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Agriculture Degrees at the University of Arizona

Build a major around your interests in agriculture and plant sciences so that you'll be prepared to enter to start your career whether you're developing sustainable food sources to researching plant biology and informing agricultural policies.

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Agriculture degrees at the University of Arizona

Agricultural & Applied Economics (BS)

In the B.S. in Agricultural & Applied Economics program, you'll apply economic principles and business strategies to manage resources, improve productivity, and ensure sustainability in your chosen career path. Whether you aspire to be an entrepreneur, financial analyst or farm manager, this program offers the practical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to make a meaningful impact in the world of agribusiness.

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Agricultural Technology Management & Education (BS)

In the B.S. in Agricultural Technology Management & Education, you'll gain the tools and training needed to make a lasting impact in our world using agricultural science. From working with cutting-edge tech to teaching future leaders in agriculture, our graduates enter the workforce prepared for a lifetime of meaningful contribution.

Student working on plant research in greenhouse at university of arizona
Plant Sciences (BS)

With a B.S. in Plant Sciences, you can solve some of our planet's greatest challenges -- from food and energy security to environmental and human health. We offer two distinct degree emphases so you can work with world-renowned faculty in our botanically rich region to conduct research and prepare for a career in medicine, pharmacy, plant breeding, microbiology or biotechnology.

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Applied Biotechnology (BS)

The B.S. in Applied Biotechnology teaches you how to use chemical and biological processes to address the world’s most pressing challenges in food production, health and sustainability. You'll choose courses in microbiology, plant biology, food science and nutrition.

Sustainable Plant Systems (BS)

The B.S. in Sustainable Plant Systems prepares you to be a leader in 21st-century agriculture and an expert in agricultural technology, plant improvement and responsible plant production systems. You’ll be able to grow more, improve yields and reduce pest problems, all while using less land, chemicals and water. With this interdisciplinary major and its four possible emphases, you can pursue a career in research, crop marketing, food safety and crop production.

Agriculture degree courses

Coursework combines a strong foundation in general education with degree-specific classes designed to prepare you for real careers in production, technology and research-driven agriculture industries.

While you'll take general education courses to build critical thinking, communication and science literacy skills that employers value across every field, you'll also take degree-specific courses that cover topics like crop and plant science, agricultural technology and mechanization, sustainable production systems and applied biotechnology.

Our comprehensive degree plan prepares you to graduate with the technical knowledge and practical skills employers are seeking in today's job market.

PLS235
Introduction to Urban Horticulture

Introduces science based principles for cultivating and managing ornamental and edible plants in urban settings.

AGTM330
Turf and Landscape Technology

Covers basic scientific principles and hands on training in turf, landscape, and irrigation equipment operation, maintenance, and installation.

PLS312
Animal and Plant Genetics

Covers foundational genetics in animal and plant systems, emphasizing problem solving and molecular concepts.

AAE217
Economics of Food and Agriculture

Teaches economic-analysis principles by exploring current issues surrounding food, resources, and environments.
 

Want to see the full course plan for your program of interest? Complete the interest form to request more information.

Careers in agricultural and plant sciences

These majors will give you the tools you need to succeed as an agricultural economist, plant breeder, biotech researcher, and more in a range of industries from farm and commodity markets to food production, agricultural technology, and sustainable crop systems. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics1, median pay for agricultural and food science was $78,770 per year with faster-than-average job growth overall (2024).

Although your career possibilities are limitless you could have a career as a..

Agricultural Economist • Farm Business Consultant • Ag Educator • Precision Agriculture Specialist • Plant Breeder • Crop Scientist • Biotech Research Associate • Sustainable Agriculture Specialist • Financial Analyst


1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Agricultural and Food Scientists (29 May 2026)

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Understand your cost of attendance

College is a big investment, but a University of Arizona education may be more affordable than you think. No matter your background or family’s financial situation, you have options to make it manageable.

At Arizona, 9 out of 10 students receive financial aid. That means most students pay less than the estimates shown here. By maximizing your financial aid – scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study – you can lower your costs while earning a degree that will pay you back for a lifetime.

Estimated cost of tuition for first-year and transfer students:

  • Arizona residents: $13,900/yr
  • Non-Arizona residents: $42,300/yr

Request more information to learn how students like you are funding their futures.

Discover what it means to be a Wildcat at the University of Arizona College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences.

Our campus is located in the sun-drenched and welcoming community of Tucson, Arizona, your home away from home for the next four years (we hope!) With mountain views from nearly every corner of campus, and 350+ days of sunshine a year: this is where your journey to a career at the intersection of nutrition, health, fitness and medicine begins.

Request information to get a digital brochure on exclusive student resources, financial aid opportunities and sample 4-year plans for our degree programs in nutritional science.

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UArizona CALES students working in Teaching Greenhouse at Controlled Environment Agricultural Center