Agriculture

Grow your future with Agriculture at UNC Pembroke. Our Bachelor of Science in Agriculture combines hands-on learning in plant, animal and soil science with real-world experience to prepare you for careers in agribusiness, sustainable agriculture, livestock management and more.

Degrees

BSBachelor of Science

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Biology

Apply Now

female agriculture student crouched down beside a row of green vegetables in a garden

You can tailor your degree to match your interests, career goals and hands-on learning preferences. Through a combination of focused coursework, experiential learning and faculty mentorship, you’ll build a personalized academic path that prepares you for careers in today’s agricultural industry.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

This isn't the kind of program where you learn from behind a desk. Gain hands-on experience through::

Field labs and on-campus agricultural facilities
Greenhouse and crop research projects
Livestock handling and animal care experiences
Undergraduate research with faculty
Internships with farms, agribusinesses, agencies and organizations

Flexible Electives

Our elective courses allow you to explore specialized areas of agriculture while building skills that support your career goals.

You can choose from courses in animal science, plant biology, sustainable farming systems, pollinator health and greenhouse management, as well as emerging technologies like geographic information science and remote sensing. These electives help you deepen your expertise, gain hands-on experience and tailor your degree toward careers in areas such as livestock management, crop production, agricultural technology or environmental sustainability.

Explore Electives

Faculty Advising & Career Preparation

Our faculty advisors work closely with you to help shape your academic and career path. Through personalized guidance, they help you:

Design an academic plan that aligns with your interests and career goals
Identify internships, research opportunities and hands-on learning experiences
Prepare for careers in agriculture, agribusiness, education, research and related fields

Science-Based Curriculum

Build a strong foundation in biology, chemistry and environmental science that supports modern, data-driven agricultural practices.

Through laboratory instruction, scientific analysis and applied research, students develop the technical knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to understand plant systems, soil health, animal physiology and environmental interactions. This scientific framework prepares graduates to evaluate agricultural challenges using evidence-based methods and emerging technologies.

male teacher in white coat leads studentsin a lab

male teacher in white coat leads studentsin a lab

Animal & Plant Science

Explore both animal and plant systems through coursework in animal science, horticulture, pest management and crop production.

Students examine biological processes, production systems and management practices that support efficient and responsible agricultural operations. Through a combination of classroom instruction and applied learning, the program prepares graduates for diverse careers in agricultural production, agribusiness, research, extension services and environmental management.

people in bee suits with bee hive

Two agriculture students stand within view of a buffalo.

Hands-On Learning

Learn by doing every semester. Agriculture students gain real-world experience through laboratories, fieldwork, course-based research and community projects — not just lectures.

From greenhouse production and soil analysis to livestock management and crop evaluation, students apply classroom concepts in practical settings that strengthen technical skills and professional confidence. These experiential learning opportunities reinforce academic coursework while preparing students to address real agricultural challenges with competence and adaptability.

girl holding plant and dropper

Agriculture student working with blue bins in the garden

Sustainability & Food Systems

Study how agriculture connects to sustainability, food security and environmental stewardship in a changing world.

Students examine the relationships between food production, natural resource management and global food systems while exploring strategies that promote long-term environmental and economic viability. Through coursework and applied learning, students analyze issues such as soil conservation, water use, climate impacts and responsible production practices. This integrated approach prepares graduates to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to sustainable agricultural systems at local, regional and global levels.

students looks at plants in garden

Agriculture student conducts hands-on plant work in a campus greenhouse

Garden & Apiary

UNCP’s Campus Garden and Apiary give students a hands-on space to learn by doing, from planting and soil care to pollinator health and sustainable growing practices. The garden and hives connect classroom concepts to real-world agriculture, showing how food systems and environmental stewardship work together. It’s also a visible reminder that agriculture is active on our campus, not just something you read about.

Agriculture Club

UNCP Agriculture Club brings students together through hands-on activities, leadership development, and community engagement. Members gain real-world experience through plant sales, campus events, service projects, and networking opportunities that complement classroom learning and build lasting connections.

Agriculture students and faculty visit a historic barn during an educational small farm field trip.

Field Trips

Field trips give students hands-on exposure to real-world agricultural operations, including farms, research sites and industry facilities. These experiences connect classroom learning to practical applications while expanding students’ understanding of agriculture in diverse settings.

Where Can an Agriculture Degree Take You?

Our program connects students to real-world experiences and the many opportunities agriculture offers across North Carolina. Whether it’s traditional crops or next-generation proteins, our students are preparing to lead in every area of the industry.

Dr. Bryan Sales

associate professor and director of UNCP’s agriculture program

Common Careers

Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from UNCP are prepared for a wide range of careers in the agricultural industry and related fields. You’ll be ready to pursue opportunities in areas such as:

Agribusiness and agricultural management
Crop and livestock production
Environmental and natural resource careers
Agricultural education or extension services
Graduate or professional study in agriculture or related sciences

a male student in the woods doing data

Through a partnership with the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at NC State University, five Braves are serving as Bezos Scholars, exploring innovative solutions in sustainable food production. The scholars' work extends beyond the classroom to include developing K–12 lesson plans, visiting industry leaders like Novonesis and gaining hands-on agricultural experience at UNCP’s ACRES site.

Bezos Scholars Alexis Pegram, Jack Taylor, Dr. Bryan Sales and Cassandra Helms.

Send us a message and one of our counselors will get back to you