A degree in Agriculture opens the door to many exciting careers and opportunities. Agriculture contributes over 5 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product and nearly 11 percent of all employment in the U.S. Every year millions of jobs are available in the agriculture sector and over 60,000 jobs go unfilled each year. The B.S. in Agriculture at Sul Ross offers four concentrations that prepare students for careers in this dynamic and challenging field.
Our supporters help us provide top-quality education. Thanks to the Dixon Water Foundation for establishing the Clint Josey Endowed Chair for Sustainable Ranch Management and to the Lykes Brothers for the donation of a 68,000 acre lease on the 02 Ranch.
The Agricultural Business concentration prepares students for careers across many types of industries in global agriculture. Everything involved in agriculture, from the production of food, the trade and distribution of livestock and agriculture products to the financial well-being of agricultural producers and markets falls under agricultural business. Our program gives students the fundamentals of agricultural science and builds on it to prepare them for the unique challenges of this growing field. Graduates can pursue careers in consulting, agricultural finance, international trade, and in many other areas, OR they can also develop entrepreneurial skills to start their own businesses in the agricultural sector. Whether students want to get back to the family farm with new, enhanced management skills or work in the stock market managing agribusiness futures contracts, they will develop their learning in a specialized, hands-on learning environment.
The Agricultural Education concentration combines courses in Agricultural Education, Animal Science, Natural Resources, Industrial Technology and general Education and the curriculum develops the leadership qualities and knowledge students will need to succeed. Each student gains hands-on experience throughout the program. Career opportunities for Agricultural Education graduates include instructional positions, extension services, farm service agencies, farm and ranch management, and international agriculture. Graduates of the program are certified to teach Agriculture in Texas public schools. Students are required to pass the TASP and departmental Agricultural Education benchmark exam before qualifying to take the Vocational Agriculture TeXes exam for teacher certification.
The Agricultural Systems concentration is designed for students who want to pursue a career in the Agricultural Extension field. With foundational courses in Ag teaching and a broad base in agricultural classes, the student can then select a focus or continue to build across a broad range of agricultural topics.
Sustainable Ranch Management trains students to join the next generation of land stewards, learning to manage a ranch from the soil up. Our hands-on program is the only one of its kind in Texas offering a four-year Bachelor of Science degree. At Sul Ross, you will join a small cohort of enthusiastic peers and faculty who are dedicated to training successful ranch managers. With the range as your classroom, you will gain real-world experience as you study all of the natural and human elements that make a ranch flourish. Through our degree plan, you will learn how soil, water, energy, nutrients, vegetation, wildlife, livestock, business and people all contribute to a prosperous ranching enterprise. Sustainable Ranch Management graduates are exceptionally prepared for leadership careers with private ranches, agribusinesses, and federal and state agencies that support the ranching industry.
A report from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Purdue University released in December 2020 predicts a strong job demand for new college graduates with degrees in agricultural programs. U.S. college graduates can expect approximately 59,400 job opportunities annually between 2020 and 2025. This reflects a 2.6 percent growth from the previous five years. Employer demand will exceed the supply of available graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher in agriculture-related fields. Additionally, authors concluded that a more diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to support a more innovative and creative agricultural industry for the future.
- Artificial insemination and breeding organizations
- Companion animal (boarding, breeding, training, Humane Society)
- County extension agents
- Department of Agriculture (research and information)
- Department of Defense (food supply and food service)
- Feedlot positions (manager, buyer)
- Finance (Production Credit Associations, banks, etc.)
- Government protection and regulatory agencies
- Graduate school for Master’s in Business Administration
- Graduate school for Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees
- International opportunities
- Laboratory technicians livestock and meat market reporting (government)
- Livestock buyers for feeders and packers
- Livestock production operations (beef, dairy, swine, Sheep, goats, and horses)
- Livestock publications
- Meat inspection, grading, handling, distribution, and marketing (auctions, Cattle Fax, livestock sales management, etc.)
- Positions in food processing, manufacturing, and ingredient plants
- Positions in poultry production units
- Ranch positions
- Research (university or industry) in nutrition, reproduction, breeding and genetics, products, and production management
- Riding instructors
- Sales, advertising, management, and public relations positions with feed companies, packing houses, pharmaceuticals and equipment companies, etc.
- University or college teaching
- University extension and area extension
- Veterinary school for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (private practice, consulting, university teaching and research)
- Unlimited opportunities in government, education, and private sectors
| Dr. Jamie Boyd Chair and Assistant Professor, Nutrition Animal Science jamie.boyd@sulross.edu Office: (432) 837-8413 Fax: (432) 837-8406 Office: RAS 103A Address: Box C-11, Alpine, TX 79832 |
Dr. Scott A. Ericsson, Reproductive Physiology Professor Animal Science ericsson@sulross.edu Office: (432) 837-8260 Fax: (432) 837-8406 Office: RAS 110 Address: Box C-11, Alpine, TX 79832 |
| Mr. Richard Mrozinski Lecturer: Animal Science, Natural Resource Management, Computer Science & Mathematics richard.mrozinski@sulross.edu Office: (432) 837-8606 Fax: (432) 837-8406Office: RAS 116 Address: Box C-16, Alpine, TX 79832 |
Dr. DeMetris Reed Assistant Professor, Meat Science Animal Science demetris.reed@sulross.edu Office: (432) 837-8232 Fax: (432)837-8406 Office: RAS 106 Address: Box C-11, Alpine, TX 79832 |
| Dr. Dexter Wakefield Associate Professor, Agricultural Education Animal Science dexter.wakefield@sulross.edu Office: (432) 837-8210 Fax: (432) 837-8406 Office: RAS 108 Address: Box C-11, Alpine, TX 79832 |
Dr. Paul A. Will Distinguished Professor Emeritus Animal Science Address: Box C-11, Alpine, TX 79832 |
| Jeanne Pinkerton Department Secretary Animal Science/ Natural Resource Management/Industrial Technology jeanne.pinkerton@sulross.edu Office: (432) 837-8200 Fax: (432)837-8406 Office: RAS 111 Address: Box C-11, Alpine, TX 79832 |
Degree Plans
All undergraduates must be advised in order to register/enroll in courses in a future term.
Academic Advisors provide students with schedule planning and degree checklists, identify academic support structures (tutoring) for at-risk students, help new students transition from other institutions, and assist students in deciding on a major. Academic Advisors also provide students with one-on-one instruction on how to use Lobo Online which is the student’s portal to academic and administrative services at Sul Ross State University.
Advisors accept student inquiries by appointment (Zoom, Teams, and Skype), over the phone, or as walk-ins. Students must be advised before registration and they must receive their advisor’s final approval of schedules and official degree plans.
Visit Academic Advising to learn more.
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Agricultural Business concentration
Freshman Year
Semester I, Fall
Semester II, Spring
ENG 1301
3 credit hours
ENG 1302
3 credit hours
MATH 1314
3 credit hours
CHEM 1311 + Lab or GEOL 1303 + Lab
4 credit hours
NRM 1101
1 credit hour
BIOL 1307 + Lab
4 credit hours
BIO 1306 + Lab
4 credit hours
NRM 2301 or 2303
3 credit hours
NRM 2330
3 credit hours
NRM 3202
2 credit hours
Total: 14 sch
Total: 16 sch
Sophomore Year
Semester III, Fall
Semester IV, Spring
ANSC 1419
4 credit hours
*COMM 1320 or 1311
3 credit hours
PS 2305
3 credit hours
NRM 4303
3 credit hours
*ENG 2341 or PHIL 1301
3 credit hours
ENG 2311
3 credit hours
NRM 2305
3 credit hours
MATH 1342
3 credit hours
NRM 3305
3 credit hours
ANSC 3416
4 credit hours
Total: 16 sch
Total: 16 sch
Junior Year
Semester V, Fall
Semester VI, Spring
AGB 2302
3 credit hours
*ECO 2301
3 credit hours
NRM 2305
3 credit hours
AGB 3302
3 credit hours
NRM 3304
3 credit hours
AGB 3304
3 credit hours
NRM 3308
3 credit hours
AGB 4315
3 credit hours
*ENG 2315 or 2331
3 credit hours
RCH 3302
3 credit hours
ANSC 3302 or 3309
3 credit hours
–
–
Total: 18 sch
Total: 15 sch
Senior Year
Semester VII, Fall
Semester VIII, Spring
HIST 1301
3 credit hours
HIST 1302
3 credit hours
GEOL 3401
4 credit hours
*FA 1302 or FA 1315
3 credit hours
AGB 3310 (special topics)
3 credit hours
AGB 4303
3 credit hours
AGB 3310 (special topics)
3 credit hours
Elective(s)
3-6 credit hours
PS 2306
3 credit hours
–
–
Total: 16 sch
Total: 12-15 sch
Total Credit Hours Required for Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, concentration in Agricultural Business: 123-126
*Several options meet this requirement. Consult your adviser for specific lists.
All undergraduates must be advised in order to register/enroll in courses in a future term.
Academic Advisors provide students with schedule planning and degree checklists, identify academic support structures (tutoring) for at-risk students, help new students transition from other institutions, and assist students in deciding on a major. Academic Advisors also provide students with one-on-one instruction on how to use Lobo Online which is the student’s portal to academic and administrative services at Sul Ross State University.
Advisors accept student inquiries by appointment (Zoom, Teams, and Skype), over the phone, or as walk-ins. Students must be advised before registration and they must receive their advisor’s final approval of schedules and official degree plans.
Visit Academic Advising to learn more.
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Agricultural Education concentration
Freshman Year
Semester I, Fall
Semester II, Spring
ENG 1301
3 credit hours
ENG 1302
3 credit hours
MATH 1314 or 1342
3 credit hours
NRM 1301
3 credit hours
ANSC 1101
1 credit hour
ANSC 2312
3 credit hours
BIO 1311
3 credit hours
PS 2305
3 credit hours
ANSC 1419 or 2301
3-4 credit hours
ANSC 2304
3 credit hours
HIST 1301
3 credit hours
–
–
Total: 16-17 sch
Total: 15 sch
Sophomore Year
Semester III, Fall
Semester IV, Spring
HIST 1302
3 credit hours
*COMM 1310 or 1311
3 credit hours
PS 2306
3 credit hours
*ENG 2315 or 2331
3 credit hours
NRM 2305
3 credit hours
NRM 2301
3 credit hours
*ENG 2341 or PHIL 1301
3 credit hours
ANSC 3319
3 credit hours
ANSC 2313
3 credit hours
NRM 2303
3 credit hours
–
–
ANSC 3320
3 credit hours
Total: 15 sch
Total: 18 sch
Junior Year
Semester V, Fall
Semester VI, Spring
IT 2307
3 credit hours
ANSC 3416
4 credit hours
AGB 2302
3 credit hours
ANSC 4305
3 credit hours
ANSC 3308
3 credit hours
ED 4306
3 credit hours
IT 2309
3 credit hours
ANSC 3318
3 credit hours
*ART 1301 or FA 1302
3 credit hours
ANSC 3321
3 credit hours
Total: 15 sch
Total: 16 sch
Senior Year
Semester VII, Fall
Semester VIII, Spring
ANSC 4311
3 credit hours
ED 3300
3 credit hours
ED 4314
3 credit hours
ED 4322
3 credit hours
ED 3302
3 credit hours
ED 4605
6 credit hours
*ANSC or IT (3-6 hours upper level)
3-6 credit hours
–
–
Total: 12-15 sch
Total: 12 sch
Total Credit Hours Required for Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, concentration in Agricultural Education: 120-123
*Several options meet this requirement. Consult your adviser for specific lists.
All undergraduates must be advised in order to register/enroll in courses in a future term.
Academic Advisors provide students with schedule planning and degree checklists, identify academic support structures (tutoring) for at-risk students, help new students transition from other institutions, and assist students in deciding on a major. Academic Advisors also provide students with one-on-one instruction on how to use Lobo Online which is the student’s portal to academic and administrative services at Sul Ross State University.
Advisors accept student inquiries by appointment (Zoom, Teams, and Skype), over the phone, or as walk-ins. Students must be advised before registration and they must receive their advisor’s final approval of schedules and official degree plans.
Visit Academic Advising to learn more.
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Agricultural Systems concentration
Freshman Year
Semester I, Fall
Semester II, Spring
ENG 1301
3 credit hours
ENG 1302
3 credit hours
MATH 1314 or 1342
3 credit hours
NRM 1301
3 credit hours
ANSC/NRM 1101
1 credit hour
ANSC 2312
3 credit hours
BIO 1311
3 credit hours
PS 2305
3 credit hours
ANSC 1419 or 2301
3-4 credit hours
ANSC 2304
3 credit hours
HIST 1301
3 credit hours
–
–
Total: 16-17 sch
Total: 15 sch
Sophomore Year
Semester III, Fall
Semester IV, Spring
HIST 1302
3 credit hours
*COMM 1310 or 1311
3 credit hours
PS 2306
3 credit hours
*ENG 2315 or 2331
3 credit hours
NRM 2305
3 credit hours
NRM 2301
3 credit hours
*ENG 2341 or PHIL 1301
3 credit hours
ANSC 3319
3 credit hours
ANSC 2313
3 credit hours
NRM 2303
3 credit hours
–
–
ANSC 3320
3 credit hours
Total: 15 sch
Total: 18 sch
Junior Year
Semester V, Fall
Semester VI, Spring
IT 2307
3 credit hours
ANSC 3416
4 credit hours
AGB 2302
3 credit hours
ANSC 4305
3 credit hours
ANSC 3308
3 credit hours
ED 4306
3 credit hours
IT 2309
3 credit hours
ANSC 3318
3 credit hours
*ART 1301 or FA 1302
3 credit hours
ANSC 3321
3 credit hours
Total: 15 sch
Total: 16 sch
Senior Year
Semester VII, Fall
Semester VIII, Spring
ANSC 4311
3 credit hours
*ANSC, IT , NRM, AGB, RCH, and/or GEOL 3401
12 credit hours
*ANSC, IT, NRM, AGB, RCH, and/or GEOL 3401
12 credit hours
–
–
Total: 15-16 sch
Total: 12-13
Total Credit Hours Required for Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, concentration in Agricultural Systems: 122-124
*Several options meet this requirement. Consult your adviser for specific lists.
All undergraduates must be advised in order to register/enroll in courses in a future term.
Academic Advisors provide students with schedule planning and degree checklists, identify academic support structures (tutoring) for at-risk students, help new students transition from other institutions, and assist students in deciding on a major. Academic Advisors also provide students with one-on-one instruction on how to use Lobo Online which is the student’s portal to academic and administrative services at Sul Ross State University.
Advisors accept student inquiries by appointment (Zoom, Teams, and Skype), over the phone, or as walk-ins. Students must be advised before registration and they must receive their advisor’s final approval of schedules and official degree plans.
Visit Academic Advising to learn more.
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Sustainable Ranch Management concentration
Freshman Year
Semester I, Fall
Semester 2, Spring
ENG 1301
3 credit hours
ENG 2311
3 credit hours
MATH 1342
3 credit hours
HIST 1301
3 credit hours
PS 2306
3 credit hour
PS 2305
3 credit hours
NRM 1101
1 credit hour
IT 1309
3 credit hours
NRM 2330
3 credit hours
NRM 2301
3 credit hours
*FA 1302 or 1315
3 credit hours
–
–
Total: 16 sch
Total: 15 sch
Sophomore Year
Semester III, Fall
Semester IV, Spring
NRM 2305
3 credit hours
HIST 1302
3 credit hours
ANSC 2312
3 credit hours
IT 1308
3 credit hours
ANSC 1419
4 credit hours
*ENG 2341 or PHIL 1301
3 credit hours
AGB 2302
3 credit hours
*COMM 1311 or 1320
3 credit hours
–
–
*ENG 2315 or 2331
3 credit hours
Total: 13 sch
Total: 15 sch
Junior Year
Semester V, Fall
Semester VI, Spring
AGB 4315 or ACCT 2301
3 credit hours
ANSC 3416
4 credit hours
ANSC 3402 or 3315
3-4 credit hours
AGB 3304 or 4308
3 credit hours
IT 2307
3 credit hours
IT 2309 or 3319
3 credit hours
RCH 2101
1 credit hour
RCH 4301
3 credit hours
NRM 3305
3 credit hours
RCH 3302
3 credit hours
NRM 4308
3 credit hours
–
–
Total: 16 sch
Total: 16-17
Summer
–
RCH 3301
3 credit hours
–
–
Total: 3 sch
–
Senior Year
Semester VII, Fall
Semester VIII, Spring
ANSC 3308
3 credit hours
ANSC 4305
3 credit hours
IT 4311
3 credit hours
RCH 4101
1 credit hour
NRM 4304
3 credit hours
NRM 4601
6 credit hours
*AGB 4301 or 4303
3 credit hours
NRM 4314
3 credit hours
GBA 4355, 3351, ANSC 2303, 2305, 3406, 4303, 4314, or RCH 4302
3-4 credit hours
–
–
Total: 15-16 sch
Total: 13 sch
Total Credit Hours Required for Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, concentration in Sustainable Ranch Management: 120-122
*Several options meet this requirement. Consult your adviser for specific lists.
