Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Major | Mount Vernon NWREC

Bachelor of Science
Agricultural & Food Systems (AFS)

Gain knowledge and experience to become a professional in organic and sustainable crop production.

WSU Everett is a transfer institution providing upper division courses to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Organic and Sustainable Agriculture. You can fulfill the majority of WSU’s general education (UCORE) and the pre-program acceptance requirements at any college (2 year or 4 year), then complete your Bachelor of Science in Organic and Sustainable Agriculture at WSU Everett.

WSU Course Requirements

Students interested in the transfer program are encouraged to contact WSU academic advisor Nannette McGrath (nannette.mcgrath@wsu.edu) who can help you find equivalent courses at your current school.

Front of flyer "Major in Organic & Sustainable Agriculture"

Download the brochure

Nannette McGrath, WSU Academic Advisor
nannette.mcgrath@wsu.edu

How to ApplyApply to the Everett Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Program

Young woman crouches to plant a seedling through black plastic sheeting

Organic and sustainable food production systems integrate cultural and biological practices to promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity. Becoming a professional in organic and sustainable agriculture emphasizes an understanding of plant and environmental sciences as well as pest/disease management, marketing, and food science. The growth of organic food production and marketing, especially in the U.S., Europe, and China, has created a need to train students to provide expertise, research, product development, and other services for farmers and the food industry at home and worldwide.

Students in the Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Major take a variety of courses in the natural, environmental, plant, soil, social, and economic sciences, as well as courses focused on organic and sustainable production practices.

Graduates from the AFS Major will be prepared for careers in:

Crop Consulting
Pest Management
Soil Management
Organic Certification
Farm Policy & Stewardship
Food Science
Economics & Marketing
Organic Product Purchaser
Organic Rancher (this focus requires additional coursework)

Students in the Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Major have an opportunity to think critically about farming systems and learn from world-class researchers and agricultural professionals.

Course Highlights

Select courses are taught by research faculty from the WSU Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center, located just 35 minutes north of WSU Everett.

Dr. Gabe LaHue

gabriel.lahue@wsu.edu

Soil: A Living System (SOIL_SCI 201)

This introductory 3-credit course is structured around the “five pillars” of soil science, which include soil genesis, morphology, and classification; soil physics; soil chemistry; soil biology; and soil fertility, with the final unit focusing on past, current, and future challenges and opportunities in soil science.

Organic and Sustainable Agricultural Certifications: From Principles to Practice (SOIL_SCI 303)

This course presents the principles and practical requirements for certification under the USDA National Organic Program and other certifications focused on sustainable agricultural practices.

Dr. Lisa DeVetter

lisa.devetter@wsu.edu

Pomology (HORT 310)

This 3-credit course provides an overview of the botany, history, production, and uses of temperate-zone tree and small fruit crops.

Dr. Deirdre Griffin LaHue

d.griffin@wsu.edu

Food Systems in Western Washington (AFS 350)

Introduction to local and regional food systems unique to western Washington with an emphasis on the farm-to-table processes of foods and beverages.

Capstone (AFS 401)

The culminating capstone course for the AFS Organic and Sustainable Agriculture degree, this class is designed to integrate and apply all of the skills students acquired in previous coursework, to analyze current challenges and opportunities in agriculture.

Dr. Chakradhar Mattupalli

chakradhar.mattupalli@wsu.edu

Biology and Control of Plant Diseases (PL_P 501)

This 3-credit course introduces students to basic concepts regarding the biology of plant pathogens, the role of environmental conditions in promoting development of plant diseases, and the development of effective approaches to disease control.

Employment Opportunities

OSA students studying through WSU Everett who would like to gain hands-on experience in agricultural research are encouraged to apply for temporary employment opportunities at WSU Mount Vernon NWREC. The Center hosts 10 agricultural research programs and we frequently have openings for hourly research assistants.

Students who are interested in opportunities at NWREC are encouraged to send an application to Gabe LaHue. OSA students may also contact Nannette McGrath, WSU Everett OSA student advisor for more information.