Find your
fearless
Determined. Committed. Fearless.
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Meet Avery, an agriculture animal science student who has proven you don’t need prior experience to start strong in agriculture.
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This is Lacey, who traded city life for big dreams on the farm, bringing the kind of grit that usually takes years to build.
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Two students new to the field, already learning to lead thanks to hands-on training with faculty and ag professionals at SEMO’s 252-acre farm.
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From feeding 200 cattle to harvesting 100 acres, Avery handles the heavy equipment that keeps the farm running, and she does it fearlessly.
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Lacey found her confidence in the day-to-day work, and now she’s ready to turn it into her own agribusiness venture.
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Whether you’ve grown up in agriculture or you’re just getting started, an ag degree from SEMO will give you a strong start in a field that never stops growing.
Future Focused.
You Focused.
Academics
Ag Degrees That Move With an Advancing Industry
At SEMO, an ag degree is an experience driven path that prepares you for the vital work of feeding communities and strengthening regional growth. Students learn by working with livestock, studying crop systems, and building connections across the industry. Our agriculture courses are built around on-the-job training at our 252 acre farm and strong outcomes, with options to explore agriculture animal science, agriculture communications, or to take your first step toward veterinary school through our pre-vet programs. For those determined to advance in the industry on a flexible schedule, our online master’s degree in agribusiness makes that possible. If agriculture isn’t where you see yourself, dive into the wide range of programs at SEMO and find the right fit.
Sam Siemers
Outcomes
“Through the hands-on learning that students get in our classes, we want to give them those career ready skills. Most of them are graduating with a job in hand.”
Meet Sam Siemers
Student Experience
Active Learning
Agriculture Programs that Prepare You to Meet the Hard Work Head On
Choosing a career in agriculture means you are not afraid to dig in and do the work. At SEMO, students get real opportunities to learn what it takes to manage livestock, care for crops, and work with a wide range of plant varieties. Our 252-acre farm gives students the experience needed to understand the demands of a multifaceted industry.
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80%More than 80% of our pre-vet majors are accepted into one of the only 32 veterinary programs nationwide.
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252Students train on 252 acres of pasture and cropland in our working Barton Research Farm, gaining real experience with livestock and row crop production.
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6%Employment for agricultural and food scientists is expected to grow six percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
Everyday Experiences Matter, Too
Learning doesn’t end after your last class of the day. At SEMO, you’ll participate in clubs, services, intramurals, leadership programs, and more. Collectively, your classes, real-world learning, and extracurriculars make SEMO the perfect place to develop into the fearless leader you’re destined to be.
Admissions & Aid
A college education is within reach, and SEMO is one of the most affordable Missouri colleges. From test-optional admissions to generous financial aid options, we’re invested in your success. SEMO awards more than $20 million in academic merit scholarships each year to support student achievement.
Deeply Connected
Community
Where Strong Roots Lead to Real Opportunities
SEMO’s agriculture programs are rooted in strong connections with the industries that keep our region moving. Employers across Eastern Missouri know our graduates are prepared to learn, adapt, and contribute from day one. Sam at Inland Rice shared that SEMO students thrive because they bring not only skill but determination and a willingness to jump in. That trust reflects the partnerships we build and the opportunities that open for every Redhawk ready to grow their future.
Sam Schneider, Owner of Inland Cape Rice
In-Demand Alumni
“Our plant manager, Ben Ray, is a graduate of SEMO’s agriculture department. Knowing he was part of that community, we knew he would be a good fit here.”
Why Inland Cape Rice Hired Ben
Career and Alumni Success
Outcomes
Your Future in Agriculture Starts Here
With a 96 percent successful outcomes rate, our students are finding careers in the industry or continuing their education within a year of graduation. Employers across Southeast Missouri know the value of Redhawk readiness, and they count on our graduates to strengthen the region’s farms, labs, and agribusiness operations. When you study agriculture at SEMO you prepare for a future that moves the region forward and builds a career you can be proud of.
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$1.3bIn FY 2023-24, SEMO alumni generated $1.3 billion in added income for the state economy, which is equivalent to supporting 12,859 jobs.
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$90.2mSEMO’s operations spending, including the University’s payroll and the in-state spending of the University and its employees, added $90.2 million in income to the state or the equivalent of 1,075 jobs.
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$31kThe average bachelor's degree graduate from SEMO will see an increase in earnings of $31,000 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Missouri.
Take the Next Step
Forward Motion
You’ve already started to explore SEMO. Keep that momentum going. Schedule a campus visit or start your application today.
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Learn More
If one of our career-focused programs sounds like a fit — and you’re ready to turn grit into greatness — we’d love to tell you more about Southeast Missouri State University. Complete this brief form, and someone will be in touch real soon.
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