University of Tennessee

What you'll study

The programme provides a foundation in plant and animal biology, soil science, crop production, and agricultural systems, with opportunities to specialise through elective tracks. Typical core areas include plant physiology and production, animal science and nutrition, soil fertility and conservation, integrated pest management, agricultural economics and business, food and safety systems, and sustainable and conservation agriculture.

Teaching combines lectures, laboratory work and extensive field practicals. Students undertake courses in research methods, statistics for agriculture and environmental science, and an applied capstone or senior project. Hands‑on learning takes place in teaching farms, greenhouses and laboratories, and many students complete internships or cooperative placements with industry partners, county extension offices or research centres.

• Core modules: introductory crop science, animal science, soil science, plant pathology, entomology, and agricultural systems.
• Business and policy: agricultural economics, farm management, marketing, and rural policy.
• Skills and methods: biostatistics, GIS for agriculture, laboratory techniques, and experimental design.
• Applied learning: practicum experiences, capstone project, and optional study abroad or internship placements.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent with a record of strong performance in science and mathematics. Recommended preparatory subjects include biology, chemistry, algebra/trigonometry, and where possible, courses in environmental science or agricultural science.

Typical admissions criteria include a competitive secondary school GPA and completion of the university’s general admission requirements. Standardised tests (such as the SAT/ACT) may be considered where required by the campus admissions policy. Transfer applicants should have completed relevant college coursework and meet departmental transfer criteria.

International applicants must hold an equivalent secondary qualification and demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests if their prior education was not in English. Applicants with practical agricultural experience or relevant extracurricular involvement are often viewed favourably.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of careers across production agriculture, agribusiness, research, extension and public policy. Typical roles include:

• Farm or ranch manager and production specialist
• Agronomist, crop consultant or soil conservationist
• Livestock specialist, nutritionist or animal production advisor
• Extension agent and community outreach specialist
• Agribusiness manager, supply‑chain coordinator or sales representative for seed, fertiliser and equipment firms
• Food safety inspector, quality assurance officer or post‑harvest specialist
• Research technician or a pathway to graduate study in plant/animal sciences, soil science, or agricultural economics

The University of Tennessee’s connections with regional producers, agribusinesses and the Extension network help students secure internships and employment across the private, public and non‑profit sectors.

Why study at University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee benefits from an integrated state agricultural institute and a long‑established Extension system, giving students direct access to research farms, education centres and applied research projects. Facilities typically include teaching greenhouses, livestock units, soil and plant laboratories, and on‑campus farms where students carry out practical learning and research.

Students gain from strong industry links across the region, opportunities to work with extension agents on community projects, and interdisciplinary collaborations with environmental science, forestry and business programmes. The combination of hands‑on field experience, applied research opportunities and a network of employer contacts makes the programme well suited for students aiming to work in contemporary agricultural careers or progress to postgraduate study.