Welcome to the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences at University of Maryland Eastern Shore. 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 inside the classroom and outside, and in the research field — 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 students are supported academically and with experiential learning through the School’s Center for Student Excellence.
Our Success Stories
Winter Commencement 2025: Congratulations to Our Grads
UMES SANS students celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS students celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS students celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES President Heidi Anderson addresses graduates as they celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS Dean Moses Kairo, left, and Isaac Marcelin, Associate Dean of B.E.A.S.T. (Business, Engineering, Applied Sciences and Technology) enter graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS students celebrate graduation during the 28th Wiinter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS student Myah Bowie shows off her motar board in memory of her dad that died recently, celebrates graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS students Alexandria Camp and Nandini Walia celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS students Laila Dent and India Wignfield celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS students celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES students and parents celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS students Somara Robinson, of Baltimore and Nandini Walia of Salisbury celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES students and parents celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS Pre-Vet Student Olivia Ludolph celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS Pre-Vet Students Olivia Ludolph, left, and Donovan Grady celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES Biochemistry major Alexandra Camp, center, celebrates graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES students and parents celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
A total of 230 students received their undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees Dec. 13 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s 28th Winter Commencement held at the William P. Hytche Athletic Center on the campus in Princess Anne. Photos by Todd Dudek/UMES Ag Communication
Agricultural Experiment Station
Our UMES Agricultural Experiment Station provides enhanced knowledge and technology to improve agriculture and food systems; enhance the quality of natural resources and the environment; and serve families and consumers. University of Maryland Eastern Shore researchers are focused on 5 areas:
Human Health and Development
Natural Resources and Environment
Agriculture and Food
Product Development
International Engagement
University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension
From small farms to food safety to family health and nutrition to STEM skills development for youth, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension experts can help with research-based solutions.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore 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.
