BS Agricultural Sciences

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Cornell University

Program Overview

The BS in Agricultural Sciences at Cornell University is designed for students who want to understand the science behind sustainable agriculture, food production, and environmental stewardship while preparing for careers in modern agricultural industries. Students gain a strong foundation in biological, chemical, environmental, and agricultural sciences, with the flexibility to tailor their studies through concentrations and hands-on learning experiences across Cornell's farms, laboratories, and research facilities.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 : Students build a strong scientific foundation through courses in Introductory Biology, General Chemistry, Calculus, and First-Year Writing while exploring the fundamentals of agricultural systems. These subjects develop essential analytical and laboratory skills required for advanced study in agricultural sciences.

Year 2 : The second year introduces core agricultural science concepts through courses such as Soil Science, Plant Biology, Statistics, and Agricultural Systems. Students strengthen their understanding of plant growth, soil health, environmental interactions, and scientific data analysis while participating in laboratory and field-based learning.

Year 3 : Students progress into advanced agricultural topics including Crop Science, Plant Genetics, Integrated Pest Management, and Sustainable Agriculture. Elective coursework allows students to specialize in areas aligned with their academic and career interests while gaining practical experience through research projects, internships, or experiential learning opportunities.

Year 4 : The final year emphasizes applied problem-solving through advanced electives, independent research, and a capstone or senior project. Students integrate knowledge from disciplines such as agricultural ecology, plant breeding, environmental management, and food systems to address real-world agricultural challenges while preparing for professional careers or graduate study.

Focus areas : Crop Science, Plant Biology, Soil Science, Sustainable Agriculture, Agricultural Ecology, Plant Genetics, Environmental Science, Food Systems, Agricultural Research, Data Analysis.

Learning outcomes : Apply biological, chemical, and environmental science principles to agricultural systems; evaluate sustainable farming practices; analyze agricultural data using scientific methods; conduct laboratory and field research; develop solutions to agricultural and environmental challenges; communicate scientific findings effectively; and prepare for professional careers or advanced study in agricultural sciences.

Professional alignment (accreditation) : The BS in Agricultural Sciences is offered through the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), one of the world's leading colleges for agricultural education and research. While the program is not subject to specialized professional accreditation, it follows Cornell University's rigorous academic standards and is recognized internationally for excellence in agricultural science education.

Reputation (employability rankings) : Cornell University is consistently ranked among the world's leading institutions for Agriculture and Forestry in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. Its global reputation, extensive research opportunities, industry collaborations, and strong alumni network provide graduates with excellent employment and graduate study prospects.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS in Agricultural Sciences at Cornell University emphasizes learning through direct experience in laboratories, research farms, field-based coursework, and collaborative projects. Students apply classroom knowledge to real agricultural challenges by working alongside faculty, researchers, and industry professionals while using Cornell's extensive agricultural facilities, experimental fields, and modern laboratories. Opportunities for undergraduate research, experiential courses, and internships help students develop practical skills in crop production, soil science, plant biology, agricultural sustainability, and data-driven decision-making.

Students enhance their practical learning through a wide range of university resources and experiences:

Teaching and research farms : Gain hands-on experience at Cornell Orchards, the Vegetable Research Farm, Musgrave Research Farm, and other Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station facilities used for crop, soil, and sustainability research.
Cornell AgriTech : Access advanced research facilities focused on plant science, food systems, precision agriculture, plant pathology, entomology, and agricultural innovation while interacting with leading researchers.
Undergraduate research opportunities : Participate in faculty-led research through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), contributing to projects in plant breeding, soil health, climate-smart agriculture, genetics, and sustainable food production.
Laboratories : Develop technical skills in plant science, soil science, microbiology, genetics, ecology, chemistry, and environmental analysis through laboratory-based courses.
Field-based learning : Complete practical coursework involving crop identification, soil sampling, field experiments, environmental monitoring, and agricultural production systems across Cornell's research farms and natural areas.
Internships and experiential education : Complete internships with agricultural companies, government agencies, research institutions, cooperative extension programs, and nonprofit organizations through CALS experiential learning opportunities.
Group projects : Work in multidisciplinary teams to solve real agricultural and environmental challenges using scientific analysis, research, and sustainable management practices.
Digital and analytical tools : Learn to apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS), statistical analysis software, precision agriculture technologies, laboratory instrumentation, and agricultural data analysis tools where appropriate within coursework and research.
Cornell Cooperative Extension : Engage with extension specialists and community-based agricultural programs that connect classroom learning with real-world farming, food systems, and rural development.
Libraries and academic resources : Utilize the Albert R. Mann Library, one of the world's leading agriculture and life sciences libraries, providing extensive collections, research support, GIS services, and data resources for agricultural studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BS Agricultural Sciences at Cornell University are prepared for careers across agriculture, food systems, environmental management, agribusiness, and agricultural research. The program combines scientific knowledge with practical experience, enabling students to solve real-world agricultural challenges while building a strong foundation for professional employment or advanced study.

Typical job roles : Agricultural Scientist, Crop Consultant, Agronomist, Agricultural Extension Specialist.

Career development and graduate success :

University career services : Cornell Career Services and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Career Development Office provide individualized career advising, resume and interview coaching, internship and job search support, career fairs, employer networking events, Handshake job listings, and alumni mentoring to help students transition into the workforce.
Employment statistics and salary figures : Cornell University publishes career outcomes for graduates through its Career Services and Postgraduate Survey; however, it does not publish official employment rates or starting salary figures specifically for the BS Agricultural Sciences program.
University–industry partnerships : CALS collaborates with organizations including the Cornell Cooperative Extension, the USDA, New York State agricultural agencies, agricultural producers, food companies, and research organizations, providing students with internships, applied research, extension projects, and industry engagement opportunities.
Long-term accreditation value : Cornell University is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). As an internationally recognized Ivy League institution, its degrees are respected worldwide by employers, research organizations, and graduate schools.
Graduation outcomes : Graduates possess expertise in agricultural science, crop and soil management, sustainability, scientific research, data analysis, and communication, preparing them for careers in industry, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, agricultural consulting, or graduate education.

Further Academic Progression : After completing the BS Agricultural Sciences, graduates can pursue advanced study through a Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Agricultural Sciences, Agronomy, Plant Science, Soil Science, Horticulture, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Food Science, or related disciplines at Cornell University or other leading institutions. The degree also provides an excellent pathway into professional programs and research-focused careers in agriculture and environmental sciences.