College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences

Students in having a discussion in class.

John Killefer, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council Endowed Dean
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
Berg Agricultural Hall 131, Box 2207
605-688-4148

Donald M. Marshall, Associate Dean for Academic Programs
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
Berg Agricultural Hall 156, Box 2207
605-688-5133

Overview

Undergraduate academic programs in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences lead to a Bachelor of Science degree with a variety of majors and minors. An Associate of Science degree is also available. Graduate degrees are offered in several disciplines. Students in agriculture enter into a wide array of technical, professional, and business careers, many of which deal with producing, processing, financing, and marketing food and other agricultural products. Students also enter into a variety of career areas related to natural resources, such as wildlife and fisheries biology, ecology, conservation, environmental science, and resource management. Many graduates in agriculture, food and environmental sciences are recruited by public agencies for employment in such services as forestry, parks, fish and wildlife, food safety and public health, conservation of natural resources, research laboratories, and many others. Many graduates pursue advanced degrees in graduate schools or professional schools such as veterinary medicine or law. In addition to academic programs, the College has extensive involvement in research and outreach/extension. Research for the benefit of South Dakota, the region, and the world is done in such areas as food science, agricultural production, natural resource management, agricultural economics, and biomass-based energy and products. SDSU Extension provides educational services statewide to promote the beneficial use and development of human, economic, and natural resources.

Departments

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science
Animal Science
Dairy and Food Science
Economics
Natural Resource Management
Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences

Degrees Offered

Associate of Science
Bachelor of Science
Master of Science*
Doctor of Philosophy*

* Graduate degrees are offered in collaboration with the Graduate School. For details, see the Graduate Catalog.

Degree Requirements

Students seeking the Bachelor of Science degree must complete the System General Education Requirements. In some majors, the student must select a “specialization.” Additional requirements for both Bachelor of Science degrees follow.

The requirements of one of the College’s majors must be met. Specific requirements are listed under each program of study.
25 semester credits must be upper division (300 and above), with the exception that MATH 125 and 225, Calculus II and III, may be counted as five credits toward the total.

Bachelor of Science

Students who wish to complete a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences must complete a minimum of 11 credits from the approved list of Group 1 courses. Some departments require specific courses from the list, whereas others leave the selection to the student and the advisor.

Secondary Education Courses

Students planning to teach at the secondary level should start taking professional education courses during their sophomore year. Students must apply for admission to the Supervisor of Student Teaching before being admitted to the education sequence. (See College of Education and Human Sciences for details.)

Accreditations/Reviews

American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD)
American Society of Agricultural Engineering (ASAE)
Society for Range Management

Student Support & Engagement Opportunities

The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences has a robust and rich history of engaging students in a variety of ways to foster their success while they are on campus. Whether it is joining one of our many student clubs that can be found in the college or becoming a part of the Living and Learning Community, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Engaging in such activities helps you not only connect with other students with a similar passion, but can also connect you to current professionals within your area of study.

Programs

One of the hallmarks of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences is its diversity with multiple departments, numerous majors and specializations, and hundreds of different courses from which to choose. The college offers premier curricula dispensed by faculty who are committed to student success.