Degrees, Programs & Majors

Agribusiness economics is a minor that focuses on issues related to food and fiber supply and demand, and management of the natural resource base that supports agricultural production and other needs of society.

The agricultural and food business economics major gives you what you need to succeed in the changing field of food and agricultural business — knowledge of economic systems and business practices, as well as a deep understanding of animal, plant, and food systems.

The agricultural biotechnology major is for students interested in careers as laboratory or research technicians in plant biotechnology, breeding, genetics, or physiology. It can also be excellent preparation for graduate study.

Highly sought after by employers, graduates can go on to teach high school and middle school agricultural science classes, as well as serve as FFA advisors, adult education instructors, community outreach coordinators, or university extension agents.

The minor in Agricultural Systems requires a minimum of 18 credits, 9 of which must be upper-division and taken in residence at WSU or through WSU-approved education abroad or educational exchange courses.

Students in this hands-on major study the science, business, and technology of agriculture and food systems with an emphasis on the management applications supporting production agriculture.

Animal sciences is the study of domestic animals, including their nutrition, genetics, breeding, welfare, physiology, and use in animal production systems.

The apparel, merchandising, design & textiles major integrates an understanding of design, textiles, business, and retail merchandising — the necessary components in bringing products from concept to consumer.

Business economics, a specialization option in the economic sciences major, trains students to use economic concepts to better understand the management, marketing, labor, and finance problems faced by businesses operating in a market system.

Crop science is the study of the world’s major food, feed, turf, and fiber crops and their environment. It is a broad discipline encompassing breeding, genetics, production, and management.

Earth science is geology and more; it provides foundational knowledge of how our planet works and applies knowledge of the natural process of global change to understanding our current environmental conditions. 

Economics uses rigorous methods of analysis to study the individual decision making of consumers and businesses, the ability of markets to allocate resources, the impact of government policy, and various other social institutions. It develops our knowledge and understanding of how the economy functions and provides a deep explanation for social phenomena.

Environmental and ecosystem sciences focuses on the interactions of physical, chemical, and biological conditions of natural and human-modified environments,  with the goal of solving growing environmental challenges.

Field crop management is one of six majors in the integrated plant sciences bachelor’s degree program.

The field crop management major is ideal for students interested in agronomy, crop production, and plant, soil, and pest management as it allows students the flexibility to choose a minor or specialize in an area of their choice.

Food Science is the scientific discipline supporting the food and beverage industry. Food Science is a multidisciplinary field that applies biology, chemistry, microbiology, physics, engineering, nutrition, and other sciences to improve the safety and quality of food products; develop new food products; and design new, safer, and more energy efficient food preservation methods.

The forestry major at WSU is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to make a positive impact locally and globally by creating, managing, conserving, and repairing forested ecosystems. The program builds on a strong foundation in science, with an emphasis on forest ecosystems and lots of hands-on experience in forest measurements and sampling.

Fruit and vegetable management offers specialization in the science and practice of growing, harvesting, handling, storing, processing, and marketing tree fruits, small fruits, and vegetables. Students will learn the most efficient and sustainable management practices, including state-of-the-art production systems, for the diverse fruit and vegetable crops produced in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Geospatial analysis uses geographic information systems (GIS) software to analyze complex data — such as weather, topography, geologic features, vegetation, and various types of statistical information  — in relation to a particular geographic location.

Horticulture is the science and art of growing plants for food, personal enjoyment, and environmental enhancement. Horticulture includes the production, marketing, and utilization of fruit and vegetable products that improve health and well-being, shade trees that reduce the urban heat island effect, bedding plants that increase business profits, and interior plants that reduce stress and enhance productivity.

Human development is the study of how children, youth, adults, and families develop, change, and face challenges throughout the life span.

Students who major in human development can receive certificates in early childhood education, adolescent, gerontology, family studies.

This major focuses on understanding our obligation to meet the nutritional needs of a growing population by producing sustainable, nutrient-rich foods, that benefit the health of people and the planet.

The integrated plant sciences degree program provides an exciting depth and breadth of knowledge that crosses a variety of plant science disciplines, including crop and soil sciences, horticulture and landscape architecture, entomology, plant pathology, and food science.

The landscape, nursery, and greenhouse management major is a horticulture-based program that prepares students for opportunities in plant propagation; the production and marketing of potted crops, bedding plants, trees, shrubs, and cut flowers, botanic garden and arboretum maintenance, and landscape plant management.

Washington State University’s major in organic and sustainable agriculture is the first of its kind to be offered in the United States. Students in this major take a diverse array of courses in natural, environmental, economic, and social sciences, as well as a number of courses focused on organic production practices.

Soil science is a natural resource science devoted to studying the thin layer of the earth’s lithosphere (crust) responsible for supporting life. Soil science is concerned with the physical, chemical, geological, and biological processes that govern natural and agricultural ecosystems.

Sustainable development is one of five minors offered by the School of Economic Sciences. The  program adds a breadth of understanding to your major, increases your marketability, and provides a strong basis for further study in areas that use economics, including business, policy analysis and other social sciences.

The turf management major, part of the integrated plant sciences degree program, prepares students who wish to specialize in golf course supervision, grounds maintenance, sod production, and similar recreation positions involving turfgrass management techniques and personnel relations.

The wildlife ecology and conservation sciences  major combines strong science, a broad background in natural resources and the environment, and in-depth, hands-on courses to help you fully understand the ecology, habitat, and conservation of wild animals, and prepare you for graduate school and management careers.

Viticulture and enology combines the study of cultivating juice and wine grapes with the study of wines and winemaking.