Agriculture and Food Science

Are you a nurturer and a giver? Do you enjoy making complex scientific decisions? Do you have a strong sense of adventure? If so, you might enjoy a career in agriculture or food science. The agriculture and food science industries make a tremendous impact on our lives, providing the food and resources we need every day. New challenges abound in areas including renewable energy, biotechnology, genomics, and plant and animal biology.

The University of Minnesota's world-renowned programs in agriculture and food science offer great academics, great opportunities, and a great location to help you prepare for a career in these important industries.

GREAT ACADEMICS

As a freshman, you will join our academic community through one of seven freshman-admitting colleges. Each college contains a wide range of majors. Typically, students interested in agriculture or food science begin in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS).

Choose from the following undergraduate majors that relate to agriculture and food science in business, communication, education, and science:

The challenges of safely feeding the world's population, maintaining its green spaces, and protecting its resources are immense. Graduates who can address these challenges are in high demand, especially when they have degrees from prestigious universities like the University of Minnesota.

World-Class Research

For many years, agricultural and food science research at the University of Minnesota has made breakthroughs that impact the entire world. For example, in 1970, former U of M student Norman Borlaug won the Nobel Peace Prize for increasing food production in developing countries. And in the 1990s, our researchers discovered that eating whole grains may help reduce heart disease.

Today, the University of Minnesota's six centers for research continue to create an impact by focusing on safe and healthy foods, environmental quality, and revitalization of Minnesota's regional economies.

Career and Internship Opportunities

Earning a degree from one of the nation's top public universities will prepare you for a successful career. Common agriculture and food science careers include:

  • Agricultural Inspector
  • Botanist
  • Commodity Merchandiser
  • Dietitian
  • Farm Equipment Mechanic
  • Financial Adviser
  • Food Scientist
  • Golf Course Superintendent
  • Nursery/Greenhouse Manager
  • Outreach Specialist
  • Ranch Manager
  • Soil Scientist
  • Technical Writer

Get a Head Start

Jump-start your career with a hands-on internship in agriculture or food science. Many students take advantage of the U of M's Professional Experience Program (PEP) course, which awards college credit for work experience. The St. Paul Career Center can help you obtain internships and prepare for your career after college.

Featured Classes

Wondering what college classes are really like? Featured Class gives you the scoop on what's happening in the classrooms and the laboratories of the University of Minnesota. From freshman seminars to honors colloquia, we'll give you an inside look at real college classes being offered at the U of M:

Did You Know?

The University of Minnesota has a very long tradition of using an interdisciplinary approach to solving the world's most dire problems. "Father of the Green Revolution," U of M alumnus, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Norman Borlaug provides one example. He is the only agricultural scientist to win the Nobel Prize for Peace (1970).

His research combining plant science, social studies, and economics is credited with saving over a billion people from starvation. When developing nations were struggling with famine and drought, he created crops that were resistant to disease and drought. A degree in the agricultural or food science fields from the University of Minnesota will give you the foundation you need to address some of the world's most challenging problems.

GREAT OPPORTUNITIES

Study Abroad

To prepare you for life in a global society, the U of M actively encourages studying abroad. Working or learning in a foreign country will build your skills, confidence, and cultural awareness as you enter the working world. The Learning Abroad Center offers almost 300 programs in over 60 countries. Just imagine doing a field study in Moroccan agriculture or studying health and nutrition in the Dominican Republic!

Students in agriculture also have the opportunity to participate in MAST International, a special program that provides global understanding of agriculture and horticulture. Students explore agriculture and horticulture while living and working with a host family in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom.

Freshman Seminars

Designed to enhance your first-year experience, Freshman Seminars are an incredible way to begin your academic career. You'll learn about agriculture and food science with some of the most distinguished faculty at the University of Minnesota, while getting to know other first-year students who share your interests. Recent topics include Genetics in the News; Antioxidants; Alien Invasions; Hot Issues in Wildlife Conservation; The Omnivore's Dilemma.

Mentor Program

The mentor-student partnership brings a "real-world" perspective to your academic program. You'll learn from seasoned professionals and experience behind-the-scenes realities of agriculture and food science. Participants often get an inside view of companies in the Twin Cities area to prepare for their careers.

Research Opportunities

Imagine participating in a research program with world-class experts, and getting paid to do it! This dream is a reality for many U of M students. As a student in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), you'll conduct paid research or pursue special projects beyond your regular courses. Recent students' projects include the analysis of food-borne pathogens and an investigation of relationship between fat content and sourness.

Campus Involvement

Students at the U of M belong to a vibrant, close-knit community. With over 600 student organizations on campus, it's easy to connect with others who share your interests. Consider these groups:

  • Participate in social activities, meet industry professionals, and volunteer with other students interested in the business aspects of agriculture as a member of the Agricultural Education Club.
  • Join the Food Science and Nutrition Club, where you can develop connections with faculty, tour local food businesses, and even compete on the Food Science and Nutrition College Bowl team.

Other groups related to agriculture and food science include:

GREAT LOCATION

The University of Minnesota St. Paul campus, home to the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, has an intimate setting within a world-class research university. Students, staff, and faculty learn and conduct research on acres of land in the midst of a large, metropolitan area.

Outside of class, take advantage of the University's location and explore the endless social, cultural, and recreational opportunities in St. Paul and Minneapolis. Job and internship opportunities also abound, since many major agribusinesses--including General Mills, Cargill, Pillsbury, and Multifoods International--are located in the Twin Cities area.

Meet us in person!

Like what you see so far? Come meet us in person! There's no better way to learn about the University of Minnesota. As you tour our breathtaking Twin Cities campus and meet our friendly staff and students, you'll see for yourself why the U of M is the perfect place to launch your career in art or design. We'd be happy to customize your visit to your interests. Contact us to schedule your visit today!

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Last Modified on Wednesday, February 25, 2009
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