Academic programs in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources open doors to exciting and rewarding career and professional opportunities. Agriculture is the foundation upon which NDSU was established in the late 1800s. Today, the college builds on that tradition with teaching, research, and outreach that serves the interests of students and the needs of employers, fuels an economic engine critical to the United States, and improves the lives of people throughout the region and the world.

Mission and Values

The college provides relevant and challenging academic programs that prepare students to capitalize on current and future opportunities. Programs are based on fundamental sciences and technologies applied to agricultural life and environmental disciplines as well as related social and economic fields.

NDSU Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources is taking its place as one of the nation's leaders. Our commitment to excellence has inspired new courses of study and has built ongoing partnerships with agricultural industries and government agencies.

Demand for graduates with expertise in the college's many disciplines continues to grow rapidly. Career opportunities for men and women are expanding into new areas made possible by new technologies and a more comprehensive global perspective.

Food safety and security, biotechnology and genetics, sustainable production and land stewardship, bio-energy and bio-products, and human/animal health are emerging national priorities. Our faculty are at the forefront of these and similar critical issues. Our students can engage their interests while gaining valuable hands-on learning experiences in the field, laboratories, and through interactions with business partners across the region.

Agricultural Education

NDSU is designated by the State Board for Career and Technical Education as the recognized institution for preparing teachers of Agricultural Education. While the degree program in Agricultural Education is offered by the College of Human Development and Education, students generally spend the first two years in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources' Pre-Agricultural Education program. When qualified, they transfer to the School of Education to complete the Agricultural Education degree program. See the School of Education section in this Bulletin under the College of Human Development and Education for more information.

Interdisciplinary Studies and Affiliated Programs

The college contributes strongly to interdisciplinary studies in natural resources management, food safety, logistics management, and several graduate programs. See Interdisciplinary Programs section of this Bulletin for more information.  A major in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is offered by the College of Engineering . The College of Human Development and Education offers a major in Agricultural Education and the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences offers a major in Agricultural Communication. These majors rely on the expertise and resources from the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources.

Graduate and Professional Schools

The college's academic programs are excellent preparation for continued formal education in graduate school programs and in professional schools offering degrees in business, law, medicine or veterinary medicine. For more information on graduate school opportunities at NDSU see the Graduate School web site.

Honor System

A student-elected honor system recognizes the ability of students to govern themselves. The honor system, in place since 1955, provides an enhanced learning environment. All students enrolled in programs and courses offered by the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources are required to uphold the honor system.

Scholarships

Students in the college who have selected one of the college’s majors may be eligible for scholarships through their major department and/or the dean’s office. Scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated excellence in their courses. About one-third of students in the college receive scholarships. Students are encouraged to contact their major department or the college web site for scholarship opportunities .

Student Organizations

Nearly 30 agriculture-related clubs and organizations provide opportunities for students to develop leadership, teamwork, interpersonal and communication skills.

Field Experience, Internships, Cooperative Education

Students gain practical experience and credits by enrolling in a supervised field experience (internship) offered through individual departments. Another option, offered by the Career Center , provides undergraduate and graduate students with career-enhancing experiences and academic credits through the Cooperative Education program . The number of cooperative education credits allowed for graduation varies by program, but should not exceed six for any program in the college.

International Study

The college encourages students to gain international perspectives in their studies. Besides study abroad, students might consider adding the international studies major to their program in the college. Additional information is available from departmental offices or through the university's Office of International Programs .

The following program is a College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources program of study:

General Agriculture

The following program is interdisciplinary and is integrated with more than one college/departments within the University:

Great Plains Institute of Food Safety (Food Safety major and minor)