Environmental Science in Agricultural Systems

The Environmental Science in Agricultural Systems major provides a mix of theoretical and applied education to prepare students for diversified careers focused on sustainable and resilient environmental issues.

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Careers

Some environmental science careers focus on environmental regulations that are designed to protect human health, while others focus on regulations designed to mitigate negative impact on our ecosystems. Some common examples of work in this field include climate change analysts, environmental health and safety specialists, environmental restoration and conservation planners, and industrial ecologists. Graduates find work with federal, state, or local government, consulting firms, engineering firms, and landscape architectural firms. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of an environmental scientist was $80,060 in May 2024. The field is growing rapidly nationwide.

Accelerated Program

Highly qualified undergraduates at Mississippi State University are encouraged to consider applying to the Accelerated Program. This program permits enrollment in graduate courses in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Weed Science during the student’s final year of undergraduate studies. Enrollment of up to 9 hours of graduate courses is approved for students admitted to the Accelerated Program. Upon completion of the graduate course(s), undergraduate credit is also awarded for the course. Students need to consult with a potential graduate advisor to ensure graduate credit could be applied to a program of study for the M.S. degree. Application to this program may be made as early as the end of the junior year (i.e., after completion of 90 or more hours of graded undergraduate courses). This option is only available for students pursuing a thesis-based Master of Science degree in Plant and Soil Sciences with a concentration in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Weed Science.

Environment and Sustainability Minor and Endorsement

From accountants to zoologists, these programs are designed to enhance your understanding of the complex environmental challenges humanity faces in the 21st century. It will also give you an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in an environmental area of interest to you. You will study the technical aspects of issues such as climate change and energy, and learn how our values, beliefs, and governmental policies affect how these issues are addressed. You will also learn about sustainable practices and lifestyle choices that can reduce your ecological footprint. For more information visit https://www.ens.msstate.edu/.

Minor
The courses in this minor will help you gain fundamental economic and management principles pertinent to environmental and resource policy issues. You may choose to specialize in Humanities, Social Sciences, or Science and Engineering. The Environment and Sustainability Minor is a 16-credit hour, multi-disciplinary program open to all undergraduate majors in good standing.

Endorsement
The Environment and Sustainability Endorsement is a 16-credit hour, multi-disciplinary program open to all undergraduate majors in good standing.

Scholarships

Students may apply for university, college and departmental scholarships through one application. You can find the scholarship application once you login to myState. Under the banner tab, select Financial Aid and Scholarships. The application is listed as Submit/Revise General Scholarship Application.

Transfer Students

Students may transfer to Mississippi State University from regionally accredited community, junior or senior colleges for any period of enrollment, provided they have earned a 2.0 GPA (as computed by Mississippi State University) on all college courses attempted as well as earned a 2.0 GPA on the 30-hours of core courses. Transfer students should look at the transfer course equivalent guide to determine which courses will transfer.

Student Organizations

Joining a student organization is a valuable way to enrich your college experience and build a strong foundation for your future career. Our student organizations provide opportunities for personal growth, networking, practical skill development, and community engagement that go beyond the academic classroom. Fulfill your purpose and find your people, visit our student organizations page