School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences | School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences

Welcome to the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences at UMES. Our students, researchers and faculty address the problems of today with scientific solutions for tomorrow. We prepare the next generation of scientists to address challenges like extreme weather events, an issue greatly affecting food and agriculture. You will learn in the classroom, research field and community — experiences that give you a real-world and global perspective.

Here, you will find support from mentors and peers to help you achieve your academic and career goals. Our three departments — Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences; Human Ecology; and Natural Sciences — invite you to explore your opportunities to advance with us.

Dr. Moses T. Kairo, Dean of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences

Academic Departments

Undergraduate programs in pre-veterinary medicine, plant and soil science, animal and poultry science, agribusiness management, nutrition/dietetics, fashion merchandising, early child development, family and consumer sciences, biology, chemistry, biochemistry and environmental science are representative of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences’ varied curricula.

Graduate programs, at both the master’s and doctoral levels, are offered in marine estuarine and environmental sciences (M.S., Ph.D.) food and agricultural sciences (M.S.), food science and technology (Ph.D.), and toxicology (Ph.D.). A human ecology (M.S.) program is offered online. Strong research and extension programs are integrated with the school’s academic programming.

Our Success Stories

Welcome to First Day of Spring Semester 2025

Students returned to classes Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 for the Spring Semester on the campus of The University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Students returned to classes Monday for the Spring Semester on the campus of The University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Students returned to classes Monday for the Spring Semester on the campus of The University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Students returned to classes Monday for the Spring Semester on the campus of The University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Professor Jeff Fears teaches his introduction to biology class as students returned to classes Monday for the Spring Semester on the campus of The University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Professor Jeff Fears teaches his introduction to biology class as students returned to classes Monday for the Spring Semester on the campus of The University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Students returned to classes Monday for the Spring Semester on the campus of The University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Students returned to classes Monday for the Spring Semester on the campus of The University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Students returned to classes Monday for the Spring Semester on the campus of The University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)

Agricultural Experiment Station

Our UMES Agricultural Experiment Station provides enhanced knowledge and technology to improve the viability and sustainability of agriculture and food systems; enhance the quality of natural resources and the environment; and serve communities, families and consumers. UMES researchers are focused on 5 areas:

Human Health and Development
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability
Agriculture and Food
Product Development
International Engagement

UMES Extension

From small farms to food safety to family health and nutrition to STEM skills development for youth, UMES Extension experts can help with research-based solutions.

UMES Extension works closely with Maryland farmers, watermen, schools, community organizations and individuals — especially those on the Eastern Shore. Take part in our variety of events and learning opportunities.

Our 4-H STEM educators provide Eastern Shore youth with hands-on, immersive experiences.

Learn about healthy lifestyles for families with our nutrition specialists.