Agriculture:  The Possibilities are Endless

Explore the possibilities of hands-on agriculture and prepare for one of the many exciting career choices in the rapidly changing field of agriculture. Biotechnology, genetic engineering, synthesis of naturally occurring food ingredients, embryo transplants, development of more efficient irrigation techniques, application of computer technology to meet the challenges of production and management, value added processing, identification of new niche markets, rapid expansion in organic production systems, and food security are just a few of the developing opportunities in agriculture.

Our graduates in agricultural sciences are highly competitive in the job market. Agriculture is the largest industry in the United States and an important force in California's economy. In Northern California as many as one third of the jobs are dependent on a strong agriculture economy.  The agricultural sciences encompass the production, protection, processing, distribution, and marketing of food, feed, and fiber, and the management of natural resources. Support services for the industry range from banking and financial services to soil and forage testing and disease diagnosis.

The tools for today's agricultural scientists and business managers include quantitative business analysis, biotechnology, and computerized marketing, as well as integrated pest management and environmental resource management. When you enroll in the College of Agriculture at California State University, Chico, you will join a select group of students who know that they have a promising future in one of many agricultural career fields. An anticipated shortage of college trained agricultural graduates in the coming years has made the college's programs an important element for the training of agriculturists for tomorrow's world.

California State University, Chico combines the best of current and developing technology with appropriate science and management principles in a curriculum that provides many hands-on opportunities. In addition to classroom and laboratory facilities, the 800-acre Agricultural Teaching and Research Center (University Farm) provides students a chance to participate in production projects and apply technology under the supervision of skilled faculty.

Science, technology, business, management, and education are all aspects of agriculture. Students enrolling in the agriculture programs at Chico State may choose to specialize in a single area or focus on a broader curriculum. The classes, facilities, and programs also lend to the success of CSU, Chico's agriculture graduates. Class sizes are relatively small, creating a personal and comfortable learning atmosphere. The University Farm provides excellent opportunities for students to obtain hands-on experience and study both modern and traditional aspects of agriculture. The career outlook in the agriculture industry and related fields is excellent.

Federal reports indicate that there are 10-15 percent more professional job openings in the agriculture sector than qualified graduates to fill those positions. Graduates in Agriculture enter positions with management responsibilities on farms and ranches and in industry, business, and government. Others find employment in agriculturally related careers such as purchasing, advertising, public relations, transportation, inspection, and market reporting. Still others take positions with agricultural cooperatives, food and dairy product companies, agrochemical manufacturing and sales companies, and farm credit.

For today's commercial farmer, a degree in Agriculture provides the technical and business background necessary to keep up with new research and advancing technology. The professional areas of teaching, agricultural extension, rural development, and basic or applied research also attract many graduates. The CSU, Chico agriculture program is a great place to come to grow.