Eastern Kentucky University

Programme overview

EKU's Bachelor of Science in Agriculture is an on‑campus undergraduate degree requiring a minimum of 120 credit hours to graduate. The program emphasizes applied learning at university facilities (including a 1,000‑acre production farm, greenhouses, teaching and research labs, mechanic shop, and garden and turf plots) and offers six specialty concentrations so students can tailor study toward specific career goals. The school notes low‑cost textbooks for all students and lists an in‑state tuition figure of $5,325 per semester.

What you'll study

The curriculum blends scientific and business topics. Course areas explicitly included in program materials are:

• Plant science, horticulture, greenhouse operation and harvest technology
• Soils, soil fertility, turfgrass and turf management
• Pest management and pest management techniques
• Agribusiness and agricultural economics, including business records and analysis, financing, accounting, entrepreneurial finance, marketing research, and international business communication
• Renewable energy systems, conservation and natural resource conservation
• Computer systems and applications, GIS, design and analysis, and formal communication
• Animal science topics such as livestock evaluation, nutrition, genetics, diseases and animal products

Students choose one of six concentrations: Agribusiness Management; Agriculture Engineering Technology; Agronomy, Soils, and Natural Resource Conservation; Fruit, Vegetable, Nursery, and Greenhouse Production; Livestock Management; or Turfgrass and Landscape. The program also supports minors and certificates (for example, Business, Banking & Financial Services, Sales, and a Greenhouse & Fruit/Vegetable Production certificate).

Entry requirements

Applicants are asked to review EKU's published admissions requirements before applying and to consult the program advisor for registration guidance. The program page also highlights a generous credit transfer policy and fast‑track options for students with 80 or more credit hours.

Career prospects

The program cites U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections for agricultural and food scientists and lists common job pathways and employers. Typical roles for graduates include:

• Agricultural and food scientist, animal scientist, food scientist/technologist
• Soil and plant scientist, crop consultant, extension agent
• Farm, livestock, dairy, poultry or greenhouse manager; livestock manager; farm manager
• Agribusiness positions such as commodity procurement, marketing, sales, feed sales, and technical service
• Careers in government agencies (Kentucky Department of Agriculture, USDA, Cooperative Extension Service, NRCS), conservation, and education (agriculture education and career‑technical education)

Employers listed where EKU alumni have worked include Alltech Corporation, USDA, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Tyson Foods, Neogen Corporation, Southern States Cooperative, Cooperative Extension Service, NRCS, JBS Foods and Cargill Corporation. Graduates may also pursue graduate school or veterinary medicine.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The program page highlights several financial supports: no application fee, low‑cost textbooks via EKU BookSmart, reduced tuition for active‑duty military members and spouses, departmental scholarships (12 available), and the ability to earn credit for directed work experience or applied learning on the university farm or other approved facilities.