Highlights from the Dean

Nebraska East Union entrance

Highlights from the Dean

The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln provides an experiential education that propels the college to the forefront of cultivating the next generation of change-makers poised to tackle global challenges at the nexus of food, energy, water, health, and societal systems. 

Anchored in our “why?” - cultivating educational innovation so that learners are empowered to become bold thinkers, compassionate leaders, and change-makers prepared to impact Nebraska and beyond - we design learning experiences that are interdisciplinary, flexible, and deeply connected to real-world challenges. Through these opportunities, CASNR is preparing a generation of students ready to define the future of work.

green growth in petri dish

CASNR by the Numbers

student analyzing popcorn

CASNR by the Numbers

  • 25+ undergraduate degree and pre-professional programs, along with interdisciplinary strategic pathways; 25 graduate programs (MS and PhD), 5 graduate certificates, and 2 professional degrees (Doctor of Plant Health and DVM in partnership with Iowa State University).
  • More than 3,300 undergraduate, graduate and professional students enrolled in degree programs offered by CASNR academic units.
  • CASNR students are from 88 of Nebraska’s 93 counties, as well as 48 states and over 60+ countries.

CASNR's Commitment to Student Success

CASNR’s Commitment to Student Success

  • CASNR keeps students on track … > 87% of first-year students return for their second year.
  • CASNR’s 4-year graduation rate has increased 13 percentage points since 2012.
  • Over the past five years, CASNR has set new records for the number of degrees awarded.
student analyzing corn

CASNR's Statewide Partnership

soil judging team

CASNR’s Statewide Partnerships

  • 218 schools (>80% of total) in Nebraska offer ag education programs.
  • More than 12,500 students participated in Nebraska FFA in 2024.
  • More than 20,000 students participate in Nebraska Agricultural Education classes each year.
  • Over 4,100 students participated in the Nebraska Career Development Event competitions on CASNR’s campus during the Nebraska FFA Convention in April 2025.
  • 150 school districts participated in CASNR’s Food, Energy, Water and Societal Systems (FEWS2) programming since its inception in 2021.
  • Annually over 2,000 urban students visit CASNR for an immersive experience as part of the Education & Careers Pathway teams initiative.

CASNR’s Commitment to Experiential Learning & Career Readiness

CASNR’s Commitment to Experiential Learning & Career Readiness

  • 100% of students participate in internships, research, or experiential learning opportunities
  • Strong partnerships with industry leaders across agriculture, natural resources, and biosystems 
  • Graduates are highly sought after, contributing to Nebraska’s workforce and beyond
Students and instructor learning in a vineyard

Preparing Nebraska's Future Workforce

professor showing students how to innoculate a piglet

Preparing Nebraska’s Future Workforce

CASNR is aligning education with emerging workforce needs and industry priorities:

  • Expanded credentials and curriculum innovations in Agricultural Systems Technology, Digital Agriculture, and Plant Pathology 
  • The Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program equips students with the skills and mentorship to launch and grow successful ventures 
  • The Integrated Science Program provides flexible, customizable pathways, including online degree completion options
  • The PRIME (Professional Research and Industry Mentorship Experience) program in the Department of Animal Science connects students with industry partners through immersive, hands-on experiences that integrate research, mentorship, and career exploration

Opportunities to grow

Always an opportunity to grow

We take your development beyond the classroom with opportunities to get involved in the community via internships, research, service, speakers, and more.

men in cornfield

Own your experience

We provide an education that allows you to craft your experience to fit your passions.

forensic students and instructor

Connections to co-create your path

CASNR is full of passionate faculty, staff and alumni with valuable real-world experiences that are eager to assist you in research, mentorship and networking.

students and instructor in class

Learn and Thrive

A supportive community for you to learn + thrive in

We expose you to new places, people and ideas all while providing individualized support along the way.

Sue Ellen and students

A place for you to flourish

CASNR is a vibrant community - complete with labs, dining options, a recreation center and specialized facilities for your studies.

students digging in soil

Inspiring you to make an impact on the world

CASNR will develop you into a professional that's prepared to make a mark on the world.

instructor and student

We are Nebraska.

We believe in the power of every person. We don't rest on our strengths—we stretch them. Sweat them. Combine them. Growing flexible, nimble and strong minds. That's how we do big things.