BS Agriscience and Environmental Systems

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Georgia

Program Overview

The BS Agriscience and Environmental Systems at the University of Georgia prepares students to apply scientific knowledge and emerging technologies to solve modern agricultural and environmental challenges. Designed for students interested in crop production, sustainable agriculture, precision farming, and natural resource management, the program combines strong scientific foundations with practical field and laboratory experiences while offering emphasis areas in General, Precision Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture, and Plant Breeding & Genetics.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish a strong academic foundation through courses in Crop Science (CRSS 2010/L) or Horticulture (HORT 2000), Biology, Chemistry, mathematics, and communication. These subjects introduce the biological, chemical, and ecological principles that underpin modern agricultural systems while developing analytical and communication skills.

Year 2: The second year expands students' understanding of agricultural production through courses such as Agricultural Economics (AAEC 2580), Statistics (STAT 2000), Animal Science (ADSC 2010), and advanced chemistry. Students strengthen their quantitative skills while exploring the economic, environmental, and management aspects of agricultural enterprises.

Year 3: Students progress into advanced major coursework including Soils and Hydrology, Crop Science (CRSS 3060/L), Principles of Precision Agriculture, Plant Pathology, Genetics, and discipline-specific electives based on their chosen emphasis. Coursework integrates laboratory investigations, field applications, and data-driven decision-making to address crop production and environmental sustainability challenges.

Year 4: The final year emphasizes specialization and professional preparation through advanced courses such as Weed Science, Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition, Principles of Remote Sensing for Agricultural Sciences, Sensors in Precision Agriculture, Advanced Topics in Precision Agriculture, or Plant Breeding courses depending on the selected emphasis. Students complete upper-level electives that prepare them for careers in industry, research, consulting, or graduate study by applying modern technologies and scientific problem-solving to real-world agricultural systems.

Focus Areas: Crop Science, Soil Science, Precision Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture, Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agricultural Biotechnology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, Resource Management, Environmental Sustainability, Agribusiness, Agricultural Technology.

Learning Outcomes: Apply scientific principles to agricultural production systems, analyze soil and crop interactions, utilize precision agriculture technologies and GIS tools, develop sustainable resource management solutions, interpret agricultural data for decision-making, integrate biotechnology into crop improvement, communicate technical information effectively, and solve complex agricultural and environmental challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is offered by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and provides industry-relevant preparation through emphasis areas in Precision Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture, Plant Breeding & Genetics, and General Agriscience, supporting careers in agricultural production, agribusiness, environmental management, research, and graduate education.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Georgia is consistently recognized among the leading public universities in the United States, and its College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is widely respected for agricultural education, research, extension, and strong industry partnerships that enhance graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS in Agriscience and Environmental Systems at the University of Georgia emphasizes hands-on learning through classroom, laboratory, and field experiences that prepare students to solve real-world agricultural and environmental challenges. Students apply concepts in crop science, soil science, plant breeding, precision agriculture, biotechnology, and natural resource management using industry-relevant technologies while working alongside faculty on research and applied projects. The program also provides opportunities to gain professional experience through internships, undergraduate research, study abroad, and experiential learning activities supported by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). These experiences help students build technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills before graduation:

Classroom & Field Laboratories: Participate in laboratory and field-based practical sessions covering crop production, agronomy, soil science, and environmental systems.
Soil & Water Analysis: Gain hands-on experience performing soil testing and water quality analysis using scientific laboratory methods.
Precision Agriculture Technologies: Learn to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), precision agriculture technologies, biotechnology applications, and industry research prototypes to support modern agricultural production.
Undergraduate Research: Work with CAES faculty on research projects through faculty-mentored undergraduate research opportunities and the CAES Undergraduate Research Program.
Internship Opportunities: Complete internships with private companies, state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, or through crop science and environmental soil science internship courses. Paid precision agriculture internships are also available through ongoing research projects.
Study Abroad: Participate in CAES faculty-led study abroad programs or international agriculture experiences that satisfy the university's experiential learning requirement.
Research Institutes & Centers: Access research environments such as the Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture, Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, and Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratories.
Student Organizations & Collaborative Projects: Engage in agricultural student clubs, collaborative projects, leadership activities, and service-learning experiences that complement classroom learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BS Agriscience and Environmental Systems program are prepared to solve complex agricultural and environmental challenges through science, technology, and sustainable management practices. With strong practical experience, research exposure, and industry engagement, graduates are well positioned for careers in agriculture, environmental consulting, agribusiness, government agencies, and related industries. Typical career paths include Agronomist, Environmental Consultant, Agricultural Research Associate, and Natural Resource Specialist.

Career Development Services: The University of Georgia Career Center supports students through one-on-one career advising, resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, career assessments, networking events, employer information sessions, internship support, and campus-wide career fairs that connect students with agricultural and environmental employers.
Employment Opportunities: Graduates are prepared for careers in agricultural production, environmental management, conservation organizations, agribusiness companies, government agencies, extension services, research institutions, and the natural resources sector.
Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from the University of Georgia's strong collaborations with agricultural producers, agribusiness companies, government organizations, Cooperative Extension, research centers, and industry partners that provide experiential learning, internships, applied research opportunities, and professional networking.
Accreditation Value: A degree from the University of Georgia, a regionally accredited institution, is widely recognized by employers and graduate schools, providing graduates with a respected qualification that supports long-term career advancement and professional development.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates leave with practical field experience, analytical and laboratory skills, problem-solving abilities, research experience, and professional competencies that enable them to contribute to sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and natural resource management across public and private sectors.
Further Academic Progression: After completing this bachelor's degree, students can continue their education through master's or doctoral programs in Agronomy, Crop and Soil Sciences, Environmental Science, Agricultural and Applied Economics, Plant Protection and Pest Management, Sustainable Agriculture, Natural Resources Management, or related agricultural and environmental disciplines. These advanced qualifications can lead to specialized technical, research, consulting, policy, and academic careers.