DISCOVER CALS
12 Academic Departments
Offering 2-year, 4-year, online and certificate programs
22
Research Stations and Field Labs
Facilities across the state enabling our land-grant mission and hands-on research opportunities.
$1M+ in Scholarships
Offered to students each year 95% Job Placement
Students with high-need degrees gret jobs that have salaries well above the state’s media income.
FUTURE-FOCUSED
NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is on the front lines of revolutionizing how healthy food gets to our tables and nourishes our communities.
Gain hands-on experience, develop critical literacy in technological advancements and data analytics, and expand your problem-solving ability — vital skills required for today’s workforce to future-proof the food supply for industry, research and our growing population. Join us.
MAJORS
> Agricultural and Resource Economics
> Agricultural and Human Sciences
> Animal Science
> Biological and Agricultural Engineering
> Crop and Soil Sciences
> Entomology and Plant Pathology
> Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences
> Horticultural Science
> Molecular and Structural Biochemistry
> Plant and Microbial Biology
> Poultry Science
ONLINE CERTIFICATES
> Agribusiness Management
> Agricultural Business Management
> Agricultural Leadership
> Animal Nutrition
> Crop Science
> Feed Milling
> Food Safety and Quality Management
> Fundamentals of Entomology
> General Horticulture
> Plant Pests, Pathogens and People
> Regulatory Science in Agriculture
> Soil Science
MINORS
> Agricultural Business Management
> Agricultural Entrepreneurship
> Agroecology
> Animal Science
> Applied Ecology
> Biological and Agricultural Engineering Technology
> Biotechnology
> Brewing Science and Technology
> Crop Science
> Entomology
> Extension Education
> Feed Milling
> Food Science
> Horticultural Science
> Leadership in Agriculture and Life Sciences
> Nutrition
> Plant Biology
> Poultry Science
> Soil Science
> Turfgrass
Explore CALS Programs >
PATHS TO CALS
YOU BELONG IN OUR PACK
CALS offers multiple entry points to its degree programs. We’re committed to helping qualified students discover the path that’s right for you.
First-Year Students
In high school and considering NC State? We empower and equip CALS students with NC State’s blend of innovation, hands-on learning and real-world impact. We’re excited to help you find the agriculture or life sciences degree program that will turn your passion into purpose and prepare you for the workforce
Agricultural Institute
Two years. One degree. Endless possibilities. Whether you want to jump-start your agricultural career, return to the family farm or continue your education in a four-year program, the Agricultural Institute is for you. Choose from six degree options, ranging from agribusiness management to landscape technology — working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree.
Wolfpack Connect
Wolfpack Connect, which includes 11 CALS majors, provides a guaranteed admission pathway to NC State for North Carolina community college students. This program provides a clear roadmap to earning a bachelor’s degree at NC State, reducing uncertainty and encouraging degree completion.
Traditional Transfers
It’s not where you start, but where you finish. CALS offers a variety of resources that support the transfer experience for North Carolina community college students. Use our transfer guides to ensure your coursework counts toward your degree and explore our guaranteed admission pathways.
Taylor
Craig, ‘16,
B.S. Agricultural Science
Find Your Way to CALS > I was determined to come to CALS. Two years at community college sharpened my focus.
OPEN YOUR MIND
ENHANCING YOUR EXPERIENCE
CALS goes beyond the classroom to give you a world-class education.
Study Abroad
Want to explore Greek agriculture? Study Ireland’s equine industry? Adventure awaits!
> Find the perfect fit with your program, location, timing and major. Some trips even have funding.
> Pick NC State-sponsored, CALS-led trips, or design your own experience – and earn credit.
> Is global research for you? CALS has worldwide partners.
Undergraduate Research
Research is a great way to build a resume – and it doesn’t have to be in a lab.
> NC State is a top-tier Research 1 university with “very high research activity.”
> Our students collaborate with faculty and peers to solve big problems.
> Every CALS discipline within our systems offers research opportunities.
High Impact Experiences
Grow personally and academically, build connections and contribute to CALS.
> Inspire future students and represent CALS through peer mentoring.
> Support learning and help others succeed as a teaching assistant (TA).
> Explore service learning, departmental programs, events, internships and capstone courses.
> Expand possibilities as a Thomas Jefferson Scholar, a highly competitive, dual-degree program of CALS and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences offering mentorship, international travel and a close cohort of students.
My passion for veterinary medicine was reaffirmed in South Africa. I had an amazing and rewarding learning experience that couldn’t be achieved in a classroom setting.
Emily Wiloch, ‘19
B.S. Animal Science
Explore Experiences at CALS >
BUILD YOUR COMMUNITY
HOW CALS SUPPORTS YOU
At CALS, the faculty, staff, alumni and friends care about our students and want you to succeed.
CALS Academic Advising
As the largest public institution in North Carolina, NC State offers you a lot to see, do, learn and experience. Your CALS advisor will help you navigate the sea of red.
> Unsure of where to start? Your advisor will help you make the best decisions regarding your major, career plans and enhancing your experience.
> First-year students enjoy events and programming designed with their transition in mind. We can’t wait to meet you.
Clubs and Organizations
Connecting with others can make CALS seem more like a family.
> Choose from more than 40 CALS-specific groups and explore the 700+ university-wide clubs.
> Put your networking skills into action. Alumni, employers and industry reps come to meetings to share their own paths. Learn about internship opportunities, volunteer experiences or job openings.
Scholarships
CALS proudly offers more than $1 million annually in scholarships to our students.
> Our donors set the specifications for scholarships. One application will screen you for all of them. Make sure you apply!
> The scholarship application is accessible after admission. Apply through PACK ASSIST early for priority consideration.
CALS has many great organizations. There are other people interested in what you’re interested in. There’s a home for you at CALS.”
Caroline Becker, B.S. Agricultural Science 2026 Agri-Life president, Sigma Alpha historian, AGI ambassador and Chancellor’s Aide
SHAPE YOUR LIFE
SUPPORT TO HELP YOU DREAM AND PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
CALS makes sure you’re prepared to begin your career before you graduate. Our Career Services office is dedicated to helping you gain meaningful experience in the fields of agriculture and life sciences. Our seasoned staff will help you navigate the ins and outs of our majors, graduate programs, jobs and internships, and the employers who hire our graduates.
CALS Career Services
Put your CALS degree to work.
> Our graduates are in high demand.
> Ag and food industries need you. In business, education or STEM, your skills matter.
> We focus on your career transition, from student to professional.
> We have strong industry connections. Attend our annual career fairs and participate in our programs and events.
Pre-Health Advising
For students pursuing healthcare careers or professional schools.
> Explore global health, human healthcare and specialty professions.
> Draw on our expertise about prerequisites and course selection.
> Apply with confidence. We offer workshops, panels and an online portfolio.
Veterinary Professions Advising Center (VetPAC)
For students pursuing animal medicine careers or veterinary schools.
> Are you a first-generation pre-veterinary student? We understand your journey.
> Academics, clinical hours, research and service are crucial.
> Start early. NC State has one of the top vet schools in the country.
> Connect with experts; take advantage of our tools and guidance. Let us help you navigate a pre-vet plan.
Sometimes, as a student, you feel like you have to be perfect, like you can’t mess up. But having someone in the industry who’s been there made a huge difference for me. I wanted to be that person for someone else.
Katelyn Stack, ‘17, B.S. Agriculture Business Management, Mentor for CALS Alumni for Student Success
Dedicated CALS Support >
