College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

Agricultural Biology

College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

Agricultural Biology

Cultivate Your Future
with Agricultural Biology at NMSU

At New Mexico State University, the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science (EPPWS) offers a dynamic Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a major in Agricultural Biology. This interdisciplinary program equips students with the knowledge and skills to address pressing challenges in pest management, plant health and environmental sustainability. EPPWS emphasizes experiential learning, offering students opportunities to engage in research projects and internships that provide practical experience in pest management and plant protection. This hands-on approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges in agricultural biology.
Learn more about the experience
Quick Facts

Admissions Deadline

There are no fixed deadlines*


  • Total classes: 40
  • Total credit hours: 120
  • Cost per credit hour: $223.58**

Delivery Format

In-person
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Career Pathways

Graduates of the Agricultural Biology program are equipped for a variety of careers in both the public and private sectors. The program's comprehensive curriculum and practical experience prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the field of agricultural biology.

  • Research Scientist or Lab Technician
  • Extension agent
  • Pest management consultant
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Plant Health Specialist
  • Regulatory Analyst (USDA, EPA, etc.)
  • Public Health Entomologist
  • Biotech or Agricultural Product Developer
plants growing in field with water irrigation system.
Student overlooking plants being grown in a lab.
Student overlooking plants being grown in a lab.

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Bachelor of Agricultural Biology? Fill out our inquiry form.

The Experience

A Multidisciplinary Curriculum Bridging Biology, Ecology and Agricultural Solutions

The agricultural biology course work prepares you for a variety of careers in the biological sciences and agriculture. Many program graduates continue on to pursue advanced degrees in the sciences or prepare for admittance to professional schools (medical, dental, etc.). A diverse program is offered with five separate concentrations that allow you to tailor your program for careers in the commercial sector, such as agricultural consulting, and pest management or for careers with county, state, or federal agencies, such as research technicians, land managers, and extension agents.
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Scholarships Available

Get up to 100% of tuition covered with the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship.**

Applied Biology - Designed for those aiming for advanced degrees in medical, dental or veterinary fields. The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biology with the Applied Biology concentration consists of 120 credits.

To earn this degree, you need to complete all Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science core courses, and all University degree requirements, which include General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements and elective credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above.

Take classes like:

  • EPWS 110 - Applied Biology
  • EPWS 301 – Agricultural Biotechnology
  • EPWS 302 - General Entomology
  • EPWS 314 - Plant Physiology
View more courses and degree road map

Applied Microbiology. - Focuses on microbial processes and their applications in agriculture. The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biology with the Applied Microbiology concentration consists of 120 credits.

To earn this degree, you need to complete all Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science core courses and all University degree requirements, which include General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements and elective credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above.

Take classes like:

  • EPWS 301 – Agricultural Biotechnology
  • EPWS 420 - Environmental Behavior of Pesticides
  • EPWS 373 - Fungal Biology
  • EPWS 486 - Plant Virology
View more courses and degree road map

Entomology - Focuses on microbial processes and their applications in agriculture. Emphasis is placed on a broad background in field and laboratory aspects of insect biology and management. The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biology with the Entomology concentration consists of 120 credits.

To earn this degree, you need to complete all Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science core courses, and all University degree requirements, which include General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements, and elective credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above.

Take classes like:

  • EPWS 301 – Agricultural Biotechnology
  • EPWS 310 - Plant Pathology
  • EPWS 455 - Advanced Integrated Pest Management
  • EPWS 462 - Parasitology
View more courses and degree road map

Environmental Biology - Explores the interactions between organisms and their environments. The Environmental Biology concentration prepares you for professional positions in environmental impact, regulation, compliance and improvement. The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biology with the Environmental Biology concentration consists of 120 credits.

To earn this degree, you need to complete all Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science core courses and all University degree requirements, which include General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements and elective credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above.

Take classes like:

  • EPWS 301 – Agricultural Biotechnology
  • ENVS 301 - Principles of Ecology
  • EPWS 492 - Diagnosing Plant Disorders
  • TOX 361 - Basic Toxicology
View more courses and degree road map

Invasive Pest Biology and Management - Addresses strategies for controlling agricultural pests. This concentration prepares you for careers such as insect, weed and disease management, in both field and urban environments. The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biology with the Invasive Pest Biology and Management concentration consists of 120 credits.

To earn this degree, you need to complete all Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science core courses, and all University degree requirements, which include General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements and elective credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above.

Take classes like:

  • EPWS 301 – Agricultural Biotechnology
  • EPWS 311 - Introduction to Weed Science
  • EPWS 492 - Diagnosing Plant Disorders
  • EPWS 455 - Advanced Integrated Pest Management
View more courses and degree road map
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Scholarships and Financial Aid

At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.

Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.

NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.



Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu

Accreditation

New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.