Earning an agriculture degree from the University of New Hampshire opens up a world of opportunities. With this degree, you can play a role in addressing global challenges such as sustainable food production and environmental conservation. At UNH's College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA), you join a community that tackles real-world problems, working to find solutions that make a difference for future generations.
Earning an agriculture degree from the UNH provides you with an array of educational paths. These topics cover essential areas such as life sciences, sustainability and food systems, helping you develop a strong foundation in agriculture. Here’s an in-depth look into the core and specialized areas available at UNH.

Animal Science and Dairy Management
Focusing on animal science, you learn about livestock biology, management and health. Dairy management integrates nutrition, genetics, and farm operations to ensure efficient production. This specialization often involves hands-on experiences in state-of-the-art facilities.
You explore how animal management affects productivity and sustainability. Beyond the practical skills, courses delve into the ethical considerations of livestock care and production, preparing you to lead in both traditional and modern agricultural practices.
Horticultural Crop Industries and Environmental Horticulture
UNH offers comprehensive training in horticulture, exploring crop management and environmental impact. As a student, you engage in learning how to grow and maintain plant life efficiently and sustainably. This specialization looks at soil science, pest management and crop biotechnology.
Becoming well-versed in these areas empowers you to shape the future of horticulture industries. You develop solutions for sustainable landscaping and agriculture, contributing to the planet’s ecological balance while advancing food systems.
Food Systems, Nutrition and Sustainability
Understanding the intricacies of food production, this area emphasizes how agriculture intersects with health and sustainability. Courses in nutrition, food science and sustainable agriculture prepare you to improve the food supply chain, ensuring it’s both efficient and ethical.
This specialization attracts those interested to create nutritious, sustainable food solutions. By studying how to enhance food systems, you join efforts in transforming how communities access and consume food, supporting a healthier planet and society.
Career Outcomes and Opportunities

An agriculture degree from the University of New Hampshire paves the way for diverse career opportunities. Students have the chance to contribute to sustainable agriculture, public health and biotechnology.
Agriculture and Food Systems Careers
With your degree, you can enter fields like crop production and livestock management. These careers are essential for ensuring a sustainable food supply. You may work as an agricultural manager or food system analyst, helping to improve the efficiency of food production and distribution. Positions in this area often focus on optimizing resources to meet the needs of a growing population. Consider roles that aim to minimize environmental impacts while maximizing yield, as they are in high demand.
Extended Roles in Nutrition and Public Health
Graduates can also explore opportunities as nutritional scientists or work in public health. In these roles, you might explore how food choices impact health or develop programs to improve community nutrition. By bridging agriculture and health sciences, you contribute to solving some of today's pressing health challenges. You research nutrient-rich crops and work on initiatives that promote healthier eating habits. This field allows you to make a tangible difference in public health outcomes.
Advancements in Biotechnology
Biotechnology offers exciting prospects for those interested in developing new agricultural products. You could work on genetic engineering projects aiming to create more resilient crops or disease-resistant plants. This path often involves research, so you would spend time experimenting in labs. Your contributions could lead to breakthroughs that tackle food shortages and enhance food security. .
Research and Hands-On Experience
With an agriculture degree from the University of New Hampshire, you have the chance to engage in groundbreaking research, real-world internships and transformative study abroad programs. These experiences not only deepen your understanding of agriculture but also prepare you to address major global challenges.
Research Facilities
At the UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA), you access state-of-the-art research facilities, fostering a spirit of innovation and inquiry. The labs and research centers focus on sustainable agriculture, plant sciences and animal health. This allows you to work alongside faculty on projects that aim to solve critical global issues. These experiences help you become part of the community that doesn't just talk about challenges—you get to address them.
Whether you’re analyzing soil samples or studying new crop varieties, you are actively engaging in the pursuit of solutions. Research at COLSA encourages practical application, pushing you to develop skills that can lead to new environmental and agricultural solutions.
Internship Opportunities
Internships provide hands-on experience in various fields, helping you connect classroom knowledge with real-world practice. Companies in agricultural technology, food production and sustainability welcome interns from UNH, providing you with the chance to explore different career paths.
Study Abroad Programs
UNH's COLSA offers diverse study abroad programs that expand your horizons by taking you to countries like New Zealand, Italy, Namibia, Costa Rica and Ireland. These programs are designed to enrich your educational experience by exposing you to international agricultural practices and challenges.
By studying abroad, you gain a unique perspective on global food systems and environmental issues. These experiences can be transformative, allowing you to discover new approaches and solutions to farming and sustainability. You explore new cultures and agricultural techniques while broadening your understanding of the world’s evolving agricultural landscape.
Looking Forward
The future of sustainable agriculture is driven by COLSA graduates, who are ready to lead in this important field. Working in areas like sustainable agriculture practices, food safety and environmental activism, these alumni make significant contributions to the world. Their innovative approaches and strategic solutions, help them address global food issues and enhance environmental sustainability.