Environmental Science Program
Regenerative Organic Agriculture Degree
Become a scientist who cultivates an organic relationship with nature.
OFFERED AS:
Major
Credits Required:
120
Format
In-Person
The climate needs you. Farmers need you. And we need your help in advocating for food sustainability and soil health for generations to come. Our Regenerative Organic Agriculture track is the first step to building an eco-friendly farming culture for all.
Become a scientist who understands the cycle of natural systems and how to preserve soil and its fertility on a local and global scale. This hands-on learning experience is the foundation needed to forge the future for sustainable food production.
Why Choose KU for a Regenerative Organic Agriculture Degree
What better place to get hands-on agriculture experience than in the heart of rural Pennsylvania. The environmental science experts at KU are committed to your success in the classroom, in the field and beyond graduation. You will learn the problem-solving, research, analytical and interpersonal skills needed to succeed with an Environmental Science degree.
Along with an enriching learning opportunity, these are 3 reasons why students choose KU:
- Affordable with financial aid options
- Career preparation and success
- Strong academics with program flexibility
We encourage you to learn more about our Scholarship or Schedule a Call with one of our financial aid advisors to see how we can support your education.
Meet two regenerative agriculture students working in our on-campus greenhouse.
Regenerative Organic Agriculture Degree Highlights
In collaboration with the Rodale Institute, this program prepares you for a range of environmental professions in science, governance, community and agriculture while supporting a global farming movement.
Program highlights:
- Become a scientist and avid researcher who understands environmental systems on a local and global scale
- Utilize the Rodale Institute’s research facility, field laboratories, in-house labs, cropping and livestock areas
- Research and create processes of regenerative organic agriculture systems and principles
- Explore the fundamental interactions between plants, insects, soil and fungi systems and how they work together
- Analyze the cultural, ecological and economic layers of complex food systems
- Learn how to build and advocate for sustainable food systems without chemical-use
Student Learning Outcomes
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Environmental Science (BS)
- Students completing the B.S. in Environmental Science degree will be able to execute field and laboratory investigations based on sound scientific principals and techniques, with care and attention to detail.
- Students completing the B.S. in Environmental Science degree will be able to effectively communicate a position using data and logical reasoning in appropriate written and oral formats.
- Students completing the B.S. in Environmental Science degree will be able to work as an integral member of a multidisciplinary team to apply knowledge of the complex interactions between physical and biological realms, draw conclusions, and develop action plans.
- Students upon completing the B.S. in Environmental Science degree will be able to choose appropriate techniques for the collection, analysis, and presentation of quantitative, spatial, and temporal data.
The environmental programs at KU gave me the opportunity to explore all facets of the environmental field. Labs in the field observing the ecology, understanding soil types, bird and plant ID all helped me gain skills that differentiated myself from others in my career.
Patrick Boos ‘20, Life Scientist, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)Regenerative Organic Agriculture Degree FAQ
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What regenerative agriculture courses can I take at Kutztown?
Here at Kutztown University, we offer a diverse selection of environmental science courses that enhance your knowledge and success in this field. Some of those courses include Agricultural Entomology, Soil Analysis, Biogeochemical Cycles and many more.
Here is the complete course list for this track:
Environmental Science: Regenerative Organic Agriculture Track
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What can I do with a Regenerative Agriculture degree?
The best part about studying Regenerative Organic Agriculture at Kutztown University is the possibility of cultivating a highly rewarding career. From working as a sustainability consultant to becoming a conservationist, your degree opens the door to many fulfilling job opportunities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (2022), these are the national salaries for a graduate with an Environmental Science degree:
- Agriculture and Food Scientist: $74, 940
- Conservation Scientist and Forester: $64,420
- Environmental Education Officer: $76,480
- Environmental Engineer: $96,530
- Farm or Greenhouse Manager: $75,760
- Lab Technician: $57,380
- Sustainability Consultant: $64,240
- Restaurant Manager: $61,310
- Water Quality Scientist: $85,990
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What is Regenerative Organic Agriculture?
Regenerative organic agriculture is a collection of scientific practices that focuses on rebuilding soil health and removing carbon from the atmosphere. These practices reflect the cycles of natural farming systems to let soil do what it’s supposed to do without chemicals or pesticides.
Here at KU, our goal is to build more resilient farmland and agriculture systems that support food sustainability for generations to come. We dive deep into the scientific framework of soil restoration and how to build and advocate for natural systems that last.
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Why is Regenerative Organic Agriculture important?
Regenerative organic agriculture is a holistic farming practice that positively impacts climate change. Here’s how:
- Improves water retention and air quality
- Enhances ecosystem biodiversity
- Produces nutrient-dense food
- Builds organic soil carbon
- Protects and respects animal welfare
- Improves the lives of farmers
Restoring soil health is critical to developing functional farming culture and ensuring sustainable access to abundant, healthy food for all.