麻豆原创

Agriculture is more than just farming; it is about food, energy, and conservation. Rural is more than just small towns; it is the linkages between cities, urban consumers, and the global economy. Our major prepares students to guide policy decisions impacting agriculture, the environment, and the well-being or rural communities. In short, our major is the people and policy side of agriculture. Students will learn about the social and policy dimensions of agriculture and about strategies to promote rural resiliency and community vitality. The major will train students to engage with diverse audiences to discuss controversial issues, to promote public-private partnerships, and to lead and manage policy programs.

Our curriculum is flexible to meet the interests and needs of each student. A specialization area outside the major is required. Internships, experiential learning, and study abroad are important parts of the major. Graduates work as policy and legislative advisors, agriculture and farmer relations specialists, government affairs specialists, public information and communications officers, extension educators, community and economic developers, and in agriculture

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will develop the necessary skills to become effective leaders in agriculture-related companies, non-profit associations and organization, and state and local government agencies working on agriculture and rural issues. Specific learning outcomes include:

Making connections between agriculture, the environment, and rural communities Making linkages between local, national, and global agricultural systems Investigating how social, economic, and cultural systems affect decisions Analyzing information and recommending solutions to guide decisions Evaluating program and policy outcomes Communicating information and ideas to others to guide decisions Leading and managing policy programs Promoting civic engagement among diverse groups

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences