The mission of the Department of Agriculture is to provide support to the vast and complex agricultural system of our region. We are responsible for providing high-quality programs that prepare our students for successful careers in the agribusiness sector of our economy. We also provide a quality pre-veterinary medicine program for those interested in becoming a veterinarian. You will find careers in agriculture to be varied and fulfilling, as we all work together to feed and clothe the United States and the world. A student attending Southeast will prepare for careers in the following:

• Agriculture Industry - with job opportunities in the following:  sales, management, banking, agriculture economist and marketing of agriculture products

• Animal Science - with job opportunities in animal nutrition, horse science, animal breeding, and beef and swine production

• Horticulture - with job opportunties in turf management, golf-course management, municipal parks and recreational areas, greenhouse management, landscape design and maintenance, fruit production, vegetable production and integrated pest management

• Plant and Soil Science - with job opportunties in crop production, consulting, integrated pest management, farm management and soil science

• Preparation for graduate school in the areas listed above.

The department is committed to providing a variety of experiential-learning opportunities for students majoring in agriculture. Students can work at the David M. Barton Agriculture Research Center, the Charles L. Hutson Horticulture Greenhouse or with individual faculty members on projects. They also will take classes with field and laboratory experience as a component. To gain a broader knowledge of agriculture in the region, students take many field trips and professionals in the industry are brought in to talk to students.  Paid internships also are a part of the curriculum.  More information can be found at the following student developed site:  http://cstl.semo.edu/polytech.