College Life

Private Schools That Are Well Known for This Major

• Cornell University
• Harvard University
• Tufts University
• Johns Hopkins University

State Schools That Are Well Known for This Major

• University of California—Davis
• University of Massachusetts
• University of Florida
• University of Wisconsin
• University of Minnesota

Classes in the Major

Biology. Almost any major that is a science will require an introductory biology course. Schools do this for good reason; the aspects of biology definitely filter into agriculture. Just ask the ghost of Gregor Mendel.

One of the most important concepts you'll learn here is evolution, especially if you plan on doing any work in crop production. You can't help a new hyper-productive strain of wheat emerge if you don't understand how to weed out the bad genes.

Sustainable Agriculture. Gone are the days of using massive amounts of nitrogenous fertilizers, and you definitely can't solve every problem with DDT like in the (not so) good ol' days. Because sustainability is becoming increasingly important, this type of class focuses on responsible farming practices. They will save you the hassle of unlearning bad practices by teaching you socially acceptable methods from the get-go.

Horticulture. What the heck makes a plant different from an animal? Who are some of the big names in agriculture? These are the types of questions you will have answered in your horticulture classes. You'll learn about how George Washington Carver was a total stud in the agriculture field because of his experience with botany. Although, it's safe to say your professors will have a much more boring way of describing his success.

Field Crop Systems. Oak trees and corn are grown in very different ways, so if you plan on skipping these classes, get ready to be laughed at by your colleagues. Here, you'll learn all about historically important crop plants such as wheat, rice, and corn. These crops are extremely important to the world today. They can be used for anything from food to fuel production. You'll learn how to manage them, grow them, keep them from contracting diseases, and if your professor is any fun, you'll get credit for checking out the corn mazes in October (no guarantees here).

Pest Management. Finally, an answer to the age-old question, "How do I get my little brother to quit buggin' me?" Ha, right. You wish. This is actually where you learn to deal with those frustrating little buggers that ruin your crops, not your Call of Duty rankings. Here, you'll learn how to keep insect and rodent infestations from destroying a season's harvest. There will be a focus on ecology, as plant and animal interactions are important here.