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 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 Success Stories

Congratulations graduates! UMES Spring Commencement

Nearly 300 graduates received their degrees Friday, May 16, 2025, during the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Spring Commencement. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore was the commencement speaker. (Photos by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)

Student clubs from the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences came together for a day of fun, food and student-centered activities at the Second Dean’s Award for Student Leadership (DASL) Expo, sponsored by the SANS Center for Student Excellence, on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22,

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. UMES researchers are focused on 5 areas:

Human Health and Development
Natural Resources and Environment
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.