Agriscience and Environmental Systems

Available at: Athens Tifton

Agriscience and Environmental Systems students learn to apply knowledge of basic sciences to solve agricultural problems. In addition to learning the fundamentals of agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, resource management, soil science, and business management and marketing, students also learn about new technologies that can be applied to plant and animal production systems such as biotechnology, geographic information systems, and precision agriculture.

The major offers three areas of emphasis: Plant Breeding and Genetics, Precision Agriculture, and Sustainable Agriculture. The major is offered on the Athens Campus and the Tifton Campus.


Areas of Emphasis


Plant Breeding and Genetics (Athens & Tifton)

The Plant Breeding and Genetics area of emphasis allows students to gain in-depth knowledge of the principles and technologies used in modern plant breeding and genetics that empowers them to be highly competitive for jobs with companies that develop new crop varieties as well as for jobs in research.  Key courses include Genetics, Plant Breeding, Plant Physiology, and Agricultural Biotechnology.

Precision Agriculture (Athens & Tifton)

The Precision Agriculture area of emphasis allows students to gain in-depth knowledge of the principles, technologies, and software packages that empowers them to be highly competitive for jobs in the precision ag industry as well as for jobs in research.  Key courses include Principles of Precision Agriculture, Advanced Topics on Precision Agriculture, Geographic Information Systems, and Sensors in Precision Agriculture.

Sustainable Agriculture (Athens)

The Sustainable Agriculture area of emphasis allows students to gain in-depth knowledge of the principles sustainable agriculture that empowers them to be highly competitive for jobs in the traditional agricultural as well as organics industry. Key courses include Principles of Sustainable Management, Forage Management and Utilization, Soil Erosion and Conservation, Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition.

Coursework

View the required Agriscience and Environmental Systems courses and available electives in the UGA Bulletin. You will determine the right courses to match your interests with assistance from your advisor.

Students wishing to attend classes on the Tifton campus need to complete their 1000-2000 level courses prior to transferring to UGA.


Prepare

To prepare for courses to earn an Agriscience and Environmental Systems degree we recommend you:

  • Participate in traditional agricultural extracurricular activities, such as 4-H and FFA
  • Participate in school and community science clubs and fairs
  • Volunteer in community gardens
  • Work or volunteer for local food producers
  • Take a multitude of available math and science courses prior to attending UGA

Hands-On Learning

  • Labs in the classroom and field
  • Soil analysis
  • Water analysis
  • Use industry-related technologies and research prototypes
  • Undergraduate research opportunities
  • Participate in student clubs and organizations
  • Internship opportunities with private companies, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations
  • Study abroad opportunities

Learn more

Visit the department of Crop and Soil Sciences.

Interested in transferring to our extended campus?
Learn more about UGA-Tifton.


Prospective Student Contact

Aaron Thompson Professor of Environmental Soil Chemistry
Crop & Soil Sciences

Current Student Contact

Katie M. Norwood Academic Advisor
Office of the Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs

What jobs can I get with an Agriscience and Environmental Systems degree?

Our AES Graduates At Work

  • Integrated Solutions Manager, Lasseter Tractor Company
  • Executive Director, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District
  • GIS and System Performance Analyst, Georgia Environmental Protection Division
  • Scientist, Bayer Crop Science
  • Director, UGA Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center
  • Agronomist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
  • Sales Manager, Mayo Fertilizer
  • Technical Service Representative, BASF Agricultural Solutions
  • Site Operations Manager, Farmer's Cooperative-Madison
  • Sales Representative for Crop Protection Products, Syngenta
  • University of Georgia Extension Agent
  • Integrated Solutions Manager, SunSouth
  • Owner, Brighton Builders
  • Crop Consultant
  • Sales Representative, Seminis Vegetable Seeds
  • Research Professional, University of Georgia
  • Field Inspector, Georgia Crop Improvement Association
  • Farmer
  • Laboratory Analyst, Southeastern Agricultural Laboratories, Inc.
  • International and U.S. Master’s and PhD programs

Median Entry-Level Salary

$37,300


How do I pay for college?

Scholarships

Each year the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) awards scholarships to students enrolled in our majors.

CAES Scholarships

 

Financial Aid

To find out about deadlines and eligibility requirements, visit the University of Georgia Office of Student Financial Aid.


Class of 2019 Career Outcomes for Agriscience and Environmental Systems*


Agriscience and Environmental Systems major outcomes for 2019: 67% employed full-time, 11% employed part-time, 22% attending graduate school

** Includes Self-Employed

*Source: Created utilizing data taken from the UGA Career Outcomes Survey. The charts above represent UGA Class of 2019 Graduates. Read more detailed Career Outcomes information for Agriscience and Environmental Systems.