Agriculture and Food Systems Major (B.S.)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New Hampshire

Program Overview

The Agriculture and Food Systems Major (B.S.) at the University of New Hampshire is designed for students who want to address global challenges in sustainable agriculture, food production, and environmental stewardship through scientific knowledge and practical experience. The program combines plant science, animal science, soil science, agricultural business, and food systems with extensive experiential learning to prepare graduates for careers in agriculture, agribusiness, sustainability, research, and community food systems.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 : Students establish a strong scientific and agricultural foundation through introductory courses that explore food systems and biological sciences. Core subjects such as Agriculture, Food and Society (SAFS 401), General Biology I (BIOL 411), and General Chemistry I (CHEM 403) introduce students to sustainable agriculture, biological processes, and scientific problem-solving.

Year 2 : The second year develops technical knowledge of agricultural production and natural resources. Students study courses including Soils (SAFS 510), Plant Science (SAFS 602), and Agricultural Ecology (SAFS 603) to understand crop production, soil health, ecosystem interactions, and sustainable farming practices.

Year 3 : Students expand their expertise through advanced agricultural science and management courses while selecting electives aligned with their career interests. Courses such as Integrated Pest Management (SAFS 705), Sustainable Food Production (SAFS 711), and Agricultural Business Management strengthen analytical, production, and decision-making skills in modern agricultural systems.

Year 4 : The final year emphasizes applied learning, leadership, and professional preparation through advanced electives, independent study, and experiential opportunities. Students complete courses such as Capstone Experience in Sustainable Agriculture, Agricultural Policy, and Internship/Research Experience, integrating scientific knowledge with real-world agricultural challenges.

Focus areas : Sustainable Agriculture, Food Systems, Crop Production, Soil Science, Plant Science, Agricultural Ecology, Agricultural Business, Environmental Stewardship, Pest Management, Community Food Systems.

Learning outcomes : Apply scientific principles to agricultural production systems, evaluate sustainable farming practices, analyze food system challenges, develop solutions for environmental and agricultural issues, communicate effectively with agricultural stakeholders, integrate economic and ecological decision-making, conduct agricultural research, and demonstrate professional skills through experiential learning.

Professional alignment (accreditation) : The Agriculture and Food Systems Major is offered through the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at the University of New Hampshire, an institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The curriculum aligns with industry needs through research, extension, internships, and sustainable agriculture initiatives.

Reputation (employability rankings) : The University of New Hampshire is recognized for its strong programs in agriculture, sustainability, and environmental sciences, supported by extensive research facilities, Cooperative Extension programs, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare graduates for careers in agriculture, food systems, environmental management, and graduate study.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Agriculture and Food Systems Major (B.S.) at the University of New Hampshire emphasizes experiential education through field-based learning, laboratory instruction, research, internships, and community engagement. Students gain practical skills by working directly with crops, livestock, sustainable farming systems, and food production while using the university's research farms, greenhouses, laboratories, and extension resources. Throughout the program, students apply classroom knowledge to real agricultural challenges alongside faculty, researchers, and industry professionals, building both technical expertise and leadership skills through hands-on experiences:

Research Farms : Learn through practical activities at the UNH Fairchild Dairy Teaching and Research Center, Kingman Research Farm, and Woodman Horticultural Research Farm, where students participate in crop production, livestock management, soil health, and sustainable agriculture projects.
Macfarlane Research Greenhouses : Conduct plant production, propagation, greenhouse management, and controlled-environment agriculture activities using modern greenhouse facilities.
Organic Dairy Research Farm : Explore organic livestock production, pasture management, and sustainable dairy farming through hands-on field experiences.
Analytical & Teaching Laboratories : Perform laboratory work in plant science, soil science, agricultural biology, and environmental analysis using industry-standard scientific equipment.
Internship Experience : Complete internships with farms, food businesses, government agencies, Extension programs, nonprofit organizations, and agricultural industries to gain professional workplace experience.
Sustainable Agriculture Projects : Participate in collaborative field projects focused on food systems, regenerative agriculture, local food production, and environmental stewardship.
Undergraduate Research : Work alongside faculty on research involving crop science, soil fertility, pest management, food systems, and agricultural sustainability through the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station.
UNH Cooperative Extension : Engage with outreach programs, community agriculture initiatives, workshops, and producer education that connect students with real agricultural stakeholders.
Student Organizations : Join organizations such as the Agriculture Club, Organic Garden Club, and other College of Life Sciences and Agriculture organizations for leadership development, competitions, and networking.
Dimond Library : Access extensive agricultural, environmental science, food systems, and biological science collections, research databases, GIS resources, and academic support services for coursework and research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Agriculture and Food Systems Major (B.S.) at the University of New Hampshire are prepared to build careers across sustainable agriculture, food production, agribusiness, environmental stewardship, and community food systems. The interdisciplinary curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and strong industry engagement equip students with the technical, analytical, and leadership skills needed to succeed in the evolving agriculture and food sector. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as Agricultural Production Manager, Farm Manager, Food Systems Coordinator, Agricultural Extension Educator, and Sustainability Specialist.

Career pathways include :

University career services : Students receive career support through the UNH Career and Professional Success (CaPS) office, which offers one-on-one career advising, internship and job search assistance, résumé and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, career fairs, employer networking events, and access to Handshake for internships and employment opportunities.
Employment statistics and salary figures : According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Agricultural and Food Scientists earn a median annual salary of approximately US$80,670, while Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers earn a median annual salary of approximately US$87,980 (occupation dependent). Employment opportunities continue to grow in sustainable agriculture, food systems, agribusiness, and environmental management.
University–industry partnerships : Students collaborate with organizations through the UNH Organic Dairy Research Farm, Kingman Research Farm, Woodman Horticultural Research Farm, NH Agricultural Experiment Station, UNH Cooperative Extension, local farms, agricultural businesses, government agencies, and community food organizations, providing valuable hands-on learning and professional networking opportunities.
Long-term academic value : The University of New Hampshire is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), ensuring that graduates earn a nationally recognized degree valued by employers, government agencies, and graduate schools.
Graduation outcomes : Graduates pursue careers in agricultural production, food systems management, agribusiness, extension education, environmental consulting, conservation organizations, nonprofit food initiatives, government agencies such as the USDA, and private agricultural enterprises.

Further Academic Progression : Graduates may continue their education through advanced programs such as the Master of Science in Agriculture, Nutrition and Food Systems, Master of Science in Natural Resources and the Environment, Master of Public Administration, Master of Business Administration (MBA), or other graduate degrees in sustainable agriculture, food systems, environmental science, agribusiness, and related disciplines. These pathways prepare graduates for leadership positions, research careers, policy development, consulting, and doctoral study.