CASNR Undergraduate Programs
Make Your Mark

With over 30 degree programs, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) is the destination for learners seeking innovative and transformative educational experiences. CASNR undergraduate programs prepare today's students for tomorrow's greatest local, state, and global challenges around food, energy, water, and societal systems. Students in CASNR are part of a vibrant and engaged community of diverse learners who are inspired to take their development beyond the classroom and make their mark on the world.
Attributes of a CASNR Graduate
Graduates that have a shared-responsibility for a shared-future
The Faculty Advisory Committee identified the goals for developing the CASNR student by the time they graduate. This vision provides a holistic, transformative educational experience that integrates curricular, co-curricular, and experiential learning to result in:
Evidence-based decision making for a complex world using a systems-thinking approach.
A spirit of entrepreneurship, leadership, civic engagement, and service to positively impact communities.
A global mindset and appreciation of diversity across cultures, ethnicities, religions, gender, sexual orientation, and age.
A collaborative, inclusive approach to problem solving and innovation.
Degree Programs
Pre-Professional Programs
Agribusiness
A powerful combination of agriculture and food system courses at CASNR along with business courses taken on City Campus. Agriculture is the cornerstone of the program, enhanced with decision-making, management and strategic skills required in today's global marketplace. There is plenty of opportunity to connect with agribusiness leaders—and to choose courses that prepare you for your specific career interests.
Minors
- Agribusiness Minor

Agricultural Economics
Understanding the "numbers" of agriculture is critical to decision making, performance and profitability, whether it's in world trade, agribusiness marketing, risk management, ag policy development, commodity marketing, ag lending or managing an agricultural enterprise. Options available in farm and ranch management, public policy, quantitative analysis and general ag economics.
Minors
- Agricultural Economics Minor
- Community Economics and Social Dynamics Minor

Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication
Agriculture needs inspiring teachers, leaders, and communicators - and this is where they come from. Be prepared with the necessary communication and interpersonal skills, leadership training, and knowledge of technical agriculture, natural resources, and environmental sciences for employment in agribusiness leadership training and/or development, teaching school based agricultural education, and/or careers in communications, advocacy, and public service. Options include Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication, Leadership, Agricultural Education, and Skilled and Technical Sciences.
Minors
- Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication Minor
- Leadership and Communication Minor
- Leadership and Entrepreneurship Minor

Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Communication
Prepare for a career in communication, advocacy, and public service in the agricultural, natural resources and environmental science disciplines. You'll be prepared to communicate valuable information to a variety of audiences to engage in public discussions related to food, fuel, water, landscapes and people. Choose courses in agriculture, natural resources and environmental science and learn how to combine that knowledge with world-class communication skills to pursue a career that ignites your passion. Acquire the core competencies of professional communicators and the strategies most effective in communicating complex and technical information to a variety of audiences.
Minors
- AESC Minor

Agricultural Systems Technology
Agricultural Systems Technology is the destination for hands-on learning at Nebraska that combines coursework in agricultural technology, agricultural sciences and business. It prepares graduates with the skills to apply a systems-approach to managing current and emerging technology in agriculture and related industries. Get ready for the future of agriculture with a degree in Agricultural Systems Technology!

Agronomy
Agronomy is the business of feeding the world. From crop production to developing new plants using biotechnology, this program will prepare students to play a role in ensuring tomorrow’s food supply in a sustainable environmentally responsible way.

Animal Science
Study animals and their contributions to our health, nutrition, economic success and overall quality of life. You'll get the basics in animal biology, nutrition, physiology, reproduction and ethical management. Then you can focus on animal biology, animal production and management, business, companion animal science, equine sciences, meat science or veterinary animal sciences. Graduates are on the job in production animal agriculture, agribusiness, animal nutrition, food processing, and animal care.
Minors
- Animal Science Minor (18 credits)
- Animal Science Minor (12 credits)
- Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars (NBIS) Minor

Applied Climate Science
Climate impacts society as well as agricultural and natural resource systems. You can explore trends in climate and learn to forecast major long-term change while networking with nationally and internationally recognized faculty and staff. You can also gain hands-on experience with climate oriented centers on campus as you prepare for a career in agribusiness, environmental consulting, planning, and governmental agencies.
Minors
- Applied Climate Science Minor

Applied Science
An extremely flexible and diverse program that allows you to choose more than 50% of the courses you take as electives, so you can tailor your degree to your career goals. Your course work is centered on science, agriculture and natural resources with a wide range of options including ecology, food genetics, entrepreneurship, economics, policy, animal science, and plant science. Or combine a number of these disciplines to create a unique degree that gets you where you want to go.

Biochemistry
Study chemical reactions within a living cell—the molecules that make up life and how living things work. Biochemistry is needed to develop medicines, new foods and other innovations required to feed and fuel the world. Many students conduct research in faculty labs and have contributed to solutions in disease, plant engineering, biofuel development and other key areas. Graduates have entered a wide range of careers from healthcare to agriculture.
Minors
- Biochemistry Minor

Environmental Science
Ecosystems damaged by human impact or natural causes create complex challenges that require a holistic understanding of soil, water, regulations, wildlife habitat, toxicology and restoration and recovery strategies. If you're interested in "saving the planet", consider this program which combines classroom science and in-field study with options in Soil Science or Lake and Stream Restoration.

Environmental Studies
Human impact on the environment, climate change, access to water, conservation of resources and ecosystems, and sustainability are critical concerns on both a local and global scale. This holistic, broad-based program combines physical, biological and social sciences with cross-interdisciplinary study. When you graduate, you'll be ready to make a difference so that future generations have adequate resources and a healthy environment.
Minors
- Environmental Studies Minor
- Environmental Education Minor
- Society and the Environment Minor

Fisheries & Wildlife
Conserving and managing habitat and populations of wildlife—fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals—is the focus of this program. In-the-field work helps you apply concepts in hydrology, statistics, biology, ecology, and geospatial information science to formulate strategies and make decisions that have a profound effect on the biodiversity of our planet. A passion for the outdoors is a prerequisite for this program.
Minors
- Fisheries & Wildlife Minor

Food Science & Technology
Join the industry that helps ensure a safe, nutritious and wide variety of food choices for consumers. Combining biological sciences, physical science, food science, math, and social sciences, this program covers it all—from commodity processing to quality assurance to food chemistry to packaging. Technical electives allow you to focus on specific interests such as food engineering, product development and processing plant management.
Minors
- 12-Credit-Hour Minor
- 18-Credit-Hour Minor

Food Technology for Companion Animals
From dogs and cats to birds and reptiles, companion animals have specific nutritional and physiological requirements. This unique program combines Food Science and Animal Science courses and can prepare you for areas such as research, product development, quality assurance, product safety and other careers in a high-growth global industry.

Forensic Science
Forensic Science is the application of science and technology to facilitate justice for all members of society. Three primary options are available: Crime Scene Investigation prepares you to collect, preserve, and interpret physical evidence and conduct a forensic investigation. Forensic Biology is an introduction to forensic serology and DNA techniques currently used in operational crime laboratories. Forensic Chemistry focuses on techniques for chemical analysis of forensically important materials and non-biological evidence.

Grassland Systems
An integrated systems approach to the management of forage-based livestock production. The program combines forage and range science, animal science and management economics to provide a strong foundation for decision-making and long-term stewardship of grazing operations. The emphasis is on production systems that optimize economic returns while properly managing livestock and natural resources.
Minors
- Grassland Systems

Insect Science
The study of the most abundant creatures on earth. Insects have a direct effect on our ability to produce food, maintain biological diversity and maintain the overall health of plants, animals and humans. From integrated pest management for crop protection to public health concerns to crime scene investigation to environmental issues, this program provides a variety of options to match your interests and career path.
Minors
- Insect Science

Integrated Science
Offers students the opportunity to design their own degree program. As an alternative to traditional majors, this individualized program of study allows students to pursue their academic and professional goals in concentration areas not available within existing departmental curricula. With the mentoring of a faculty advisory committee, students focus their degree and select courses across multiple concentration areas to create an individualized and interdisciplinary program of study.

Mechanized Systems Management
If you like working with machinery and technology, this is your program. Includes hands-on course work in power and machinery systems, processing and handling, and sensors and controls combined with business and agriculture courses to manage equipment systems in a variety of industries related to food, fuel, and water. Equipment testing, plant operations management, technical support and product marketing are just a few career possibilities for students in this program.
Minors
- 12-Credit-Hour Mechanized Systems Management Minor
- 18-Credit-Hour Mechanized Systems Management Minor

Microbiology
Microbiology looks at how microbes affect human and animal health, our environment, food technology and safety, and the biotechnology industry. The vast amount of science course work serves as excellent preparation for many careers as well as veterinary and medical programs.

Natural Resource & Environmental Economics
This program is focused on the business side of natural resources—the legal, political, economic and social aspects of managing our land, water and air. You'll assess public policy governing issues such as logging, mining, habitat restoration, agricultural production, industry and recreational use. This program combines work in agricultural economics with courses in the School of Natural Resources to create a dynamic educational experience in a fast-growing career area.
Minors
- Natural Resource Economics Minor

Plant Biology
Learn about plants at every level—molecular, cellular, organismal, systemic and ecological—in a discipline directly related to food, feed, fuel, and fiber. You might also get involved with horticultural and ornamental plants. A degree in Plant Biology can qualify you for a wide range of careers including plant breeding, genetic engineering, plant research, field biology, horticulture, and more. You can choose an emphasis of Biotechnology or Ecology & Management, and tailor your course work to align with your talents and interests.
Minors
- Plant Biology

Plant and Landscape Systems
This program empowers you to connect with people, cultivate ideas, discover new opportunities and acquire the skills necessary to feed and enrich the lives of a growing global population. Options include Agronomy, Horticulture, Landscape Design and Management, and Turfgrass Science and Management.

PGA Golf Management
One of the nation's few golf management programs accredited by the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) of America. Graduate and become a card-carrying PGA Member eligible to be a teaching professional, golf course manager, tournament director, coach or sales representative within the golf industry. Learn the management side of the business of golf, improve your playing skills, and enjoy great internships across the nation. Turn the game you love into a career you love!

Regional and Community Forestry
In our Regional and Community Forestry program, you will learn to lead the industry in tree management and planning in a way that addresses natural resource challenges, including the emerald ash borer and climate change, so we can build livable, vibrant and resilient communities.

Statistics and Data Analytics
Learn to use data to solve problems in a complex world. This program teaches you to formulate an answerable question, collect data appropriately, extract evidence from that data, and use statistical reasoning to transform that evidence into information. Graduates will be able to adapt to an ever-evolving data landscape and construct novel solutions that are meaningful for society.

Veterinary Science
A bachelor's degree in veterinary science provides a broad, science-focused education for a career in veterinary research, animal health, or diagnostics. You'll study microbiology, virology, pathology, immunology, toxicology, biochemistry and other disciplines related to the health and care of diverse animal species. Prepare for admission to any veterinary school that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).
Minors
- Veterinary Science Minor

Veterinary Technology
This program is designed for licensed veterinary technicians who want to further their careers by completing their bachelor's degree in veterinary technology. Students earning their bachelor's degree through this program must also earn an associate of applied science degree (AAS) from an American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited program and pass the licensing exam. (UNL does not offer the AAS degree.)

Water Science
Water seems pretty basic, but the science, policy and management of water are increasingly complex. You'll analyze the wide range of demands on water resources from irrigation and industry to recreation to wildlife, and how competing interests are affecting the quantity and quality of surface and ground waters and the ecosystem benefits they provide. If you're interested in the management of surface and groundwater resources, policies affecting its use and the sustainability of this precious resource, this program is for you.
Minors
- Water Science

General CASNR
Some students are unsure of which degree program to choose when entering the university. The General-CASNR program is the perfect option for students who are still deciding. You'll take courses that provide maximum flexibility while ensuring they contribute to any of the degree programs within the college as well as most at UNL.

Pre-Veterinary Medicine
If you want to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), you should begin in the Pre-Veterinary Medicine (Pre-Vet) program. Select the best undergraduate program for you as you prepare for admission to any veterinary school that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).

Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program
The Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program is focused on helping you transform the resources of our nation's strength in agriculture into the next big idea. Your idea that will solve a problem. Open a new door. Fill a hungry stomach. Create a new product. Grow more food with fewer resources. You could be the one to turn an idea into an enterprise. Our job is to give you the skills, inspiration and fortitude to make that happen.

3+3 Law Program
If you want to pursue law degree with the UNL College of Law, you can complete three years of any CASNR major and use your UNL College of Law classes to complete your CASNR degree. This program requires that you work with your CASNR Academic Advisor to create a plan and to successfully meet all of the requirements set forth by the College of Law.
Example 3+3 pathway
Pulled from Agribusiness 4-year plans from 2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog.
- Term 1 (13 Hours)
- College Courses- complete AECN 100 (1hr)
- Seminar in Ag And Apld Econ - complete AECN 20 (0hr)
- ACE 6 Economics - complete either AECN 141 or ECON 212 (3hr)
- AECN 141 or ECON 212 becomes critical to your success in the major if not completed by the second term of enrollment
- ACE 1 Written - complete 1 from ENGL 150, ENGL 151, ENGL 254, JGEN 120, JGEN 200, JGEN 300 (3hr)
- ACE 5 Humanities - complete 1 from ACE5 (3hr)
- ACE 3 Math/Statistics - complete either MATH 104 or MATH 106 (3hr)
- MATH 104 or 106 becomes critical to your success in the major if not completed by the third term of enrollment.
- Term 2 (16 Hours)
- Agri Economics Core - complete either AECN 225 or AECN 235 (3hr)
- ACE 3 Math/Statistics - complete STAT 218 (3hr)
- STAT 218 becomes critical to your success in the major if not completed by the third term of enrollment.
- CASNR Life Science - complete AGRO 131, AGRO 132 (4hr)
- BIOS 101/101L are also acceptable courses this term. AGRO 131 or BIOS 101 will also fulfill the ACE 4 requirement.
- Agri Sciences Up Lvl - complete 1 from Any Agriculture Course 200 through 400 Level, Any Agronomy Course 200 through 400 Level, Any Agricultural Leadership Course 200 through 400 Level, Any Animal Science Course 200 through 400 Level, Any Biochemistry Course 200 through 400 Level, Any Energy Science Course 200 through 400 Level, Any Entomology Course 200 through 400 Level, Any Food Science and Technology Course 200 through 400 Level, Any Fisheries and Wildlife Course 200 through 400 Level, Any Horticulture Course 200 through 400 Level, Any Mechanized Systems Management Course 200 through 400 Level, Any Natural Resources Course 200 through 400 Level, Any PGA Management Course 200 through 400 Level, Any Plant Pathology Course 200 through 400 Level, Any Range Management Course 200 through 400 Level, Any Soil Course 200 through 400 Level, Any Turfgrass and Landscape Management Course 200 through 400 Level, Any Water Science Course 200 through 400 Level, Any Veterinary Science Course 200 through 400 Level, AGRO 153, HORT 153, SOIL 153 (3hr)
- Term 3 (16 Hours)
- Agri Economics Core - complete AECN 201 (4hr)
- Accounting - complete either ACCT 200 or ACCT 201 (3hr)
- ACCT 200 or 201 becomes critical to your success in the major if not completed by the third term of enrollment.
- ACE 2 Oral Comm - complete 1 from ALEC 102, COMM 101, COMM 109, COMM 209, COMM 210, COMM 215, COMM 283, COMM 286, JGEN 300, MRKT 257, NRES 301, TMFD 121 (3hr)
- ACE 7 Arts - complete 1 from ACE7 (3hr)
- ACE 6 Economics - complete ECON 211 (3hr)
- ECON 211 becomes critical to your success in the major if not completed by the fourth term of enrollment.
- Term 4 (16 Hours)
- Nat Sciences: Chemistry - complete 2 from CHEM 105A, CHEM 105L, CHEM 109A (4hr)
- ACE 9 Global/Human Divers - complete 1 from ACE9 (3hr)
- Electives - complete Any Course* (9hr)
- Term 5 (12 Hours)
- Agri Economic 300/400 Lvl - complete either Any Agricultural Economics Course at the 300 Level or Any Agricultural Economics Course at the 400 Level (3hr)
- Agri Economics Core - complete AECN 316 (3hr)
- Microeconomics - complete ECON 312 (3hr)
- ECON 312 becomes critical to your success in the major if not completed by the fifth term of enrollment.
- Electives - complete Any Course* (3hr)
- Term 6 (15 Hours)
- Agri Economics Core - complete AECN 452 (3hr)
- Supporting Course - complete AECN 401 (3hr)
- ACE 10 Capstone - complete 1 from AECN 420, AECN 425, AECN 435, AECN 445, AECN 453 (3hr)
- Macroeconomics - complete ECON 311 (3hr)
- ECON 311 becomes critical to your success in the major if not completed by the sixth term of enrollment.
- Electives - complete Any Course* (3hr)
Graduation Requirements
- Performance Measure: 2.00 GPA required for graduation.
- ***Total Credits Applying Toward 120 Total Hours***
