Agricultural Biology
Join our dedicated team of global innovators to build the critical knowledge and essential skills needed to expand the future of our global food supply. Whether your interests are in plants, insects or microbes, there is a place for you in agricultural biology.
No matter who you are, or where you come from, we invite you to take a seat at our table. Let’s grow a better future together.
Agricultural Biology Degrees and Programs
Undergraduate Degrees
Agricultural Biology Major
Learn how ecosystems function and how to protect them. The major includes three concentrations, encouraging you to specialize in a field of study that aligns with your interests and goals
Minors
Entomology Minor
Explore the science of insects and other arthropods, such as ticks and mites. Learn about the many critical roles that arthropods play in ecosystems and how you can help maintain ecosystem health by helping arthropods.
Plant Health – Minor
Apply the knowledge gained in biology courses to real world problems. Learn how microbes, insects, and weeds impact food production, urban landscapes, forests, rangelands, and other ecosystems.
Graduate Degrees
Agricultural Biology Sequential M.S. Degree Program
Gain hands-on experience in protecting natural and agricultural ecosystems from arthropod pests, plant diseases, and weeds. This M.S. degree is also available online. This M.S. degree is also available online.
M.S. in Bioagricultural Sciences – Plan A, Entomology Specialization
Conduct research in the study of insects and other arthropods such as ticks and mites. Help build a healthier food system for a growing world while protecting the environment.
M.S. in Bioagricultural Sciences – Plan A, Weed Science Specialization
Conduct research in the study of weed management and pesticide function and resistance. Help build a healthier food system for a growing world while protecting the environment.
Ph.D. in Bioagricultural Sciences – Entomology Specialization
Conduct research in the study of insects and other arthropods such as ticks and mites. Help build a healthier food system for a growing world while protecting the environment.
Ph.D. in Bioagricultural Sciences – Plant Pathology Specialization
Conduct research in the study of microbes that affect plant health, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Help build a healthier food system for a growing world while protecting the environment.
Ph.D. in Bioagricultural Sciences – Weed Science Specialization
Conduct research in the study of weed management and pesticide function and resistance. Help build a healthier food system for a growing world while protecting the environment.
M.S. in Bioagricultural Sciences
Conduct research focused on plant stresses, microbes, insects, and weeds that threaten the safety and sustainability of our food supply.
M.S. in Bioagricultural Sciences – Plan A, Plant Pathology Specialization
Conduct research in the study of microbes that affect plant health, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Help build a healthier food system for a growing world while protecting the environment.
M.S. in Bioagricultural Sciences – Plan B, Pest Management Specialization
Gain hands-on experience in managing sustaining our food and fiber supply, providing bioagricultural security, and protecting our ecosystems from pests, plant diseases, and weeds.
Ph.D. in Bioagricultural Sciences
Conduct research in plant abiotic stress or the microbes, insects, and weeds that threaten the safety and sustainability of our food supply. Learn how ecosystems function and how to protect them.
Certificate
Food Manufacturing Safety and Sanitation – Online
This course trains individuals in the food manufacturing industry to follow sound food safety practices and sanitation methods. Certify your organization and employees are up to date with Current Good Manufacturing Practices.
What is Agricultural Biology?
Research and Engagement
Our research covers many aspects of plant and ecosystem health, including entomology, plant pathology, and weed science. We solve biological problems in natural and managed agricultural systems through our collaborative engaged research partnerships, our student research experiences and our K-12 education programs. Our aim is to continue strengthening food security and safety while keeping plants and ecosystems healthy.
Story of Impact
Vamsi Nalam
Vamsi Nalam is the interim director of the potato breeding program in the rich farmlands of Colorado’s San Luis Valley. But don’t let the “interim” portion of his title distract you.
Nalam, you see, has spent years preparing for his role, studying agriculture in his native India before coming to the United States to expand his knowledge in graduate programs at Oregon State, where he earned his master’s, and the University of North Texas, where he earned his Ph.D. He’s been a faculty member in the Department of Agricultural Biology at Colorado State University since 2018 and is thrilled to be working with potato farmers in the San Luis Valley.
Department News and Upcoming Events
How Vamsi Nalam is turning discovery into disease defense for Colorado potatoes
Lisa Blecker promotes pesticide safety through education and communication
Get Started Today
Contact the Department of Agricultural Biology
Plant Sciences C 129
Campus Delivery 1177
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1177
(970) 491-5261
cas_agbiomain@mail.colostate.edu