The Agricultural Biotechnology major provides students with a comprehensive understanding of genetics, plant pathology, entomology, organic and biochemistry, crops and soil sciences, horticulture, and micro and cell biology. The program emphasizes the development and application of new technology to ensure a safe and abundant food and fiber supply. Hands-on opportunities for students to partake in research are abundant.
Employment and Career Possibilities Within This Major
- Plant Geneticist
- Plant Breeder
- Research/Laboratory Technician
- Plant Pathologist
- Molecular Biologist
- Biotechnologist
- Graduate school, post-graduate studies or advanced degrees
Examples of Required/Preferred Classes for First-Year Students
- Crop_Sci/Hort 102: Cultivated Plants
- Soil_Sci 201: Soil: A Living System
- Biology 106: Intro to Organismal
- Chem 105: Princ. Of Chem I
- EconS 101: Fundamentals of Microeconomics
Required Math
- Math 106: College Algebra and Math 108: Trigonometry or Math 140 Calculus for Life Sciences
Transfer Pathways
Many of our best students attend local community colleges prior to transferring to WSU. Below is a list of suggested WSU courses to take locally and transfer into WSU. You can find your institution’s equivalent courses with our Transfer Course Search Tool or submit a course for evaluation with our Course Evaluation Request Form.
- BIOLOGY 107: Intro to Cell Biology and Genetics
- BIOLOGY 106: Intro to Organismal Biology
- CHEM 105: Principles of Chem I
- CHEM 106: Principles of Chem II
- MATH 106: College Algebra and MATH 108: Trigonometry (or MATH 140: Calculus for Life Scientists)
- ECONS 101: Fundamentals of Microeconomics
- ENGLISH 101: Introductory Writing
- ENGLISH 101: Introductory Writing
- WSU UCORE [DIVR] course
- WSU UCORE [ARTS] course
- WSU UCORE [HUM] course
- STAT 212: Introduction to Statistical Methods
Check out our Transfer Student page for more information about the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) Transfer Student Experience!
Agricultural Biotechnology Advising Sheet (pdf)
Student Organizations/Clubs Associated with this Major
- Horticulture Club
- Viticulture and Enology Club
- Minorities in Agriculture and Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS)
Information for New students
This is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Integrated Plant Sciences with a major in Agricultural Biotechnology. An internship is required in this major. Students will work with their advisor to locate an appropriate internship. It is managed by the Department of Horticulture.
From a Student’s Perspective…
Agricultural Biotechnology has allowed me to learn everything from how DNA works to how to grow crops. Now I’m getting to combine that information to create better crops that will feed the world’s growing population.
Kayla Beechinor, CAHNRS Ambassador, Class of 2020
Kayla will be joining Texas A&M’s Graduate Plant Breeding program in fall 2020.
More Information
Contact Information
For information about advising visit the CAHNRS Academic Advising page.