The Department of Agriculture at Illinois State University offers a wide range of academic programs.
The Agribusiness sequence combines business with science and applied agriculture. Graduates find career opportunities in sales, finance, grain and livestock marketing, food industry management and the commodity futures industry.
The Agriculture Communications and Leadership sequence combines a broad background in agriculture and elements of education and leadership. This prepares students for a wide variety of fields including the agricultural press, corporate communications, extension education, and several non-formal education careers.
The agricultural field is constantly holding a demand for entry level workers. The Agriculture Teacher Education sequence gives future educators the opportunity to learn various aspects within the agricultural industry.
The Agronomy Management sequence emphasizes a broad knowledge of agricultural production, science, and agribusiness management. Positions can vary from crop consulting, sales, and the marketing of equipment. Career opportunities are available with local, state, and federal governmental agencies, including organizations like Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Extension Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The Animal Industry Management provides a good combination of coursework related to animal science and agricultural business. This program is suggested for students seeking careers in animal production, animal product sales, and agribusinesses with an animal emphasis.
The Animal Science sequence at Illinois State University provides a strong science-based curriculum. This program can lead to careers in veterinary medicine, animal research including genetics, reproduction, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals.
The Crop and Soil Science sequence emphasizes the scientific aspects of agronomy including improving plant production, quality, and profit. This includes coursework related to plant genetics, breeding, and crop production.
Focusing on the Food Industry Management leads to a variety of opportunities within the food industry. Graduates often work as sales representatives, commodity merchandisers, market analysts, supply chain managers for retail food companies, agricultural business organizations, market research firms, government agencies, and financial institutions.
The Horticulture and Landscape Management sequence provides a variety of coursework related to horticultural management and business operations. Graduates of the Horticulture and Landscape Management sequence often find themselves working in the landscape design, maintenance, and greenhouse industries.
Pre-Veterinary Medicine prepares students for entry into schools or colleges of Veterinary Medicine. Coursework is centered around animal science, biology, chemistry, and math. Graduates eventually find themselves careers in clinical practice, with private industries or government agencies.
The Agriculture Minor allows students to customize their coursework, taking classes on both diverse topics and specific areas. This can include animal science, agribusiness, agronomy, and much more.
The Agribusiness graduate program is designed to advance students' knowledge of agribusiness management and the science of agricultural production. Coursework can provide a variety of subjects, including agricultural economics and business management.
The Agricultural Education and Leadership graduate program is designed to advance student's knowledge in the field of both formal and informal agricultural education. Students have the opportunity to tailor the program in a way that gives them the skills and knowledge needed for their career.
The Agriscience sequence gives students an opportunity to focus on a variety of subjects. This can include horticulture, animal science, or agronomy concentrations. The academic content of this sequence includes biological science, chemistry, and agricultural science subjects.
We encourage prospective students to visit campus, see our facilities, and meet with a representative from our department.
To arrange a meeting or for more information about our department, please contact one of our department advisors, David Malone or Cori Malone.
Contact Graduate Coordinator Dr. Aslihan Spaulding to learn more about the program.
Campus information sessions, which include a student-led walking tour of campus and a residence hall tour, are given Monday through Friday and on most Saturdays from August through May when classes are in session. Contact the Office of Admissions to make a reservation.
Contact the Graduate School to schedule a visit.