College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences

Agricultural & Environmental Sciences

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Overview

Mission and Vision

About DAES

The Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is equipped with state of the art laboratories for research and teaching. Along with facilities for field experiments at the George Washington Carver Agricultural Experiment Station Farm, our programs provide students opportunities to obtain extensive hands-on experience. The faculty are dedicated to the success and welfare of the students, and are among the finest in their fields, including animal poultry and veterinary sciences; environmental natural resources, and plant/soil sciences, agribusiness, as well as agricultural and resource economics. The faculty are also recipients of numerous research extension and teaching grants and awards.

Department Mission and Vision

Mission

The overall mission of DAES is to develop students with skills in critical and systematic thinking, intellectual curiosity, a desire for life-long learning and to prepare them for leadership and service in the basic and applied agricultural, biological and chemical sciences.

Vision

The College aims to educate a diverse student body, equipping graduates with scientific expertise, leadership skills, problem-solving capacity, and appreciation for humanities and social sciences to support professional success and personal growth.

Contact Information

Contact Information

Program & Department Contacts

Tuskegee University
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
103 Mary Starke Harper Hall
Tuskegee, AL 36088

Phone: 334-727-8453
Fax: 334-727-8552
Email: agriculture@tuskegee.edu
www.tuskegee.edu/caens

General Admissions Policies

Tuskegee University
Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management
Margaret Murray Washington Hall
1200 W. Montgomery Rd.
Tuskegee, AL 36088

Toll Free: 1-800-622-6531
Phone: 334-727-8500 or 334-727-8289
Fax: 334-727-5750
Email: admissions@tuskegee.edu

Undergraduate Degree Program

The Agribusiness degree program offers several options indicated below as well as a minor. This program prepares students to join the labor force or to continue on to graduate studies. The program allows students to specialize in management, sales, nutrition and sustainable development in the food and fiber industry. The curriculum provides flexibility and opportunities to grasp the basic skill required in the agribusiness sector of the economy with opportunities for graduate studies on agricultural economics, agricultural education, business management, and more.

Undergraduate Degree Options

Agribusiness (B.S.)

Prepares students for careers or graduate study in the food and fiber industry, with specialization options in management, sales, nutrition, and sustainable development.

Animal & Veterinary Sciences (B.S.)

Offers multiple pathways for animal-related careers, including animal science, wildlife science, companion animals, veterinary science (3+1), business, and public health.

Environmental, Natural Resources, and Plant–Soil Sciences (B.S.)

Provides interdisciplinary training with options in environmental science and health, natural resources, plant and soil sciences, horticulture, forestry, and wildlife and fisheries.

Hospitality Management (B.S.)

This program emphasizes hospitality’s role in agricultural sciences and environmental management, addressing food service, tourism, and sustainability to enhance community engagement and economic development.

DAES Graduate Student Awards:

Each year, the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (DAES) honors graduate students through the Graduate Awards. The awards celebrate outstanding graduate students at the MS and/or PhD level based on their academic performance, research, student leadership, community service and citizenship, and contributions to undergraduate education.

Graduates of the department have gone on to pursue careers with government agencies, academia, and industry as well as graduate programs, law school, and public agencies across the country.

Questions about the nomination process or the awards ceremony can be sent to Dr. Uma Karki, Chair of the DAES Graduate Student Awards Committee at ukarki@tuskegee.edu.

Graduate Degree Program

In addition to the undergraduate program, the department also offers a Master of Science in Agricultural and Resource Economics. The program seeks to facilitate the development of competencies in applied economics and analysis of challenges and opportunities in agriculture and food, community and other resource systems. The program provides flexibility for specialties in rural economic and community development, agribusiness management and marketing, and natural resources economics and provides for numerous careers or continuation into a Ph.D. program.

Graduate Degree Options

M.S. in Agricultural & Resource Economics

Develops applied economics skills focused on agriculture, food systems, communities, and natural resources, with flexible thesis and non-thesis options.

M.S. in Animal Sciences

Provides advanced training through thesis or non-thesis study with hands-on research in animal systems, including nutrition, genetics, reproduction, biotechnology, and silvopasture.

M.S. in Environmental Management (Online Only)

A non-thesis, fully online program designed for working professionals seeking advanced skills in environmental policy, sustainability, compliance, and management across air, water, soil, and climate systems.

M.S. in Environmental Science

Offers thesis and non-thesis options with interdisciplinary training in environmental sciences, allowing students to specialize in areas such as climate change, watershed management, environmental health, and ecosystem management.

M.S. in Plant & Soil Sciences

A flexible thesis or non-thesis program focused on advanced study in plant and soil systems, with specialization options including biotechnology, genetics, organic farming, and soil health.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree Options

Ph.D. in Agricultural & Environmental Science Engineering

An interdisciplinary doctoral program integrating agriculture, environmental sciences, and engineering to develop innovative, sustainable solutions using advanced technologies.

Integrative Biosciences

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Integrative Biosciences, Integrative Public Policy and Development

Ph.D. in Integrative Public Policy & Development (IPPD)

An interdisciplinary Ph.D. program preparing leaders in policy analysis and development with specialization in agriculture and resources, international development, or history and public policy.

Ph.D. in Environmental Science (Residential and Online Options)

An advanced doctoral program focused on interdisciplinary research in environmental systems, preparing scholars to address complex challenges in climate change, environmental health, natural resources, and ecosystem management through innovative science and policy-informed solutions.

Ph.D. in Plant & Soil Science

A research-intensive doctoral program designed to advance knowledge in plant and soil systems, with emphasis on sustainability, biotechnology, genetics, soil health, and agricultural productivity through cutting-edge research and innovation.

General Information

News & Events

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Prospective Student

Discover Your Future at CAENS — Tuskegee University

Are you ready to make an impact on the world while building a rewarding career? At CAENS — the College of Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Sciences at Tuskegee University, we prepare future leaders in agriculture, environmental science, food systems, human nutrition, and sustainable technology.

Why Choose CAENS?

Hands-On Learning

Experience learning that goes beyond the classroom. Our students engage in real research, cutting-edge labs, field work, and internships that build professional skills employers value.

Expert Faculty Mentors

Work closely with dedicated faculty who are researchers, innovators, and industry partners. At CAENS, your education is personalized and rooted in mentorship.

Focus on Sustainability & Innovation

Whether your passion is environmental stewardship, food and nutrition sciences, or agricultural technology, CAENS equips you with the knowledge and tools to address real-world challenges.

Career Opportunities & Networks

CAENS students benefit from strong industry connections, internship pathways, and career support that lead to jobs, graduate studies, and leadership roles.

📚 A Legacy of Excellence

As part of Tuskegee University — a historic institution known for academic achievement and community impact — CAENS carries forward a legacy of empowering students to excel and serve.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Learn more about admissions, financial aid, programs, and how to apply:

Visit: https://info.tuskegee.edu/home

Explore your potential. Start at CAENS.

Cooperative Extension/Outreach

The focus of outreach and educational services consists of six program areas as follows: (1) Global Food Security, (2) Natural Resource Conservation, Environmental Sustainability, and Climate Change, (3) Community Resource Development, (4) Family, Home, and Youth, (5) Nutrition and Wellness, and (6) Food Systems and Food Safety.

Admission Requirements (Undergraduate)

For regular admission in the undergraduate programs, applicants should possess a 3.0/4.0 high school GPA and ACT=21 or SAT=1000 (Math and Reading). However, applicants are encouraged to have a strong science and mathematical high school background and obtain a SAT score of 1000 or ACT score of 24 composite.

Admission Requirements (Graduate)

For admission into the graduate programs, a GPA of 3.0/4.0 is preferred. To apply, interested persons should submit an application and academic transcripts to the admissions office. A letter of interest and two letters of recommendation should be submitted to the department. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. International students must also submit TOEFL scores of at least 550.

Clubs & Organizations

coming soon

Research and Mentoring

At the College of Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Sciences (CAENS), research and mentoring are at the heart of the student experience. From your first year to graduation, you’ll have opportunities to learn by doing—working side-by-side with faculty, graduate students, and research partners on projects that address real-world challenges.

Hands-On Research Experience

CAENS students actively participate in innovative research across agriculture, environmental sciences, food systems, human nutrition, and sustainability. You can expect to engage in:

Laboratory and field-based research
Data collection, analysis, and scientific reporting
Research presentations, posters, and conferences
Projects funded by USDA, NSF, and other partners

These experiences help students build strong academic foundations while gaining practical skills that stand out to employers and graduate schools.

Personalized Mentoring

Mentorship is a defining feature of CAENS. Students receive guidance from dedicated faculty mentors who support:

Academic success and career planning
Research skill development
Internship and fellowship placement
Preparation for graduate and professional school

Small class sizes and close faculty relationships ensure that students are known, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Preparing Future Leaders

Through research and mentoring, CAENS prepares students to become scientists, innovators, educators, and community leaders who make meaningful contributions locally and globally—all within the legacy of excellence at Tuskegee University.

Learn More

Interested in joining a community where discovery, mentorship, and impact come together?

Explore opportunities and apply: https://info.tuskegee.edu/home