About Us

The Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection at Mississippi State University is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary academic unit focused on advancing agriculture through education, research, and outreach. We offer an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Science, along with graduate programs leading to master's and doctoral degrees in the disciplines of entomology and plant pathology.

Our faculty and students are engaged in research and extension programs that address critical challenges in agriculture and plant protection. These efforts support Mississippi’s producers, safeguard natural resources, and contribute to sustainable farming practices across the state. Through hands-on learning, science-driven discovery, and a strong outreach mission, we prepare our students to make a meaningful impact in their fields.

Graduates of our undergraduate program pursue careers in a wide range of agricultural areas, including agribusiness sales, marketing and management, precision agriculture, farming, and agricultural consulting. Those completing our graduate programs often find roles in academia—focusing on teaching, research, and extension—or work with government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Forest Service. Others join the private sector in agrichemical research and crop consulting.

Our presence is found throughout the state. While many of our faculty are located on the Mississippi State University main campus, we have faculty located in Verona (North Mississippi Research and Extension Center), Stoneville (Delta Research and Extension Center), and at the MAFES Brown Loam Branch in Raymond (Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center). Our research and extension programs provide a statewide impact.

Our Mission

The Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection is dedicated to serving the people of Mississippi through excellence in teaching, research, and extension. Our mission is to develop science-based solutions to real-world challenges in entomology and plant pathology—disciplines that impact nearly every aspect of agriculture and daily life.

Our research addresses a wide range of critical issues, from managing agricultural pests and protecting crop health to supporting pollination, forest ecosystems, and controlling insect-borne diseases affecting humans and animals.

We are equally committed to education—preparing the next generation of scientists, consultants, and agricultural professionals through classroom instruction, outreach, and hands-on learning. By sharing our discoveries with students, producers, and communities, we help ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for Mississippi and beyond.