College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Community Sustainability

The Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education major has a unique focus on agriculture, food and natural resources sustainability for the benefit of communities in Michigan, the U.S. and the world.

This major prepares graduates as teachers (grades 6-12) in agriculture and natural resources, as well as educators in government, community organizations and nonprofits and graduate studies. The U.S. Department of Education aims to incorporate green- and sustainability-related knowledge and skills standards into the existing National Career Clusters including agriculture, food and natural resources.

Students in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education program who wish to become secondary school teachers must also apply for the Secondary Education Teacher Preparation Program (details) in the College of Education. See more on the educational licensing board contact information and approval status.

CURRENT STUDENTS: Connect with your academic advisor for advising appointments or to change your major/minor.

Set up a personal meeting to learn more!

Core areas of study include:

• Agriculture, food and natural resources education.
• Community sustainability and engagement.
• Biology.
• Ecology.
• Environmental and natural resources policy/law.
• Learning and teaching practices.
• Grant writing and fund development.

The Department of Community Sustainability infuses sustainability into all of its majors. Learn more about the Sustainability Core.

Learn more about all the requirements and courses in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education (AFNRE).

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Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education Graduates

See career outcomes for MSU Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education graduates.

Career Opportunities

Careers in agriculture, food and natural resources offer a wide range of opportunities.

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education prepares students for a variety of career paths.

• Agriculture, food and natural resources teacher (6-12).
• Community educator.
• Nature and cultural interpretation educator.
• Governmental aid.
• Agricultural educator in private industries.
• Professional or graduate studies.

Faculty members and advisors maintain close relationships with government, non-profit and for-profit entities in the agriculture, food and natural resources areas, which can help with internships, scholarships and employment opportunities.

Schedule advising appointments online. (More details: MSU Student Information System resources.)

Read more about the role of academic advisors in the Department of Community Sustainability.

Interested in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education major? Complete our student interest form to ask a question, leave a comment, and learn more!

Student Life

In addition to student jobs and internships, there are education abroad and undergraduate research opportunities.

There are also a variety of student clubs and organizations including:

• Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education (AFNRE) Club.
• Collegiate Farm Bureau.
• Leadership in Environment and Agricultural Fields.
• Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences.
• National Agri-Marketing Association.

Apply to Michigan State University!