College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

https://www.ncat.edu/caes/index.php

Mohamed Ahmedna, Dean and Research Director
Antoine J. Alston, Associate Dean for Academic Studies
Barbara Board, (Interim) Associate Dean Cooperative Extension

Objectives

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) is organized in the land-grant university tradition where programs of resident instruction in the food, agricultural, family and environmental sciences, as well as closely related areas are offered. Agricultural Research and Cooperative Extension completes the land grant institution tripartite mission. Thus, the College is guided by the values that underlie the land-grant philosophy:

Learning - creating a responsive learning environment and enhancing access to educational opportunities for all;
Discovery - expanding knowledge through research;
Engagement - putting that knowledge to work; and collaborating with diverse institutions, communities and people to improve their quality of life.

The hallmark of the College’s work is the integration of these three values - learning, discovery and engagement - into programs that make a difference. Our teaching, research and Extension programs are part of a national system that maintains a statewide presence and links local, state, national and global issues.

The College is fundamentally interdisciplinary; we apply the biological, physical and social sciences to challenges in food, fiber, agricultural and environmental systems. Instructional programs provide a strong foundation in the natural sciences, social sciences and economics, which support curricula in agricultural, family and consumer sciences. These programs originate from a highly qualified faculty committed to academic excellence and the development of individuals to their personal and professional potential. Central to the College’s goals is the cultivation of interdisciplinary problem-solving skills that serves as a foundation for continuing academic development, critical thinking and inquiry, life-long learning, assessment, and adaptation to change.

Mission

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences provides opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve excellence in the food, agricultural, family and environmental sciences through exemplary and integrative instruction, and through scholarly, creative and effective research and Extension programs.

Vision

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences shall be a premiere learner-centered community that develops and preserves intellectual capital in the food, agricultural, family, and environmental sciences through interdisciplinary learning, discovery, and engagement.

Agricultural Research Program

Organized research is conducted in the food, agricultural, family and environmental sciences by research faculty with joint appointments in the instructional and research programs. Much of the research activity is sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture. It is conducted on the University Teaching and Research Farm, in the Center for Environmental Farming Systems in Goldsboro, NC, Center for Excellence in Post-Harvest Technologies, and in on-campus laboratories where investigations include such areas as food safety, agromedicine, wetlands, water quality, biotechnology, biofuels and renewable energy, international trade, rural development, animal sciences, plant science, specialty crops, landscape architecture and design, human nutrition, child development, housing, food science, post-harvest technologies, and animal health.

Cooperative Extension Program

Cooperative extension is an outreach, and engagement educational program whose objective is to provide science-based information and assistance in a broad range of subjects to individuals, families, and organized groups in rural and urban areas of the state. The Cooperative Extension Program at North Carolina A&T State University is an integrated participatory partner in North Carolina Cooperative Extension. North Carolina State University, in Raleigh, North Carolina, and North Carolina A&T State University collaborate in providing solutions to the problems that plague the citizens in the State of North Carolina.

International Agricultural Program

The International Agricultural Program involves all departments in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and relates to the University’s Office of International Programs through the International Trade Center.

In overseas locations, research, teaching, and community out-reach are conducted by faculty in association with long-term development assistance projects. Additionally, faculty share their expertise through short-term assignments for consultation in various overseas settings.

Instructional Programs

Departmental Organization:

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences is organized into four departments: (1) Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education, (2) Animal Sciences, (3) Family and Consumer Sciences, and (4) Natural Resources and Environmental Design. Advisory groups associated with various professions represented by the College continually review curricula and programs. The College sets high expectations and provides students with resources and support they need to take charge of their education.

Requirements for Admissions:

The requirements for admission to the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences are the same as the general requirements for admission to the University. Some programs have higher requirements. Please see the specific Department of interest.

Requirements for Graduation:

The requirements for graduation for the Bachelor of Science Degree are as follows:

The student must have satisfied the course requirements of an approved curriculum in an organized department administered by the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.
The student must have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least a “C” in his or her major courses and in his or her overall academic program.
Students planning to teach secondary agricultural education must also meet the teaching requirements prescribed by the College of Education.

Curricula:

Departments in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences provide several program options through curricula leading to the Bachelor of Science Degree. These program options accommodate specialization in several areas of the food, agricultural, family and environmental sciences. In addition, the College has several enrichment programs available to our students and many students participate in summer internships and cooperative education programs which enable them to receive academic credit for career-related experiences. The College encourages involvement in co-curricular activities as a means of developing communication and leadership skills.

The Master of Science Degree is offered in Agricultural and Environmental Systems (Concentrations: Agribusiness and Food Industry Management, Integrated Animal Health Systems, and Natural and Environmental Systems), Agricultural Education (Concentrations: Professional Licensure and Professional Service), and Food and Nutritional Science. The Master of Art in Teaching is offered in Family and Consumer Sciences and Child Development: Early Education and Family Studies Birth-Kindergarten. (For further details please consult the graduate college bulletin.)

The Doctor of Philosophy is offered in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (Concentrations: Food Science, Human Nutrition & Health, Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Agribusiness and Applied Economics, Agricultural and Extension Education, and Sustainable Animal Production and Health). For further details please consult the graduate college bulletin.

Accreditation

The programs in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences that have accrediting organizations have been accredited. They are as follows:

The Biological Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Family and Consumer Sciences Programs are accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.
The Landscape Architecture Program is accredited by the American Society of Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board.
The Teacher Education Programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education/Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction.
The Food Science Program is approved by the Institute of Food Technologists.

Career Opportunities

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences provides professional education for a wide range of career opportunities in the food, agricultural, family and environmental and sciences. Students are prepared for careers in business, government, public service agencies, retail and service industries, health-related fields, biomedical and biotechnology companies, financial institutions, youth development agencies, conservation and environmental organizations, research, extension and education. Students are also provided with an appropriate background for graduate and professional programs.