Agricultural Biology B.S.

The Agricultural Biology B.S. at CSU integrates entomology, plant pathology, and weed science into a single, systems-based curriculum. This unique program equips students with the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to address today’s challenges in sustainable agriculture, plant health, pest management, and ecosystem science. With hands-on learning opportunities and exposure to innovative technologies, students graduate ready to make an impact in agriculture, environmental health, and beyond.

Hands-On learning for real-world impact

Students engage in internships, research projects, and fieldwork, gaining direct experience with industry practices and scientific research. The capstone experience is a two-course sequence, AB 330 and AB 430, that together allow students to integrate and apply their knowledge to solve real-world agricultural and environmental problems.

While we have partnerships with organizations like the USDA, state agencies, and private agribusinesses, every student is not guaranteed placement. Students are encouraged to pursue internships locally and the department can support them in identifying placements.

What you’ll learn

Graduate with the ability to diagnose complex plant health issues, implement sustainable pest management strategies, and apply biological principles to improve agricultural productivity and ecosystem resilience. Students also develop strong research, data analysis, and science communication skills to succeed in diverse professional settings.

By the end of the program, you will be able to:

• Diagnose and manage plant diseases, pests, and weeds using IPM strategies
• Apply ecological and biological principles to agriculture and sustainability
• Conduct scientific research and analyze biological data
• Develop sustainable agricultural practices
• Communicate scientific findings to industry, government, and community stakeholders

Choose from four concentrations

CSU offers the following Agricultural Biology concentrations:

• General Concentration
• Entomology
• Plant Pathology
• Weed Science

Diverse career opportunities

Graduates of CSU’s Agricultural Biology B.S. program are prepared for careers across agriculture, research, environmental consulting, and regulatory affairs. The program’s interdisciplinary focus and hands-on training align with workforce demands in both public and private sectors.

Potential job titles

• Crop Consultant / Agronomist
• Integrated Pest Management Specialist
• Regulatory Affairs Specialist
• Plant Pathologist
• Entomologist
• Research Scientist
• Extension Agent / Educator
• Agriculture Inspector

Vamsi Nalam

Education

• University of North Texas, Molecular Biology, 2012, Ph D
• Oregon State University, Crop Science, 2004, MS
• University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Agriculture, 2001, BS

My research goal is to strengthen crop resilience by uncovering the molecular and physiological mechanisms that govern plant–insect–virus interactions. To that end, I study how aphid salivary effectors, diurnal rhythms, and vector–host–virus signaling shape feeding behavior, virus transmission, and plant defense. My lab combines field experiments with genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and electrical penetration graph (EPG) analysis to address these questions. Research projects in my group focus on economically important systems in Colorado and beyond, including Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato mop-top virus (PMTV), and beet curly top virus (BCTV) in crops such as potato, wheat, and sugar beet. I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Biology and serve as Interim Director of the Potato Improvement Program at Colorado State University. I also teach courses in plant pathology and agricultural biology, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and collaborate with growers and industry partners to ensure that our findings directly contribute to sustainable pest and disease management.

Ada Szczepaniec

Education

• University of Maryland, Entomology, 2009, Ph D
• University of Maryland, Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, 2003, BS

I hold a PhD in Entomology from University of Maryland and have worked as an applied entomologist at South Dakota State University and Texas A&M AgriLife Research before joining CSU in 2021. I have always been fascinated by pest outbreaks and understanding how interactions between arthropod herbivores and plants can lead to eruptive pest dynamics. I am an applied entomologist and use Integrated Pest Management approaches to formulate recommendations for pest suppression. I also integrate molecular approaches with field and greenhouse research to promote deeper understanding of mechanisms that lower resistance of plants in managed landscapes. The goal of my work is to make meaningful contributions to extend this knowledge to plant protection and improve long-term sustainability of pest management. I direct Colorado Center for Sustainable Pest Management, and teach AB 420, Horticultural Entomology every fall semester.

Todd Gaines

Education

• Colorado State University, Bioagricultural Sciences, 2009, Ph D
• Colorado State University, Plant Breeding and Genetics, 2006, MS
• Colorado State University, Soil and Crop Sciences, 2004, BS

My research goal is to support sustainable weed management that helps contribute to sustainable cropping systems. To that end, I am interested in research to identify the molecular and genetic basis of complex herbicide resistance mechanisms; utilizing next-generation sequencing to study complex traits in weeds; and developing molecular markers for rapid resistance diagnostics. Research projects in my lab study changes in evolutionary trajectories of weedy species due to human management (specifically herbicides and herbicide resistance evolution), and develop genomics and bioinformatics resources to study herbicide resistance traits in weedy species and crops.

Patrick Miller

Education

• Colorado State University, Weed Science, 1998, Ph D
• Texas A & M University, Agronomy, 1989, MS
• Purdue University, Agronomy, 1986, BS

Robyn Roberts

Education

• University of Wisconsin-Madison, Plant Pathology, 2016, Ph D
• Indiana University, Biology, 2011, BS

Robyn Roberts is an Assistant Professor in the Agricultural Biology department. Her group's research focuses on diseases of wheat and other field crops with motivations to understand the molecular interactions between plants and microbes. Particularly, her research group studies viral and bacterial diseases, molecular plant-pathogen interactions, and plant immunity. Her group works on emerging diseases and examining changes in pathogen populations in the face of climate change.

Punya Nachappa

Education

• Kansas State University, Entomology, 2008, PhD
• University of Georgia, Entomology, 2004, Master
• University of Agricultural Sciences, India, Agriculture, 2001, BS

Punya Nachappa received her BS degree in agriculture from University of Agricultural Sciences in India. She obtained a MS degree in entomology from University of Georgia, and PhD in entomology from Kansas State University. After completing her PhD, she was a post-doctoral researcher at K-State and Texas A & M University. She was an Associate Professor at Purdue University Fort Wayne before joining Colorado State University (CSU). Currently, she is an Associate professor at CSU in the Department of Agricultural Biology. Her research program is focused on understanding the interactions between plants and insect vectors as a means of managing plant pests and diseases. She has a dynamic lab group with 2 post-docs, 2 Research Associates, 3 PhD students, 3 MS students and several undergraduate students. Her research is funded by USDA NIFA, FFAR and commodity groups.

Requirements to Graduate

A minimum of 120 credits are required to complete this degree. This includes:

• 42 upper-division (300-400 level) credits
• 30 upper-division credits completed through Colorado State University

Freshman

• CHEM 107 – Fundamentals of Chemistry (4 cr.)
• CHEM 108 – Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory (1 cr.)
• CO 150 – College Composition (3 cr.)

Select one of the following:

• AB 120 – Agricultural Biology - Freshman Orientation (1-2 cr.)
• AB 270 – Agricultural Biology Orientation for Transfers (1-2 cr.)

Select one group from the following:

Group A

• LIFE 102 – Attributes of Living Systems (4 cr.)
• LIFE 103 – Biology of Organisms - Animals and Plants (4 cr.)

Group B

• BZ 110 – Principles of Animal Biology (3 cr.)
• BZ 120 – Principles of Plant Biology (4 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (1-4 cr.)

• ATS 150 – Science of Global Climate Change
• BSPM 102 – Insects, Science, and Society
• HORT 100 – Horticultural Science
• BZ 111 – Animal Biology Laboratory

Arts and Humanities (6 credits)

AUCC Category 1C (3 credits)

Electives (0-3 credits)

Total Credits: 31

Sophomore

• AB 3031 – General Entomology Laboratory (2 cr.)
• BSPM 302 – Applied and General Entomology (2 cr.)
• CHEM 245 – Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (4 cr.)
• CHEM 246 – Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1 cr.)
• SPCM 200 – Public Speaking (3 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (1-2 cr.)

• AB 230 – Becoming an Agricultural Biology Professional
• AB 270 – Agricultural Biology Orientation for Transfers

Select one course from the following: (3 cr.)

• CO 301B – Writing in the Disciplines: Sciences
• JTC 300 – Strategic Writing and Communication
• LB 300 – Specialized Professional Writing

Select one course from the following: (3 cr.)

• LIFE 220 – Fundamentals of Ecology
• LIFE 320 – Ecology

Select a minimum of 3 credits from the following:

• MATH 117 – College Algebra in Context I (1 cr.)
• MATH 118 – College Algebra in Context II (1 cr.)
• MATH 120 – College Algebra (3 cr.)
• MATH 124 – Logarithmic and Exponential Functions (1 cr.)
• MATH 155 – Calculus for Biological Scientists I (4 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (3 cr.)

• STAT 301 – Introduction to Statistical Methods
• STAT 307 – Introduction to Biostatistics

Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 credits)

Total Credits: 28

Junior

• AB 330 – Applications in Agricultural Biology (2 cr.)
• BSPM 361 – Elements of Plant Pathology (3 cr.)
• BSPM 487 – Internship (3 cr.)
• BZ 220 – Introduction to Evolution (3 cr.)
• SOCR 240 – Introductory Soil Science (4 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (3 cr.)

• BSPM 201 – Weed Management and Control
• BSPM 308 – Ecology and Management of Weeds

Select one course from the following: (3-4 cr.)

• BZ 350 – Molecular and General Genetics
• SOCR 330 – Principles of Genetics

Agricultural Biology Electives (3 credits)

Electives (5-6 credits)

Total Credits: 30

Senior

• AB 410 – Understanding Pesticides (3 cr.)
• AB 430 – Applications in Agricultural Biology ll (3 cr.)
• AB 451 – Integrated Pest Management (3 cr.)

Historical Perspectives (3 credits)

Agricultural Biology Electives (9 credits)

Electives (10 credits)

Total Credits: 31

Program Total Credits: 120

Application Deadlines

Planning to transfer credits from another college or university? Please review our FAQ page, then complete a Tentative Transfer Evaluation Form to see how your prior credits may transfer.