College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Administrative Officers

Vice Chancellor and Dean - Patrick J. Stover, Ph.D.

Executive Associate Dean - Clare A. Gill, Ph.D.

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs - Mary Bryk, Ph.D.

Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence - Craig Coates, Ph.D.

Associate Dean for Student Development - Chris L. Skaggs, Ph.D.

Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs - X. Ben Wu, Ph.D.

Assistant Dean for Student Success - Danielle A. Harris, Ph.D.

General Statement

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is widely recognized as a leader in the academic programs offered by its departments. The students we educate and the scientific advancements we make and share improve the lives of Texans and people around the world through agriculture. Our faculty members and students are breeding crops to help conserve water, unlocking genetic mysteries to cure diseases, fostering best practices in environmental stewardship, and improving the safety, healthfulness, and abundance of the world’s food supply. Through innovative curricula, we prepare students for careers as scientists, business leaders, engineers, educators, physicians, affiliated health professionals, sales representatives, and other professionals.

Our academic programs focus on high-impact learning experiences and the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses that prepare students for a variety of careers. Students gain technical expertise, learn to think creatively and critically, solve problems, make decisions, communicate effectively, and learn how to work effectively with people of varied backgrounds. Faculty members who teach undergraduate classes include many who are recognized nationally and internationally for research and other accomplishments in their disciplines. Undergraduates also have opportunities to participate in research themselves.

All students are encouraged to participate in at least three high-impact experiences before graduation, such as undergraduate research, field study, an internship, or international experience. The college has study abroad programs in the Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania, Africa, and the Caribbean. Honors programs are available in many of the college’s academic departments. There are numerous student organizations that are sponsored by departments or the college such as the Freshman Leadership Experience and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council. These organizations promote interaction among students who share interests and foster leadership skills.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and its departments offer a variety of scholarships to students on a competitive basis. Many are reserved for incoming freshmen or transfer students. Additional information and application forms for college-level scholarships for current students can be obtained from the Scholarships & Financial Aid Office. Information about departmental scholarships can be obtained from the departments directly.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Baccalaureate Degree Programs

Each major can be arranged to prepare students for graduate study or admission to professional schools in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, other health professions, and law. Students in programs, such as biochemistry, genetics, and nutritional sciences, are highly recruited for medicine, nursing, and other health professions. Animal science and wildlife and fisheries sciences are among several excellent choices for students interested in veterinary medicine. Students with a background in natural resources, the agricultural industry, forensics, or life sciences can use that knowledge to their advantage if they choose to enter law school. An environmental lawyer with a degree in a natural resource area is better equipped to incorporate the science with the law.

Advising is provided for each student in the college through offices in the individual academic departments. Departmental faculty and professional advisors assist with course selection and other academic issues. They also serve as mentors for career planning and admission to graduate or professional school. Advisors serve as professional consultants for students in the College with the objective of avoiding problems if possible and solving problems if needed.

Requirements for Graduation

Requirements for graduation are listed in the Texas A&M University Student Rules and this catalog. With the exception of general elective requirements, courses taken to satisfy degree requirements must be taken for letter grades.

Internships

Internships provide real-world experience in industries related to a student’s education and professional career preparation. Students return to campus with a broader perspective and more intense interest in their education. The experiences are so valuable that many students complete more than one internship. Most departments in the College offer academic credit for the satisfactory completion of an internship. In fact, an internship is required for graduation in some degree programs.

The Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy (ANRP) Internship Program places students from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in policy-based internships in Austin, TX, Washington, D.C. and Rome, Italy for a semester or summer. Selection for the program is based upon factors such as academic performance, leadership, and a student’s general interest in learning the policy process.

Graduate Study

All departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offer graduate degrees at the masters and doctoral levels. Many departments offer courses and programs online.

Students are encouraged to contact the department in which they wish to obtain information about graduate study. Information on admission, programs available, etc., can be found in the Texas A&M University Graduate and Professional Catalog.

Teacher Certification

Texas teacher certification in agricultural science is available through the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications. Certification is granted through the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) upon a student’s completion of the course of study administered by the department. The undergraduate major in agricultural science includes all coursework required for teacher certification. The requirements can be completed with any major in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. See an advisor in Agricultural Science, Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications, for more information.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Renewable Natural Resources

Department of Agricultural Economics

Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications

Department of Animal Science

Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics

Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Systems Management
Bachelor of Science in Biological and Agricultural Engineering — offered in conjunction with the College of Engineering

Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology

Department of Entomology

Department of Food Science and Technology

Department of Horticultural Sciences

Department of Nutrition

Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology

Department of Poultry Science

Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management

Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences

Department of Soil and Crop Sciences

Minors consist of a group of specified courses totaling between 15 and 18 credit hours. Students who are eligible to enroll in a minor should contact an advisor in the department offering the minor. Minors available in the college are listed.