Minors | Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

Pursuing a minor can complement your major program. A minor is a structured group of courses that leads to considerable knowledge and understanding of a subject, although with less depth than a major. Some employers consider minors desirable, and some major programs may stipulate a minor.

Some students choose a minor in a field related to their major or in an entirely different field of interest. Browse the variety of minors offered at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

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

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.

UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture Poultry Unit

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.