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Agricultural Science

Fort Lewis College has a deep, rich history in agriculture. In 1911, the school established a secondary school along the lines of agriculture, horticulture, animal industry, household and mechanical arts. A demonstration farm specialized in high altitude agronomy and horticulture research.

Southwest Colorado also offers a rich heritage in agricultural and a diverse population that supports local food production.

At Fort Lewis College, you'll find quality classroom instruction and opportunities to get your hands dirty in laboratories, field experiences, internships and community based learning.

Agriculture students have done internships with the US Forest Service, CSU Agriculture Experiment Station in nearby Hesperus and Durango Natural Foods, among others.

Examples of student research projects include the influence of plants on indoor air quality, taste comparisons with organic and non-organic foods, weed management, livestock management and the growth of medicinal plants.

If you have the desire to help improve the environment or the quality of life in your community, you will appreciate our focus on sustainable agriculture. Consider it along with our other choices in Agriculture Science:

Agriculture with a focused
student-constructed major

Would you like to design a degree program that fits your interests and career goals more closely than a prescribed program?

The Fort Lewis College student-constructed major allows you to build an agriculture degree tailored to your unique interests. You can combine agriculture classes with various fields such as biology, chemistry or sociology. Organic Agriculture, Agricultural Chemistry and Agricultural Science are examples of student-constructed degrees earned by our graduates.

Business Administration -- Agriculture

Are your interest in the business and marketing side of agriculture? Do you see yourself as an entrepreneur or small business owner?

You can earn a business administration degree with a focus on agriculture at our nationally accredited business school. It will position you for a rewarding career in agriculture finance, agriculture marketing or an agriculture entrepreneurship.

This degree program offers you the opportunity for outstanding classroom instruction in the principles of business and for practical experience through laboratories, internships and community-based learning.

Two-year Agriculture program leading to an Associate of Arts

Are you already involved in agriculture through your family or job? Would you like the opportunity to upgrade your knowledge and experience in agriculture without the commitment to a four-year degree?

The Associates of Arts in Agriculture is primarily designed for students who are already involved in agriculture or for those who are planning a career on a farm, ranch or other agriculture-oriented business. As with our four-year program, you can enjoy the benefits of small classes, close student faculty interaction and hands-on experience through laboratories and internships.

Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture Minor

Are you interested in supplementing your major degree program with a minor that will help you learn about the rapidly expanding field of sustainable agriculture?

The agroecology/sustainable agriculture minor will help you learn how you and your community can enhance local agriculture and your quality of life. Agroecology is a field of study that integrates ecological principles with agriculture practices. This minor attracts students from several different majors such as art, biology, and business.

The required experiential learning component of this minor will provide you with hands on research work.

Agriculture Minor

You can supplement your major degree program with a minor that will help you learn about the dynamic field of agriculture. You'll learn more about how the agricultural industry interacts with your major as well as many other industries and occupations.

The agricultural minor provides knowledge on how modern agriculture and the emerging field of sustainable/organic agriculture may influence your major field of interest.

As you pursue this minor, you will become involved in local agriculture in ways that can enhance your quality of life for you and your community. The agriculture minor attracts students from a variety of majors such as art and biology.

To learn more about our programs, contact our professors.