The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s agricultural science, environmental, business and social service and health-related programs are some of the best in the country. With 14 wide-ranging academic departments, we have a program to match your interests.

We offer a variety of undergraduate majors to match your academic and professional goals, dozens of graduate degrees to expand your knowledge and advance your career, multiple certificate programs to earn credentials for career advancement and several minors to complement your major program. Explore your opportunities with us.

AGRICULTURAL AND MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
  • Bachelor’s

Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology

The Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology (AMBT) program is a life sciences degree for students who wish to pursue opportunities in biotechnology, human health, animal health, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability.

Agriculture Economics undergraduate students present posters at the AgEcon Symposium in the Good Barn.
  • Bachelor’s

Agricultural Economics

The Agricultural Economics (AEC) program provides students with the knowledge and skills to analyze market issues and trends and to develop innovative solutions to complex global food supply chain challenges.

AEC 490 at Good Foods Co Op on February 20th, 2025
  • Master’s

Agricultural Economics

The Master of Science in Agricultural Economics (MSAEC) empowers future leaders to shape sustainable food systems, resilient rural communities, and global agricultural policy.

Animal Science students worked in at the Sheep Unit at the C. Oran Little Research Farm.
  • Minor

Agricultural Economics

The Agricultural Economics minor equips students with economic and business skills for the agricultural sector, enhancing career opportunities by providing analytical tools, market insight, and decision-making skills essential for roles in agribusiness, policy, and resource management.

Agricultural Ecosystem Sciences Summer Experience Kate holding a Sunflower
  • Bachelor’s

Agricultural Ecosystem Sciences

The Agricultural Ecosystem Sciences (AES) program prepares students to serve as responsible stewards of our agricultural production system, increasing yields and optimizing agricultural ecosystem benefits for society.

Agricultural Education and Advocacy
  • Bachelor’s

Agricultural Education and Advocacy

The Agricultural Education and Advocacy (AEA) program is a degree for students who excel at working with people, sharing information and solutions, and promoting agriculture.

College of Agriculture friends and alumni gathered on Saturday afternoon for the conclusion of 2022 Roundup week.
  • Undergraduate Certificate

Agricultural Leadership

Agriculture contributes trillions of dollars to the U.S. economy annually with agriculture, food and related industries providing over 10% of U.S. employment.

UKOnline shoot  on January 8, 2019. Photo by Mark Cornelison | UKphoto
  • Bachelor’s

Agriculture Individualized Curriculum

The Agriculture Individualized Curriculum (AICU) program is a four-year Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree for students who have earned at least 60 credit hours and need added flexibility to complete their degree.

Poultry Unit
  • Master’s

Animal and Food Sciences

The Master of Science in Animal and Food Sciences (MSAFS) prepares students to innovate at the intersection of agriculture, animal production, and food science, driving solutions that shape sustainable food systems and improve lives.

Animal Sciences
  • Bachelor’s

Animal Sciences

The Animal Sciences (ASC) program prepares students for careers focused on the production, management, and care of domestic animals.

UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture Poultry Unit
  • Minor

Animal Sciences

The Animal Sciences minor provides students with hands-on, foundational knowledge in the management of equine and livestock production – an ideal way to boost your resume if you are majoring in agriculture or life sciences. It’s a great way to stand out in the job market and expand your skills in animal production and care.

ACTIONS, Local Food System Summit, cooking Visitors for the 2020 Ky Local Food Systems Summit diced and cooked vegetables in the Culinary Medicine class at the Food Connection.
  • Graduate Certificate

Applied Nutrition and Culinary Medicine

Applying nutrition science in clinical care is essential for preventing disease, promoting wellness, and supporting healthier communities.

Dr. Tiffany Messer in her lab
  • Master’s

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

The Master of Science in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering (MSBAE) prepares students to develop sustainable engineering solutions for global challenges in agriculture, energy, and the environment.

Student checking readings during Alumni Dr Stream Restoration Project
  • Bachelor’s

Biosystems Engineering

The Biosystems Engineering (BE) program is an accredited engineering degree that prepares students to design solutions to meet the water, food and energy needs of the world’s growing population.

A student clinician helps a child with learning activities on July 16, 2024. Photo by Carter Skaggs | UKphoto
  • Undergraduate Certificate

Child Life

Child Life professionals play an important role in supporting children and families, helping them cope with stressful situations.

Community and Leadership Development
  • Bachelor’s

Community and Leadership Development

The Community and Leadership Development (CLD) program is a social science degree for students who want to make a difference in their communities or organizations by facilitating positive change.

Engine Lab professional development
  • Master’s

Community and Leadership Development

The Master of Science in Community and Leadership Development (MSCLD) empowers future leaders to elevate agricultural education, advance interdisciplinary research, and lead community-based initiatives.

First generation students on December 3, 2019. Photo by Pete Comparoni | UKphoto
  • Minor

Community and Leadership Development

The Community and Leadership Development minor equips students with the skills to empower others and build capacity in diverse communities through coursework in communication, leadership, and social learning. This minor complements any major and is ideal for students interested in fostering positive change in both rural and urban settings.

Veterinary Science student Victoria Taylor guides a baby Palomino foal to a pasture on Spindletop Farm.
  • Undergraduate Certificate

Companion Animal Studies

Two-thirds of U.S. households own at least one pet which speaks to the importance of companion animals in our daily lives.

Dietetics
  • Bachelor’s

Dietetics

The Dietetics program prepares students to become leading experts in food and nutrition and is the first step towards becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN).

Students in the Distillation, Wine and Brewing Studies program created different varieties of mead for a project in HRT 335.
  • Undergraduate Certificate

Distillation, Wine and Brewing Studies

With a rich legacy as the birthplace of bourbon and America’s first vineyards, Kentucky continues to lead in fermentation sciences with a thriving industry of distilleries, craft breweries, and cideries rooted in its unique natural resources.

Student holding a beetle
  • Bachelor’s

Entomology

The Entomology (ENT) program is an individualized emphasis area in the four-year Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree for students interested in insects, from molecules to ecosystems.

Dr. Subba 'Reddy' Palli
  • Master’s

Entomology

The Master of Science in Entomology (MSENT) prepares students to innovate at the intersection of insect science, agriculture, and health, driving solutions that protect crops, ecosystems, and communities.

Photo Coming Soon
  • Doctorate

Entomology

UK entomology alumni Blair Leano-Helvey owns Idlewild Butterfly Farm and Insectarium in Louisville, Ky.
  • Minor

Entomology

The Entomology minor provides students with a strong foundation in insect biology, ecology, and the role of insects in natural and managed systems - an ideal way to boost your resume if you are majoring in agriculture, biology, environmental science, forestry, public health, or related fields. It’s a great way to stand out in the job market and expand your skills in biodiversity, ecological sustainability, and pest management.

Equine Science and Management student with wildcat
  • Bachelor’s

Equine Science and Management

The Equine Science and Management (ESMA) program is a four-year Bachelor of Science degree with customizable specializations in equine science, equine management and industry, or communication, leadership and education.

Elaine Losekamp conducts research on pest control with row covers at UK South Farm on Thursday June 5th, 2025

Exploratory Studies in Agriculture, Food and Environment

The Undeclared / Exploratory Studies in Agriculture program is designed for students who are undecided about their specific major in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

Photos for UKnow story on pediatric patient on August 29, 2019. Photo by Pete Comparoni | UKphoto
  • Graduate Certificate

Family and Consumer Sciences

Acquire critical-thinking skills to address challenges in diverse families, communities, and work environments.

Confident young businesswoman holding document showing increasing statistic to partner in office
  • Bachelor’s

Family Financial Counseling

The Family Financial Counseling (FFC) program is a social science degree for students interested in helping individuals and families improve their lives and financial well-being.

College of Medicine First Generation Celebration on November 9, 2023. Photo by Arden Barnes | UKphoto
  • Graduate Certificate

Family Financial Therapy

Addressing money-related conflict is essential for fostering healthier relationships, building trust, and promoting long-term financial stability.

Marketing photo shoot on Wednesday April 19, 2017. Photo by Mark Cornelison | UKphoto
  • Master’s

Family Sciences

The Master of Science in Family Sciences (MSFS) prepares students for science and evidence-based practices to advance individual, family, and community health.

Student in lab
  • Bachelor’s

Food Biosciences

The Food Biosciences (FSC) program prepares students for careers in all aspects of the food, beverage, and allied industries.

Health Sciences  on February 28, 2025. Photo by Mark Cornelison | UKphoto
  • Minor

Food Science

The Food Science minor provides students with a strong foundation in the scientific principles behind food composition, safety, processing, and technology. This minor is ideal for students interested in careers in food production, quality assurance, product development, or food safety within the agricultural, health, or biotechnology industries.

Campus Kitchen, Dietetics and Human Nutrition Dietetics and Human Nutrition student Tinia Mousa prepared food in the Campus Kitchen.
  • Undergraduate Certificate

Food Systems and Hunger Studies

Kentucky has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the nation. You can help change that.

William Taylor, a field technician at UK's Robinson Forest, surveys salamanders as part of a capture-mark-recapture study. The project, overseen by Dr. Steve Price, assesses salamander abundance and density in the forest and is part of the ongoing Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) initiative. Taylor measures, weighs, and tattoos each salamander with unique UV-reactive markings.
  • Master’s

Forest and Natural Resource Sciences

The Master of Science in Forest and Natural Resource Sciences (MSFNRS) prepares students to lead in sustainable forest and ecosystem management through advanced research, interdisciplinary training, and applied problem-solving.

Erin Maines USFS Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest 2023
  • Bachelor’s

Forestry

Accredited by the Society of American Foresters, our forestry degree prepares students for careers focused on the sustainable management of forested resources for the benefit of humans.

Horticultural Science Student
  • Bachelor’s

Horticultural Science

The Horticultural Science (HRT) program prepares students for careers in the production and management of plants for food, landscaping, and enhancement of the human environment as well as advanced studies in the horticulture and plant science fields.

UK College of Agriculture Horticulture students practiced vegetable grafting in Dr. Robert Geneve's class.
  • Minor

Horticultural Science

The Horticultural Science minor provides students with hands-on, foundational knowledge in plant growth, propagation techniques, and controlled environment agriculture - an ideal way to boost your resume if you are majoring in agriculture, environmental sciences, or life sciences. It’s a great way to stand out in the job market and expand your skills and systems-level understanding of sustainable and innovative horticultural practices.

Dreaming
  • Bachelor’s

Hospitality Management and Tourism

The Hospitality Management and Tourism (HMT) program prepares students for careers in the hospitality and tourism industries by blending service and event management with business principles. From mastering business strategy to creating unforgettable guest experiences, develop the skills you need to succeed in a growing global industry.

Jacob Lewis
  • Bachelor’s

Human Development and Family Science

The Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) program is a social science degree for students pursuing a career working with families and individuals to improve their well-being.

Family Weekend Reception on September 22, 2022. Photo by Arden Barnes | UKphoto
  • Minor

Human Development and Family Science

The Human Development and Family Science minor provides students with a foundational understanding of human development across the lifespan and the dynamics of family relationships. This minor complements majors in education, nursing, psychology, social work, and related fields and is ideal for students interested in supporting individual and family well-being, working in human services, or pursuing careers that involve developmental and relational expertise.

Human Nutrition Class
  • Bachelor’s

Human Nutrition

The Human Nutrition program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of nutritional science and its role in promoting health, while serving as a foundation for professional schools.

Members of Dr. Monte Salmeron's lab harvest soybean samples from dozens of research plots on Spindletop Farm.
  • Master’s

Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences

The Master of Science in Integrated Plant and Soil Science (MSIPSS) prepares students to advance sustainable solutions in agriculture, ecosystems, plant sciences, and soil sciences through research, innovation, and outreach.

Landscape Architecture poster session
  • Bachelor’s

Landscape Architecture

The Landscape Architecture (LA) program, a creative STEM degree, prepares students to create human environments that are artful, socially relevant, sustainable, and functional.

Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles
  • Bachelor’s

Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles

The Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles (MAT) program prepares students for careers in retail and merchandising industries by blending creativity with business principles and developing the business skills they need to succeed in the global consumer marketplace.

Natural Resources and Environmental Science students studying creek water
  • Bachelor’s

Natural Resources and Environmental Science

The Natural Resources and Environmental Science (NRES) program prepares students for careers in a wide range of environmental-related fields, including policy, conservation and planning, ecological restoration, education, and many more.

Dietetics and Human Nutrition students prepared recipes from the Plate it Up series in the HES Cooking Lab.
  • Master’s

Nutrition and Food Systems

The Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems (MSNFS) prepares students to lead transformative changes in health, sustainability, and food equity through advanced interdisciplinary training.

Elaine Losekamp conducts research on pest control with row covers at UK South Farm on Thursday June 5th, 2025
  • Minor

Pest Management

The Pest Management minor provides students with a strong foundation in insect biology, weed management, and plant pathology - an ideal way to boost your resume if you are majoring in agriculture, biology, environmental science, horticulture, natural resources, sustainable agriculture, or related fields. It’s a great way to stand out in the job market and expand your skills in applied field diagnostics, integrated pest management, and sustainable agriculture.

PLS 396 Soil Judging, providing students with essential field training. Another week, another soil pit.
  • Minor

Plant and Soil Sciences

The Plant and Soil Sciences minor provides students with hands-on, foundational knowledge in plant biology and soil science - an ideal way to boost your resume if you are majoring in agriculture, environmental sciences, or life sciences. It’s a great way to stand out in the job market and expand your skills in food, fiber, fuel, and natural resources management.

Voice and Swallow Clinic-Graduate student and patient sessions on February 15, 2018. Photo by Mark Cornelison | UKphoto
  • Graduate Certificate

Play Therapy

Using play as a therapeutic tool is essential for helping children express emotions, resolve conflicts, and build healthy developmental foundations.

Student teaching children to use compound bow
  • Graduate Certificate

Positive Youth Development

Supporting positive youth development is essential for fostering leadership, building resilience, and strengthening communities.

A dental student works with a practice patient
  • Pre-Professional

Pre-Dental

The dental profession needs individuals from a variety of backgrounds with diverse interests and talents. While the philosophies and expectations vary among dental schools, all recognize the importance of a broad education.

A pre-law student works on a laptop
  • Pre-Professional

Pre-Law

The Martin-Gatton CAFE offers support and guidance to students interested in applying to law school. In addition to outlining necessary coursework and guiding students through application processes, advisors also direct students to university programs.

Three students work on a practice patient in the College of Medicine.
  • Pre-Professional

Pre-Medicine

The medical profession needs individuals from a variety of backgrounds with diverse interests and talents. While the philosophies and goals vary among the nation's medical schools, all recognize the importance of a broad education.

An adult and child play during therapy
  • Pre-Professional

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-professional paths are interest areas that students complete alongside their UK Core requirements and major curriculum. Pre-Professional Advisors offer support and guidance to students from all majors interested in applying to occupational therapy programs.

An optometrist conducts an eye exam
  • Pre-Professional

Pre-Optometry

The Martin-Gatton CAFE offers support and guidance to students interested in applying to optometry school. In addition to outlining necessary coursework and guiding students through application processes, advisors also direct students to university programs.

A pharmacy student works in the lab
  • Pre-Professional

Pre-Pharmacy

The Martin-Gatton CAFE offers support and guidance to students interested in applying to pharmacy school. In addition to outlining necessary coursework and guiding students through application processes, advisors also direct students to university programs.

A student takes notes in Physical Therapy class
  • Pre-Professional

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-professional paths are interest areas that students complete alongside their UK Core requirements and major curriculum. Pre-Professional Advisors offer support and guidance to students from all majors interested in applying to physical therapy programs.

A physician assistant works with a patient
  • Pre-Professional

Pre-Physician Assistant

Pre-professional paths are interest areas that students complete alongside their UK Core requirements and major curriculum. Pre-Professional Advisors offer support and guidance to students from all majors interested in applying to physician assistant programs.

Aged Horse Research Center, Woodford Farm, summer UK Aged Horse Research Center Staff
  • Undergraduate Certificate

Pre-Veterinary Medicine

The U.S. veterinary industry is tackling significant workforce challenges that impact both large and companion animal care.

A vet works with a dog at Pre-Veterinary Experience Day at the Nicholasville Road Animal Clinic.
  • Pre-Professional

Pre-Veterinary Mentoring

If you have a strong interest in science and want to work in the animal industry, consider a career in veterinary medicine. In training to become a veterinarian, you will learn about cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, poultry, dogs, cats, wildlife and more.

Three RTM students in the UK bookstore
  • Master’s

Retailing and Tourism Management

The Master of Science in Retailing and Tourism Management (MSRTM) prepares future innovators to elevate consumer experience, drive sustainable commerce, and lead global retail and tourism industries.

The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Extension Water Quality Specialist Amanda Gumbert spoke at the field day at Robin Ridge Farm that showcased management practices for local watersheds.
  • Master’s

Science Translation and Outreach

The Master of Science in Science Translation and Outreach (MSSTO) prepares graduates to communicate scientific findings clearly and effectively, advancing informed decision-making in agriculture and natural resource management.

Aquatic Biologist Greg Pond led a group of NRES students in a creek survey inside Robinson Forest.
  • Graduate Certificate

Stream and Watershed Science

Protecting streams and watersheds is essential for ensuring clean water, reducing flooding, and supporting healthy ecosystems and communities.

Elaine Losekamp conducts research on pest control with row covers at UK South Farm on Thursday June 5th, 2025
  • Minor

Sustainable Agriculture

The Sustainable Agriculture minor provides students with hands-on, foundational knowledge in food systems, ecological farming practices, and environmental stewardship - an ideal way to boost your resume if you are majoring in agriculture, environmental sciences, or social sciences. It’s a great way to stand out in the job market and expand your skills in sustainable food production, resource management, and systems thinking.

Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food Systems
  • Bachelor’s

Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food Systems

The Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food Systems (SAG) program prepares students for careers in sustainable farming and food systems from farm-to-fork and is customizable based on your interests and passion for the future of food and agriculture.

Trees grow along a neighborhood road
  • Undergraduate Certificate

Urban and Community Forestry

Urban and community forestry is about managing trees and green spaces in urban areas to create healthier, greener communities.

Dr. Karen McDowell of Veterinary Science applies sun screen to a Palomino horse in a pasture on Spindletop Farm.
  • Master’s

Veterinary Science

The Master of Science in Veterinary Science (MSVS) prepares students to lead innovative research in equine health, preparing them for impactful careers in veterinary science and biomedical discovery.

Man holding a bear cub
  • Minor

Wildlife Biology and Management

The Wildlife Biology and Management minor provides students with foundational knowledge in wildlife conservation, ecology, and species-specific biology, preparing them for careers in conservation, resource management, and ecological research.