The Agricultural and Applied Economics curriculum emphasizes a strong background in economics with applications to production agriculture, agri-business, natural resources, and the environment. Courses are also included in basic agricultural and biological sciences, liberal arts, and business.
Employment opportunities for graduates in Agricultural and Applied Economics are many and diverse. Private sector opportunities include agricultural production, banking, finance, marketing, and public relations. Public sector opportunities include national/local organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and cooperative extension services. Graduates have also begun businesses or returned to family-owned businesses. This major also provides an excellent background for professional or graduate study in several disciplines.
Students in the Agricultural and Applied Economics curriculum take a basic set of courses during the freshman and sophomore years. During the junior and senior years, students concentrate in one of five emphasis areas: Agricultural Business, Economics, International Trade and Development, Production, and Real Estate. Students should select an emphasis area by the end of the sophomore year. (back to directory)
Community and Economic Development Concentration
The program in Community and Economic Development provides career opportunities for social science administration, management, outreach, and research. A Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics with a concentration in Community and Economic Development facilitates employment with local, state, regional, federal, and international agencies; research and consulting firms; financial institutions; foundations and councils; public and private utilities; and organizations requiring entrepreneurial skills.
This major provides an excellent background for professional and graduate study in several disciplines.
Associations between natural resources and social, economic, and political institutions are investigated. The Community and Economic Development program provides the conceptual, analytical, and pragmatic qualifications to succeed as economic development specialists. Students receive practical training, and internships are available to complement coursework. (back to directory)
Agricultural Education provides broad preparation in agricultural sciences and professional education, including communications and human relations skills. In addition to required courses, students may select a minor. (Acceptable minors are listed below.)
The Bachelor's degree prepares students for professional education positions in the mainstream of agriculture including teaching, cooperative extension service, and government agricultural agencies. This degree also prepares students for other educational work such as agricultural missionary, public relations, and training officers in agricultural industry. (back to directory)
The Agricultural Mechanization and Business major provides a program for students who desire training in areas relevant to dynamic agricultural enterprise. The program is organized with strength in both business management and technical support of agriculture and agribusiness. To produce well rounded individuals with good communication skills, the curriculum includes courses in the humanities, social sciences, English composition, and public speaking.
Graduates in Agricultural Mechanization and Business find meaningful and remunerative employment in a variety of situations directly and indirectly related to agricultural production, processing, marketing, and the many services connected therewith. Farming and technical sales in the agricultural, industrial, and heavy equipment industries are frequently chosen careers.
By completing this curriculum, graduates will have fulfilled the requirements for an Agricultural Business Management minor or other selected minor. Contact the Enrolled Student Services Office to have the minor recorded. (back to directory)
The curriculum in Animal and Veterinary Sciences provides students with a broad base of understanding of scientific principles and the application of these principles to scientific, technical, and business phases of livestock and poultry production, processing, and marketing. Special emphasis is placed on hands-on instruction, and students are given many opportunities to work with animals at the Morgan Poultry Farm, LaMaster Dairy Center, Starkey Swine Center, Equine Center, and Simpson Beef Unit. Students may choose from three concentrations: Animal Agribusiness, Equine Business, or Preveterinary and Science.
Students choosing the Animal Agribusiness Concentration will be prepared for careers in the animal industries including production, sales and marketing, business management, advertising, and extension. Students in the Equine Business Concentration will be prepared for careers as trainers, managers, riding instructors, sales representatives, etc. Students selecting the Preveterinary and Science Concentration will meet the requirements for most veterinary schools, graduate schools, and medical and dental schools. Students with South Carolina residency may compete for slots at the Mississippi State, Tuskegee, and University of Georgia Colleges of Veterinary Medicine. (back to directory)
Biochemistry is the study of the molecular basis of life. To comprehend current biochemical information and make future contributions to our molecular understanding of life processes, students must obtain a broad background in biology and a firm foundation in chemistry, mathematics, and physics. This is the basis of the biochemistry curriculum.
The program provides an excellent educational background for professional school (medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine) and graduate school in biochemistry, molecular biology, or another biological science discipline. Graduates will find employment opportunities in the research and service programs of universities, medical schools, hospitals, research institutes, and industrial and government laboratories. (back to directory)
Biology encompasses the broad spectrum of the modern life sciences, including the study of all aspects of life from the structure and function of the whole organism down to the subcellular levels and up through the interactions of organisms to the integrated existence of life on the entire planet. Descriptive, structural, functional, and evolutionary questions are explored through the hierarchy of the organization of life. Applications of current advances to the health and well-being of man and society, to nature and the continuation of earth as a balanced ecosystem, and to an appreciation of the place of natural science in our cultural heritage receive emphasis.
Majors in Biological Sciences receive classroom, laboratory, and field training in biology with an emphasis on chemistry, mathematics, and physics as necessary tools. The Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences curriculum prepares students for graduate study in any of the life science areas (such as agricultural sciences, biochemistry, botany, cell and molecular biology, conservation, ecology and environmental science, entomology, forestry, genetics, industrial and regulatory biology, microbiology, morphology, physiology, wildlife biology, and zoology; for the health professions (medicine, dentistry, etc.), veterinary medicine; and for science teaching.
Combined Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences/Master of Science in Bioengineering
Under this plan, students may reduce the time necessary to earn both degrees by applying graduate credits to both undergraduate and graduate program requirements. See Academic Regulations for enrollment guidelines and procedures.
Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements for the dual degree from the Department of Biological Sciences or Bioengineering as early as possible in their undergraduate program as a number of required courses have prerequisites not normally taken by Biological Sciences majors. (back to directory)
The Environmental and Natural Resources curriculum produces professionals who have a broad-based knowledge in natural resources and an ability to interact with other resource professionals to provide thoughtful solutions to environmental and natural resource problems. The world is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, but the problems associated with their conservation are immense. Protection of rare and endangered species, preventing and controlling invasions of exotics, protecting old growth forests, restoring degraded ecosystems, and balancing the resource demands of industry and the public are some of the environmental issues which are enmeshed in politicized environments.
Three concentations are offered within the Environmental and Natural Resources major. The Conservation Biology Concentration is oriented toward students who desire a greater exposure to taxa, their habitats and their interrelationships. The Natural Resource and Economic Policy Concentration provides more in-depth study in economics and policy applications. The Natural Resources Management Concentration emphasizes both resource management and negotiation skills.
Graduates in Environmental and Natural Resources are well-prepared for further graduate studies in natural resources and related fields. Potential public sector employers of graduates include federal, state, and municipal resource management agencies, private industries impacting land and water resources, environmental management consulting firms, and various environmental advocacy groups. (back to directory)
Food ScienceDepartment Website
Food Science majors apply principles of basic and applied sciences to the design, creation, manufacture, packaging, distribution, and utilization of safe, nutritious, and enjoyable foods and food products. The curriculum allows flexibility for concentrating in one of two areas.
In the Food Science and Technology Concentration, students may emphasize business, culinary science, (one of three national programs that have been approved by the Research Chef's Association as Culinology®), engineering, food packaging, and additional sciences that complement requirements of the Institute of Food Technologists.
The Nutrition and Dietetics Concentration emphasizes nutrition and related areas. It is currently granted approval status by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association.
Food processing industries, ingredient manufacturers, and packaging suppliers employ graduates in new food product development, quality assurance, production management, and technical sales. State and federal agencies also need graduates for food safety and regulatory positions. With the Nutrition and Dietetics Concentration, employment opportunities include dietitians, nutritionists, consultants, and food specialists. Placement rates are high for these fields, and graduates are also well prepared to pursue graduate study in many areas.
The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition also offers an accelerated five-year combined bachelor's/master's program that allows students to count up to twelve hours of graduate credit toward both the BS degree in Food Science and MS degree in Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Sciences. Details are available from the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. (back to directory)
Forest Resource Management Department Website
The Forest Resource Management curriculum combines a broad education in the arts and sciences with applied forest sciences. This combination provides the necessary foundation for the scientific management of forest resources, products, and services.
Foresters are qualified for a broad spectrum of employment opportunities in the public and private sectors. They may be engaged as managers, administrators, or owners of forest lands or forest-based businesses; as technical specialists in the production of timber, useable water, wildlife, and aesthetic values, and in the recreational use of the forest; or as professionals in other areas where the conservation of natural resources is a concern. Foresters earning advanced degrees find employment in academic work and in research conducted by public and private agencies. The curriculum, accredited by the Society of American Foresters, provides a strong program in the basic knowledge and skills required of a professional forester. Forest Resource Management majors will select a minor. (Acceptable minors are listed below.) The curriculum also provides the necessary prerequisites for graduate study. (back to directory)
Genetics is the study of heredity. Genetics research takes many forms, from the study of heredity at the level of individual molecules to study at the level of cells and chromosomes, individuals, or populations. To comprehend current genetic information and to make future contributions to our molecular understanding of life processes, students must obtain a broad background in biology and a firm foundation in chemistry and mathematics. This is the basis of the genetics curriculum.
A degree in Genetics is a strong preparation for many careers. The degree provides an excellent foundation for medical, veterinary, or pharmacy school as well as graduate research in any discipline related to biology, including bioinformatics, forensic technology, and genetic counseling. Because of the increasing emphasis on genetics in everyday life, a Bachelor of Science in Genetics can also be a direct path to a career in the emerging biotechnology industries (pharmaceuticals, agricultural technologies, biomimetic minerals) either in research, sales, or business operations. Combined with a law degree, a genetics bachelor of science is a good background for a career as a patent attorney. (back to directory)
Horticulture is the art, science, and business of food crops, ornamental plants, and turfgrasses and their production, utilization, and maintenance. A strong foundation in the basic sciences and humanities is built on courses in mathematics, chemistry, botany, physics, computer science, communications, economics, and humanities. Horticulture as a science depends on disciplines such as plant pathology, plant physiology, entomology, forestry, agronomy, soils, agricultural engineering, and agricultural economics. Business courses contribute to a well-rounded curriculum. A growing aspect of horticulture involves the management of enterprises, from production to distribution and marketing. Horticulture as an art involves the arrangement of plants in an aesthetically pleasing fashion.
Students begin professional development as undergraduates. An internship in a horticultural enterprise is required. Students considering graduate school are advised to take optional courses in the basic sciences as well as conduct an undergraduate research project. Those with strong interests in specific disciplines may complete special problems under the supervision of a faculty member. (back to directory)
Microbiology deals with the study of bacteria, viruses, yeasts, filamentous fungi, protozoa, and unicellular algae. Microbiologists seek to describe these organisms in terms of their structures, functions, and processes of reproduction, growth, and death at both the cellular and molecular levels. They are also concerned with their ecology, particularly in regard to their pathological effects on man, and with their economic importance.
The Microbiology major provides a thorough training in the basic microbiological skills. Further, students receive instruction in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biochemistry, all essential to the training of a modern microbiologist. Students can prepare for a variety of careers through a wide choice of electives. The Microbiology curriculum with a Biomedicine Concentration is recommended for students planning postgraduate programs. Microbiology graduates may enter graduate school in microbiology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related disciplines; they may enter medical or dental schools or pursue careers in one of the many industries or public service departments dependent upon microbiology. Some of these are the fermentation and drug industries, medical and public health microbiology, various food industries, and agriculture.
Microbiology majors planning to apply for admission to a medical or dental school should inform their advisors immediately upon entering the program. (back to directory)
The Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging Science prepares students for careers in industries producing and utilizing packages for all types of products. Packaging is an essential part of industrialized economies, protecting, preserving, and helping to market products. The field of packaging is highly competitive and highly innovative, requiring an ever-increasing number of professional positions.
Opportunities for employment include a wide variety of career paths such as manufacturing, marketing, sales, design, purchasing, quality assurance, and customer services. Most career opportunities are in positions requiring technical knowledge combined with marketing and management skills.
The core curriculum assures graduates of having the skills and knowledge required by most entry-level packaging positions. Emphasis area choices or approved minors allow students to select courses to improve career preparation for specific industry segments, including distribution and transportation, engineering technology, food and health care packaging, graphic communications, materials, business administration, entrepreneurship, environmental engineering, environmental science and policy, and management.
Students changing majors to Packaging Science must have at least a 2.0 cumulative grade-point ratio. (back to directory)
Non-degree
The health professions need individuals with a diversity of educational backgrounds and a wide variety of talents and interests. The philosophies of education, the specific preprofessional course requirements, the noncognitive qualifications for enrollment, and the systems of training vary among the professional health schools; but all recognize the desirability of a broad educationa good foundation in the natural sciences, highly developed communication skills, and a solid background in the humanities and social sciences. The absolute requirements for admission to professional health schools are limited to allow latitude for developing individualized undergraduate programs of study; however, most schools of medicine and dentistry require 16 semester hours of chemistry, including organic chemistry, eight hours of biological sciences, eight hours of physics, and at least one course in calculus. These requirements should be balanced with courses in vocabulary building, the humanities, and social sciences. The basic requirements in the natural sciences and as many of the courses in the humanities and social sciences as possible should be completed by the third year so that students will be prepared to take the Dental Admission Test or the Medical College Admission Test prior to applying to a professional school.
Undergraduates may also prepare to study optometry, podiatry, and other health professions. While the basic requirements for these professional schools are essentially the same as those for schools of medicine and dentistry, specific requirements for individual schools in these professions vary somewhat; consequently, interested students are advised to consult with the chief health professionals advisor.
At Clemson, rather than having a separate, organized preprofessional health study program, students are allowed to major in any curriculum, as long as the basic entrance requirements of the professional health school are fulfilled. These schools are not as concerned about a student's major as they are about academic performance whichever curriculum the student chooses. Professional health schools have neither preferences nor prejudices concerning any curriculum, which is evidenced by the fact that their entering students represent a broad spectrum of curricula. The emphasis is placed on the student's doing well in the curriculum chosen, and this becomes critical as competition increases for the limited number of places available in professional health schools. (back to directory)
Prepharmacy is a two-year program requiring a minimum of 72 semester hours. Upon completion of the curriculum, students will be eligible to apply to a college of pharmacy, usually the Medical University of South Carolina or the University of South Carolina, and may be eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Science in Preprofessional Studies6. The degree in Pharmacy is awarded by the institution attended. It is important for students to work closely with their advisor as there are variations in courses required by the pharmacy schools.
For financial aid purposes, students in the Prepharmacy program are considered to be enrolled in a degree-seeking program. (back to directory)
Prerehabilitation Sciences includes concentrations in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and allied health areas. This curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of the rehabilitation medicine programs at the Medical University of South Carolina and other professional schools. This program requires a minimum of 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework. In addition, students must apply to a professional school for acceptance into its program.
Because preparation of some of the concentrations requires three years or a BS degree in any area, students are advised to select a major with similar requirements after consultation with the Prerehabili-tation Sciences advisor. The following curriculum fulfills the general requirements for those fields, requiring only two years of prerequisites. The Pre-physical Therapy and Preoccupational Therapy concentrations require an additional year of electives and/or a BS degree. Electives should be chosen after consultation with the advisor. Professional schools may change their requirements at any time, so it is imperative that students in this major stay in close contact with their advisor.
For financial aid purposes, students in the Prere-habilitation Sciences program are considered to be enrolled in a degree-seeking program. (back to directory)
Under a regional plan, the South Carolina Prevet-erinary Advisory Committee coordinates a program for South Carolina residents who are interested in pursuing careers in veterinary medicine. South Carolina residents attending any college or university may apply through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) to the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Currently the University of Georgia admits up to 17 students each year through arrangements with the Southern Regional Education Board. The State of South Carolina also has a contract with Tuskegee University to admit up to four South Carolina residents. Application must be made directly to Tuskegee University.
Minimum requirements for admission to a college of veterinary medicine generally include the satisfactory completion of prescribed courses in a well-rounded undergraduate degree program. Specific requirements for admission to the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine include the following undergraduate courses: six credits of English, 14 credits of humanities and social studies, eight of physics, eight of general biology, eight credits of advanced biology, three credits of biochemistry, and 16 credits of organic and inorganic chemistry. (Chemistry and physics courses must be at the premedical level; they may not be survey courses.)
To be in the best competitive position, applicants should complete courses in animal agriculture, genetics, nutrition, biochemistry, and advanced biology. Considerations for selection are character, scholastic achievement, personality, experience
with large and small animals, general knowledge, and motivation. In the past, competition has been keen, and only those applicants who have shown exceptional ability have been admitted. Specific considerations may include a minimal grade-point average and completion of standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Examination and the Veterinary College Admission Test.
Since out-of-state students attending Clemson are ineligible to apply to the University of Georgia or Tuskegee University under the South Carolina quota, they should contact the college(s) of veterinary medicine to which they plan to apply. They may apply at the University of Georgia for at-large admission.
Veterinary schools accept students with a broad range of academic backgrounds; therefore, it is recommended that the beginning university student select any undergraduate major and simultaneously complete the courses required for veterinary school entrance and those required for completion of a BS or BA degree. For students selecting Animal and Veterinary Sciences or Biological Sciences at Clemson University, the basic curricula have been designed to accommodate Georgia's entrance requirements. Further information is available from the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at 864-656-3427. (back to directory)
Soils and Sustainable Crop Systems (SSCS) is a multi-disciplinary degree program in agriculture designed to provide students with expertise in soils, crop sciences, or
applied agricultural biotechnology. SSCS offers students a science-based degree with
educational opportunities in managing agricultural commodities along with soil and
water resources. Academic advisors help students tailor individual programs to fit
their own professional and academic goals. Students will graduate with the
scientific, technical, and practical skills needed to compete in many diverse
careers or continue on in graduate school.)
The Turfgrass program is designed for students interested in careers in the rapidly growing turfgrass industry, with courses in turfgrass management, pathology, agricultural mechanization, personnel management, soil fertility, soil microbiology, weed control, and park and recreation management. Graduates pursue careers in professional lawn care; maintenance of parks, athletic fields, and golf courses; production and sale of seed, sod, supplies, and equipment; or as technicians for businesses or government agencies. (back to directory)
Increased interest in conservation of natural resources and the environment and demand for seafood products have resulted in these areas becoming increasingly technical and requiring highly qualified wildlife and fisheries biologists. Greatest demands for graduates are in the areas of management, research, survey, and regulatory positions with state and federal agencies; industrial research and quality control laboratories; conservation, recreational, and other public service agencies; and private enterprises.
The Bachelor of Science degree program in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology provides a solid foundation for many careers in the sciences. The curriculum is strong in basic and applied sciences, communication skills, and the social sciences. In addition, three credit hours are available for field training with appropriate natural resource agencies. Students may satisfy coursework requirements for professional certification by the Wildlife Society and/or the American Fisheries Society. (back to directory)