College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Three researchers in lab coats observe and discuss plant samples growing in clear containers on shelves inside a laboratory.

Guochen Yang, Ph.D., has been named the 2025 ASHS HortLegend in recognition of his four decades of groundbreaking contributions to horticulture. From pioneering plant propagation techniques and securing patents for new crops, to advancing ginger cultivation in North Carolina, Dr. Yang’s work has had a lasting impact on agricultural research and education. His career reflects both scientific excellence and a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of horticulturalists.

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A nutritionist wearing a white coat and measuring tape around her neck talks with a woman holding a basket of fresh fruits and vegetables.

North Carolina A&T State University has established a new concentration in Nutrition and Dietetics within its Master of Science in Food and Nutritional Sciences program, set to begin in Spring 2026. Provisionally approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, the program addresses critical workforce needs while advancing equity in healthcare, as dietitians of color remain significantly underrepresented in the profession. Grounded in a STEM foundation and aligned with new national requirements for dietitians to hold a master’s degree, this concentration prepares graduates for expanding career opportunities in clinical practice, food service management, research, public health, and wellness.

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Three men standing knee-deep in water while conducting agricultural research.

North Carolina A&T ranks first in producing African-American graduates in Agriculture and Related Sciences bachelor’s degrees and fourth in master’s degrees.

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Feeding a hungry planet and protecting the environment we all share are challenges that become more important every day. At the North Carolina A&T College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES), you can help meet those challenges.

This is a field that needs bright young minds, eager to make a difference. From our pioneering Laboratory Animal Science and Landscape Architecture programs to our award-winning Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Research programs to our Center for Excellence in Post-Harvest Technologies, we have a rich history of innovation in this area. Here you will gain the knowledge and expertise to take advantage of the many career opportunities available in agricultural practice and research from North Carolina to every part of the globe.

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Points of Pride

WITH A RICH HISTORY OF INNOVATION, application of cutting-edge technology and delivery of educational programs for students and North Carolina communities, we engage in practical research that enriches the lives, the land and the economy of our state and nation and helps to meet the food challenges of a hungry planet.

College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Infographic, choose to download the PDF for more information.

Patents

672

Publications

337

Grants Funded

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Academic Departments

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in four departments:

DEPARTMENT OF AGRIBUSINESS, APPLIED ECONOMICS AND AGRISCIENCE EDUCATION

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DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCES

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DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES

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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN

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Smart Farming

The N.C. Agricultural & Technical State University Farm is making key investments in precision technologies to increase food production resiliency and protect the environment. Drones, robotics, “smart” tractors and implements with sensors that can securely gather quality data all help us educate farmers, and students, about data-driven decision-making and efficient production. In the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, we’re bringing science and society one step closer together.

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Hurricane Helene Relief

A pile of debris sits in front of the entrance to a building labeled “Nana’s House” with a caption noting it was taken six months after Hurricane Matthew in Robeson County, NC.

The University Farm and Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University have had a profound impact on Hurricane Helene relief. We have agents in some of the hardest hit counties, including Yancy and Buncombe counties.

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Community and Economic Impact

Infographic for North Carolina A&T State University's College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences showing community and economic impact. Highlights include: $45 million in grants with $33 million for research and $12 million for outreach, 20:1 agricultural research ROI, 16% of workforce employed in agriculture contributing 16% of state income, 4,465 small-scale producers supported, 15,500 pounds of produce distributed, 26 teachers trained in agriculture, and 1,000 K-12 students exposed to ag careers.

This infographic highlights the community and economic impact of N.C. A&T’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. It showcases a 20-to-1 return on investment in agricultural research, $45 million in grant funding to support North Carolina communities, and training that helped 4,465 small-scale producers improve their operations. The data also underscores the college’s broader contributions: agriculture employing 16% of the state’s workforce, 15,500 pounds of fresh produce distributed to food-scarce areas, and programs that introduced over 1,000 students to new career paths.

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