University of Arizona

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree combines core agricultural sciences with courses in public service, communications and policy. You will study plant and soil sciences, livestock systems, and sustainable production practices alongside subjects that develop capacity to design and deliver public-facing agricultural programmes.

• Core agricultural sciences: introductory plant science, soil science, crop management, animal systems and principles of sustainable agriculture.
• Public service and policy: public administration fundamentals, agricultural and natural resource policy, programme planning and evaluation, and regulatory frameworks affecting agriculture.
• Extension and outreach skills: communication for diverse audiences, community engagement methods, adult education and extension practicum or field placement in Cooperative Extension projects.
• Research and data skills: statistics for agriculture, GIS basics for land/resource use, monitoring and evaluation techniques.
• Electives and specialisms: water resources management, food systems and security, farm business and economics, Spanish for agricultural contexts, and internship-based learning with local producers, NGOs or government bodies.
• Capstone or practicum: a culminating project, policy brief or community-based practicum that demonstrates ability to design and implement an agricultural public service initiative.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma (or equivalent) and present a competitive academic record with evidence of preparation in mathematics and the sciences. Recommended preparatory subjects include algebra, biology and chemistry; coursework in agricultural science, environmental science or civics is advantageous.

• Academic record: strong secondary school grades appropriate to the University of Arizona's standard undergraduate admissions expectations.
• Standardised tests: the University has test-optional policies; applicants should consult current admissions guidance if submitting SAT or ACT scores.
• Supporting materials: a personal statement describing your interest in agricultural public service, and one or more academic or professional references are typically required.
• Transfer students: applicants from community colleges or other universities should demonstrate college-level coursework performance and may need to satisfy prerequisite science and math courses.
• International students: proof of English language proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS) unless otherwise exempt, and submission of certified academic transcripts in English.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge agriculture and public engagement. Typical career pathways include positions with government agricultural departments, Cooperative Extension services, non-profit organisations, industry liaison roles, and consultancy or programme coordination in rural development.

• Agricultural extension agent or community outreach coordinator delivering training and technical assistance to growers and rural communities.
• Policy analyst or regulatory specialist working on agricultural, water or natural resource policy in local, state or federal agencies.
• Project manager or programme officer for NGOs focused on sustainable agriculture, food security or rural livelihoods.
• Industry relations or public affairs roles with agribusiness companies, commodity groups or producer organisations.
• Further study opportunities in public policy, environmental management, or graduate programmes in agriculture and extension education.

Why study at University of Arizona

The University of Arizona's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers direct links to Cooperative Extension, Experiment Stations and regional research centres, providing strong practical and applied learning opportunities. The University's location in the Southwest gives particular strength in aridland agriculture, water management and cross-border food systems — useful specialisms for students interested in applied public service in challenging production environments.

Students benefit from field-based learning, internships with local producers and agencies, faculty active in applied research and extension, and multidisciplinary collaboration across policy, sustainability and biological sciences. These resources combine to prepare graduates for hands-on public service roles that support farmers, communities and policy-makers.