Programs

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Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems students learn from diverse faculty at NC State.

Ready to be the next Food System Leader?

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The Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems programs embody our Think and Do philosophy here at NC State. This multidisciplinary major brings together the expertise and strengths of the Department of Crop & Soil Sciences with the Department of Horticultural Science as well as diverse courses, hands-on learning, community engagement opportunities, and internships, research experiences focused on sustainable agriculture and food systems. Your time here will prepare you to confront the challenges and issues of agriculture and food security. 


Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (BS) Major

The Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems major has a strong foundation in the science of sustainable agriculture and food systems. This major integrates agriculture, horticulture, soil science, entomology, and ecology together with social sciences and economics to create a flexible experience for our students.

Find out more about the three concentrations and different careers paths by clicking on each below:

Agroecology Research and Production 

Interested in the deeper science of sustainable agriculture production practices, research, and graduate school opportunities in agriculture, entomology, horticulture, soil sciences and related sciences? Then Agroecology Research and Production is for you. Career tracks include:

  • Agriculture and environmental science research
  • Farm management
  • Governmental (USDA, NRCS, EPS) research and education
  • International agricultural work
  • And more!

See the 8 semester display of the curriculum

Community Food Systems 

Interested in food policy and education, nutrition, food security, community impacts, and graduate school opportunities in sociology, economics, education and other disciplines related to food? Then Community Food Systems is for you. Career tracks include:

  • Agricultural Education
  • Agriculture extention
  • Community Education
  • Community garden management
  • Food policy leadership
  • Governmental and private food security organizations
  • Non-profit sector
  • Nutrition
  • And more!

See the 8 semester display of the curriculum

Urban Horticulture

Interested in sustainable and innovative horticultural production within urban and suburban regions, research and graduate school opportunities in horticulture, soil sciences and related sciences? Then Urban Horticulture is for you. Career tracks include:

  • Community garden management
  • Food Security
  • Governmental and private organizations focused on city planning
  • Non-profit sector
  • Research
  • Urban farm management and ownership
  • And more!

See the 8 semester display of the curriulum

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Agroecology Minor

The Agroecology minor program is a great way to add sustainability within agriculture and food to your major and is complementary to many degrees. Find out more about this 17 credit minor program and curriculum on the NC State Minors website or contact the Agroecology Minor adviser Dr. Michelle Schroeder-Moreno.

  • A great first step towards any of our programs is to enroll in CS 230 (Introduction to Agroecology). This course can additionally be applied toward General Education Program (GEP) Natural Sciences or Interdisciplinary Perspectives courses.