The department offers a broad-based, flexible curriculum. Students are prepared to be educators in agricultural production and processing, forestry, environmental concerns, conservation, natural resources, mechanization and technology, sales and service, economics, marketing and business development, food and fiber production, and leadership and personal development. The department has ongoing teaching, research, and extension activities in business and finance, policy analysis and formulation, rural and community development, marketing, farm and ranch management, and resource economics and management. Faculty include agricultural economists, rural sociologists, and rural and economic development specialists. Graduates find employment in food and fiber production, marketing, transportation, wholesaling, and retailing.
Some careers are also available in recreation, and land and water management.
The department provides teaching, research, and service in plant, soil, and water science. Faculty include soil scientists, agronomists, horticulturists, plant breeders, geneticists, and physiologists. Some career opportunities include grounds maintenance managers, vegetable growers, nursery managers, soil mappers, and plant genetic engineers. The department offers courses that provide technical and practical experience in animal production, management, marketing, and range management. Four on-campus animal facilities house beef cattle, horses, swine, and sheep.