Organic & Sustainable Agriculture

The complete Coug experience—closer to home.

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences

We are excited that you’re interested in taking the next step in your educational journey with Washington State University Everett! There are many reasons to complete your Bachelor of Science degree, including both financial and personal. Higher education is the surest path to both opportunity and earning power. A Bachelor of Science degree provides not only the hard skills necessary in the job market but also critical thinking skills, a path to individual and personal growth, and the chance to give back to your community.

The WSU Organic and Sustainable Agriculture major, offered through the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences in partnership with the Mount Vernon Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center (NWREC), is available at WSU Everett. Significantly different than conventional agriculture, organic food production is one of the fastest-growing segments of agriculture, with organic food sales increasing by 8 percent annually on average over the last ten years. Washington State has been a leader in this burgeoning new industry in many ways. This revolutionary new major was the first of its kind to be offered in the United States.

Students in the Organic and Sustainable Agriculture major take a diverse array of courses in the natural, environmental, economic, and social sciences, as well as a number of courses focused on organic and sustainable production practices. Additionally, students are required to complete an internship as part of their degree, which gives them practical experience in organic crop or livestock production and/or scientific research and connects them with employers and key players in the organic industry in western Washington.

Admissions Counselor

425-405-1600
everett.admission@wsu.edu

Program Advisor

Nannette McGrath
425-405-1775
nannette.mcgrath@wsu.edu

Financial Support

Scholarships can be an important part of paying for your college degree. The most important thing you can do is submit the General Scholarship Application every year by January 31. Learn more about CAHNRS scholarships.

More Information

Prerequisites

The College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences majors must take certain prerequisite courses before certifying into the degree program. Complete these WSU courses (or transferable equivalents*) with a GPA of 2.5 or better:

CHEM 101/102 or 105/106
BIOL 106, 107
ECONS 101
STAT 212

*Connect with an academic advisor for details on transferrable equivalents.

Program Courses & Curriculum

Students may join the program as a transfer student from a community college (recommended to complete an AA-DTA) or another 2/4 year institution. Actual time to complete the program will depend on the completion of UCORE requirements prior to transfer. Students interested in participating in the transfer program are encouraged to contact our WSU advisor for information specific to their situation.

The Bachelor of Science in Organic and Sustainable Agriculture requires:

Courses in agricultural and food systems, crop science, entomology & integrated pest management, horticulture, plant pathology, and soil science.
Students have the opportunity to tailor their program of study to specific areas of emphasis, such as soil management, economics and marketing, crop production, food science, pest management, or organic livestock and dairy production.
Satisfaction of the WSU general education (UCORE) requirements
Electives sufficient to complete a minimum of 120 credits overall

Internships & Career Preparation

In addition to academic coursework, students in the Organic and Sustainable Agriculture major also enjoy opportunities to gain practical, hands-on experience with the discipline.

Internship Opportunities

Students in the Organic and Sustainable Agriculture program will have the opportunity to participate in an internship in order to gain practical experience in the field prior to graduation. WSU Everett faculty and advisors can assist you in identifying and securing this valuable experience.

Agricultural Research

Select in-discipline classes are taught by research faculty from the WSU Mount Vernon Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center, located just 35 minutes north of WSU Everett. Students desiring to extend their program of study may be able to participate in agricultural research projects through the Center and cooperating agricultural enterprises.

How to Apply

Apply for admission to WSU Everett as a transfer student.

APPLY using the Transfer Student Application.
– Select “WSU Everett” as your campus and “Organic and Sustainable Agriculture” as your academic interest.
After submitting your application, please send your official transcripts to WSU Everett.
- By Mail. Send your transcripts to:
  Washington State University Everett
  Enrollment Services
  915 N. Broadway
  Everett, WA 98201
- OR Electronically. We do not accept transcripts directly via email. You may request your official transcript through an approved third-party vendor, such as Parchment, Naviance, National Student Clearinghouse, Scribbles, or eScrip-Safe. The vendor may send it to admissions@wsu.edu or choose “WSU Pullman” as the recipient. WSU can only accept electronic transcripts from third-party vendors if the email sent to us includes a URL that can be copied and pasted. (WSU Enrollment Services cannot click links in emails).
The academic coordinator will contact you and help you apply for certification into the Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Bachelor of Science degree program.
Pay the WSU tuition deposit, which confirms acceptance of your admission offer. This deposit is non-refundable.