Introduction

The Agricultural Studies major is offered through the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences. The academic departments participating in the major include Biology, Economics, Geography, and Politics and Public Administration. Other departments will participate as the program develops. As a multidisciplinary major, it is overseen by the Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and administered by the Founding Chair of the program, Dr. Mark E. Bender (The Rolland Starn Endowed Chair in Agricultural Studies).  The Agricultural Studies major is a multidisciplinary program that blends the contributions of a number of academic departments and is not intended to replicate   traditional  agricultural programs offered on other CSU campuses. It does seek to address the unmet educational needs of students and the Agricultural Industry in the northern San Joaquin Valley.  As the program develops, it is anticipated that the unique nature and global perspectives of the program will attract students throughout California, the nation, and the world.

Description of the Program

The Bachelor of Arts in Agricultural Studies is a multidisciplinary program that blends the contribution of a number of academic departments through upper division core courses and four concentrations: Agricultural Biology, Agricultural Business/Economics, and Permaculture. The program encourages students to explore diverse approaches to agricultural production, distribution, and management in evolving economic and environmental settings. Experiential learning and applied research opportunities are offered through concentrations. The major fosters sustainable relationships with area community colleges through the implementation of a “2+2” program design. Individuals who have an A.S. degree or equivalent in lower-division course work in Agriculture, Agriculture Science, Agricultural Economics and closely related fields, and who complete the designated lower-division prerequisite courses, may participate in the program.

Preparation for the Major

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