agency. Off-campus student teaching is required.