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.
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
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.
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.
Graduate Degrees
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.
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.
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
Todd Gaines
Growing up on his family’s dryland wheat farm near Flagler, Todd Gaines was made aware at a very young age of the challenges weeds present to modern farmers.
“We had puncturevine, or goat heads as they’re sometimes known, around our farm,” he said. “Whenever my siblings and I would get into arguments we had to chop a bucket full of them. It proved the value of a long-term weed management plan – after about 20 years of arguments, the farm was mostly rid of puncturevine!”
Department News and Upcoming Events
Researchers to study how plants recruit disease-fighting microbes
CAS/AES annual awards ceremony honors employee, student excellence
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