A look at five hands-on majors in the College of Agriculture

When you think about careers in agriculture, you might picture early mornings, muddy boots, long days and getting dirty.

Meanwhile, the name Auburn University often sparks different thoughts: prestigious, top-ranked, or, for many, “the loveliest village on the Plains.”

In the Auburn College of Agriculture, we put the two together.

Pull on your boots: Here are five hands-on, “dirty” majors in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University.

Crop and Soil Sciences

This major studies the foundation of agriculture: soil. This is the basis for every crop grown and for all livestock raised.

Collecting, analyzing and studying soil is this major's curriculum. This doesn't mean spending all day digging around, though.

Choosing this major will teach students skills for nurturing the world from the ground up. The curriculum includes biology, chemistry, geology and microbiology. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge to improve the lives of millions through this work and help provide crops that feed the world. 

Poultry Science

If you've ever wanted to learn more about how those chicken tenders make their way to Foosackly’s, this is your chance.

This major is all things poultry — thighs, wings, beaks and all. The poultry industry is one of the largest in Alabama, employing more than 85,000 people and generating more than 65% of the state’s agricultural commodity sales annually.

Students in this major will learn all aspects of the industry through a hands-on learning experience. This includes supply needs, nutrition, management and more. Improving the industry is the top priority in this field.

Why is it on the dirty majors list? 

Walk into a chicken house and take a whiff. It’s not for the faint of heart — but it is the major for some of the best and brightest on our campus.

Agricultural Science

You want to get your hands dirty, but can't decide on a field of study? Agriscience may be a perfect fit for you.

This major offers the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge base across different disciplines within the agriculture world. This includes agribusiness, production agriculture and everything in between.

So, whether you're in a lab, classroom or out in the field — this major will ensure hands-on experiences in all that ag has to offer. Dirty or not.

Horticulture

This major from the outside seems to encompass just growing pretty plants, but this is a messy task.

Students will learn how to manage fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants. This includes establishing the plants and harvesting them. Both of which often require working outdoors in the soil.

Creating a beautiful landscape is also a part of this major. Auburn’s campus is a prime example of the work that you'll be prepared to design and grow after graduating with a degree in horticulture. 

What makes Auburn’s plants so beautiful? Soil, water and sunshine. Plus, the secret ingredient that this major works with almost daily: fertilizer. 

Imagine my surprise when I took my first gardening class and was introduced to the best fertilizer there is: poultry waste. Just another reason that this major earns its spot on this list.

Animal Science

Animals — especially livestock — are unpredictable, which is why this major earns a spot on this list. Working with cattle, swine, poultry and more will prepare you for a wide variety of fields.

Focusing on the overall health of animals, this major’s classroom can include barns, fields and labs. Long days in unpredictable weather will prepare you for careers in veterinary medicine, production or food safety.

Honorable Mention: Entomology

While Auburn’s College of Agriculture does not offer entomology as an undergraduate major, it is available as a minor course.

Being physically dirty isn't necessarily a requirement for this course of study — but being up close and personal with insects is. Capturing and studying species that crawl in the dirt and fly in the sky. Spending many hours observing and hanging out with these often overlooked but essential organisms. 

This isn't just for some extra social time with bugs, though. Students will learn how insects impact ecosystems and crop production.

The takeaway? Dirty majors matter.

Auburn University’s College of Agriculture does the work that makes the world work, and each of these majors offers a unique, diverse, hands-on learning experience. You won’t spend every day in a long lecture taking notes. Instead, you’ll learn by doing, and by getting your hands dirty.

About the Author

Claire Hamilton is a senior agricultural communications major at Auburn University with plans to attend law school upon graduation. A proud third-generation Auburn student, she connects to Auburn both as a personal legacy and a driving passion.