Department of Agricultural Sciences
Agriculture Building Room 206
T: 512.245.2130
http://www.ag.txstate.edu/
The Department of Agricultural Sciences at Texas State prepares students to work as leaders and technical professionals in the agriculture industry, specifically in the fields of animal science, agribusiness management/agricultural economics, agricultural education, agricultural systems (mechanics), crop and soil science, and horticulture. Because 21st century agricultural and food challenges are highly complex, an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to teaching students about agricultural sciences is emphasized. For those students who aim to be agricultural teachers in public schools or community colleges, the department also offers an emphasis on teaching development with research possibilities. The Department of Agricultural Sciences hosts laboratories where the research focus of faculty and students include nutrition and health, soil health, crop science, horticultural therapy, meat quality, big data analysis, agricultural economics and policy, and issues of importance to small and beginning farmers and ranchers, among others. Some activities take place at the Freeman Center, a 3,500-acre, university-operated teaching and research ranch that provides a unique learning environment. Agricultural education has a long history at this university. When Southwest Texas State Normal School (now Texas State University) was created in 1899, it was charged with the responsibility of teaching agriculture to educators who were training to work in rural schools. Today, agricultural sciences students, along with those focusing on animal science, agribusiness/agricultural economics, agricultural education, agricultural systems, horticulture, or crop science, enjoy an experience with practical, hands-on classes, in addition to opportunities to engage in applied research.
