College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources includes the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication; the Department of Animal Science; and the Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources.

Graduates of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources are known for high performance and for contributions to their professions in all areas of agriculture and natural resources including animal science, agricultural communications, agribusiness, agricultural education, agricultural industries, wildlife science, and horticulture. Many continue their education and earn graduate and professional degrees at leading universities nationwide.

The Animal Science Department offers an Animal Science B.S. with six possible concentrations: Science, Animal Production, Business, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Meat and Food Science, and Range and Ranch Management. Certificates are available in Equine Science, Shelter Animal Medicine, and Dairy Science. 

The Agricultural Education and Communication Department offers three Bachelor of Science degrees – the B.S. in Agricultural Education, the B.S. in Agricultural Services and Development with concentrations in Agri-Industries and Agencies and Interdisciplinary Agriculture; the B.S. in Agribusiness with concentrations in Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Dairy Business Management, and Personal and Small Business Financial Planning; and the B.S. in Agricultural Communication. All programs prepare students for successful careers upon graduation.

The Wildlife and Natural Resources Department offers three Bachelor of Science degrees - the B.S. in Wildlife, Sustainability, and Ecosystem Sciences with concentrations in Wildlife Ecology and Management, Fisheries Ecology and Management, Natural Resource Ecology, Natural Resource Policy, Entomology, and Pre-Veterinary Medicine, the B.S. in Horticultural and Plant Sciences with concentrations in Horticulture Science, Horticulture Management, Horticulture Business, Soil Science, and Sustainable Agriculture and Agroecology, and the B.S. in Zoo Animal Care and Management. All career tracks are designed with the goal of providing graduates with the academic background to compete in the employment market and to be life-long contributors to their professions.

Tarleton is known for its practical, hands-on approach to agricultural instruction. All degree programs stress experiential learning in the classroom, internships, and other applied learning experiences. The Tarleton Agriculture Center is central to our opportunities for hands-on instruction. Agriculture Center facilities include the Southwest Regional Dairy; the Animal and Plant Science Center with a retail merchandising laboratory (The Purple Tractor), six indoor laboratories for research and teaching in anatomy and physiology, genetics, nutrition, entomology, horticulture, soil science, and outdoor facilities consisting of four greenhouses, and 42,000 sq. ft. covered animal working area. The Agriculture Field Machinery and Fabrication Center with laboratories dedicated to metal fabrication, structures, and small engines, a computer lab, three classrooms, a multi-purpose room, and a spacious and well-equipped kitchen; the Equine Center with indoor arena, dedicated laboratory space, and stallion barn; the Meats Laboratory; Swine Center; a beef cattle feedlot; an aquaponics/hydroponics center and an indoor wildlife research and teaching laboratory/classroom. Livestock includes dairy cattle, beef cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, and aquatic species. The Tarleton Agriculture Center also provides excellent employment experiences for Tarleton students and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

The following are the degrees and study options available in the college.

Department of Agricultural Education and Communication

Minors. All departments offer a variety of minors as a way for students with secondary interests to complement their major, thus broadening their expertise and increasing their employability.