Department of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Department of Agricultural and Life Sciences (DALS)

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Department of Agricultural and Life Sciences is housed in the Joshua I. Smith Center for Education and Natural Sciences. (photo from GoogleMaps)

The Department of Agricultural and Life Sciences includes Sustainable Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, and Exercise Science and offers the following degrees: B.S. in Sustainable Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, and Exercise Science; Minors in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Forensic Science, and Environmental Science. In cooperation with the College of Education, the department offers a B.S. in Life Science and Physical Science at the Adolescent to Young Adult Level, and Science at the Middle Childhood level (see requirements under the College of Education).

Natural Science Majors at Central State are eligible to become members of Beta Kappa Chi. Beta Kappa Chi is a national scientific honor society whose purpose is to encourage the advancement of scientific education through original investigations; the dissemination of scientific knowledge; and the stimulation of high scholarship in the pure and applied sciences.

Biology majors are eligible to become members of the biological honor society Beta Beta Beta (Tribeta); the CSU chapter is Lambda Iota. TriBeta is a society for students, particularly undergraduates, dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending the boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.

Biology majors are also encouraged to participate in the CSU Biology Club which sponsors campus events and promotes the biological sciences during the academic year.

The mission of the Department of Agricultural and Life Sciences is to advance the understanding and application of agricultural sciences, biology, chemistry, physics, and exercise science through a commitment to excellence in education, research, and community engagement. Our goal is to prepare students for successful careers and lifelong learning in these dynamic fields.

We strive to:

1. Educate and Inspire: Provide a comprehensive, high-quality education that encourages critical thinking, innovation, and a passion for learning. Our curriculum is designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge, practical skills, and ethical framework necessary for success in their chosen fields.
2. Research and Innovation: Conduct groundbreaking research that advances scientific knowledge and addresses real-world challenges in agriculture, health, and the environment. We aim to foster a culture of inquiry and collaboration that drives discovery and contributes to the betterment of society.
3. Community Engagement and Service: Engage with local and global communities to apply our expertise in meaningful ways. Through outreach programs, cooperative extensions, and partnerships, we seek to share knowledge, support sustainable practices, and improve the quality of life for people and the planet.
4. Sustainability and Stewardship: Promote sustainable practices in agriculture and life sciences, advocating for responsible use of natural resources. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our teaching, research, and community activities.
5. Diversity and Inclusion: Create an inclusive environment that values and respects diversity in all its forms. We are dedicated to providing equitable opportunities for all students, faculty, and staff, and to fostering a culture that embraces different perspectives and ideas.

Through these efforts, the Department of Agricultural and Life Sciences aims to be a leader in education and research, preparing students to be innovators and responsible stewards of our natural world.