AGRICULTURE
B.S. Degree
Ferrum College is the only private college in Virginia that offers a four year degree in agriculture. The Agriculture program provides students a diversified four-year curriculum and the opportunity for practical experience. The curriculum stresses the theory and practice of agriculture, while also emphasizing the importance of environmental, economic, and business knowledge.

Teaching includes numerous “hands-on” experiences, developing practical skills in students. The required internship furthers this facet by placing students in situations of responsibility and creativity. In addition, the Agriculture program at Ferrum College is unique among collegiate agricultural programs in that it is firmly integrated within the Life Sciences Division. This unique aspect of the Agriculture program provides students with the opportunity to study agriculture within the broader contexts of biology, chemistry, and environmental and societal issues. This broad approach to agriculture, combined with the strong liberal arts base, prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities.

Agriculture graduates find employment in farm management and operation, agricultural extension and natural resources conservation agencies, agricultural supply businesses, marketing and distribution of farm products, teaching vocational agriculture, agricultural creditors, agricultural research, and numerous other areas. The broad “hands-on” approach and internship experience are invaluable preparations for this diverse industry. Students may choose General Agriculture, Agribusiness, or Agroecology. The above emphasis areas allow the student to concentrate their study in Animal Science, Plant Science, Production Agriculture, Agricultural Business, or Agricultural Environmental Science.

Ferrum College is located in Franklin County, a rural agricultural area of Southwestern Virginia. The economy is dominated by the agricultural industries of dairy, beef, tobacco, tree fruit, and general farming. This diversity strengthens the broad focus of the curriculum while providing a range of environmental conditions in which to study and observe American agriculture.

Agriculture Education Endorsement
Ferrum College also offers teacher licensure in vocational agriculture (grades 7-12). Students must be admitted to the Teacher Education program. It is recommended that students seeking licensure in vocational agriculture consult faculty in the Agriculture and Teacher Education programs. See Teacher Education for further information.

I. Agriculture Major without a minor: In addition to completing the common required courses, students must complete the requirements within one of the following emphasis areas to complete the Agriculture major without a minor.

II. Agriculture Major with Minor

In addition to completing the required distribution courses and required courses for the major, students must complete an additional 7 hours in Agriculture at the 300-400 level