Today’s ever-changing world is increasingly populated, urbanized, and interconnected. These changes create an emerging global environment where modern agriculturalists play a significant role in the management of international relationships. This increased leadership responsibility in the international marketplace necessitates that agriculturalists broaden their knowledge and understanding about how agricultural practices and policies influence global dynamics. To assist undergraduate students in preparing for these new positions of leadership, the College of Agriculture has developed the International Agriculture Program–a program designed to provide these future leaders with an opportunity to pursue a secondary major or minor in international agriculture.
The flexibility of the International Agriculture Program allows students to individualize their learning experiences by focusing their coursework on the global aspects of their primary major. Students in this program can study subjects connected to national and international development like international economics, food security, crop diversity, soil fertility, seed science, sustainable development, or cultural relations. To broaden students’ applied global knowledge, the program incorporates a combination of interdisciplinary coursework, internships, and study abroad experiences. Program participants have the opportunity to improve their knowledge of international agriculture while learning to apply their knowledge and skills outside the classroom. Practical insight gained by participation in the International Agriculture Program can improve a student’s career placement opportunities by involving them with international activities and agencies that can assist them with developing their personal skills and networks. These experiences combine to refine a participant’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as enhance understanding of the analysis and management of global agriculture issues at home and abroad.
Secondary Major
To be eligible for a secondary major in international agriculture, a student must declare a primary major in any agricultural discipline. The course plan for the secondary major includes classes selected from an *approved list consisting of classes with international content that meet the unique needs and interests of individual students. A secondary major requires 30 credit hours; 15 of the total credit hours can only be used for the secondary major and cannot be used to satisfy any other academic requirements. Students interested in earning a secondary major in international agriculture should contact their program advisor early in their program to ensure efficient course scheduling.
Minor
A minor in international agriculture is open to students studying any major with an interest in global agriculture issues. The course plan for the minor also includes classes selected from an *approved list consisting of classes with international content that meet the unique needs and interests of individual students. A minor requires 15 credit hours; 9 of the total credit hours can only be used for the minor and cannot be used to satisfy any other academic requirements. Students interested in pursuing a minor in international agriculture should contact their program advisor early in their program to ensure efficient course scheduling.
For more information about the International Agriculture Program, please contact your program adviser, or Dr. Ebby Luvaga, 174A Heady Hall, 515 294-5765 luvaga@iastate.edu
*Check with your adviser to verify approved courses.