Agroecology

专业介绍

Agroecology works to make agriculture and food systems more sustainable. Agroecologists consider agricultural and food systems as a whole to improve human health and well-being. Agroecologists study plants, animals, microbes, soils, water, air, and people. They examine the role of ecology, sociology, economics, and politics in agriculture, and work to support solutions to global challenges like climate change, food insecurity, biodiversity decline, and social inequality.

What will I study in agroecology?

• All Agroecology students make a strong start by taking a CALS First-Year seminar. These seminars allow students to explore different areas of study, learn how to access campus resources, and make friends and connections.
• Students start their major coursework by building a strong, basic understanding of the biological and social sciences. Through Agroecology core and capstone courses, students learn to make connections between what they’re learning in the classroom and real-world issues. Students also get to customize their upper-level courses based on interest by selecting courses in areas like animals and plants, microscopic life, ecosystems, natural resources, agricultural practices, health and nutrition, and communities. Many Agroecology students also choose to pursue additional majors or certificates.
• Agroecology students have many opportunities to get involved with hands-on learning through work in our greenhouses, fieldwork, or research in labs with faculty and staff in departments across the college.

The knowledge and skills developed through the agroecology major prepare students for a wide variety of careers. Some of the areas students may work in include conservation and environmental organizations; the agricultural industry; local, state, and federal agencies; consulting; watershed and farm management; and agricultural policy, research, and education.

Many students continue their education in graduate programs. Some specialize in plant science, entomology, plant pathology, soil science, or sociology, while others continue in cross-disciplinary programs such as agroecology, public policy, and environmental science.

The agroecology major is housed in the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, and faculty and staff from many CALS departments come together to support the program.