Agricultural Studies and Rural Life

The study of food, agriculture, and rural life brings together faculty and students interested in the central intellectual, political, scientific, and cultural issues that dominate contemporary discussion of food and agriculture.

The program combines a diverse academic curriculum with practical experience at the Hampshire College Farm Center, an organic working farm, and workshops with visiting writers, artists, and scholars. Students gain experience with the complex issues of sustainability through internships and apprenticeships with farms and advocacy groups.

• Ecology, Agriculture, and Society
• Advanced Topics in Terrestrial Ecology
• Agriculture, Ecology, and Society
• Agriculture, Food, and Human Health
• Biomass Energy
• Change in the Valley
• Colloquy on Sustainable Living
• The Contested American Countryside
• Ecology of New England Old Growth Forests
• Farming in America
• From Generation to Generation:
• Seed-Saving in Sustainable Agriculture
• Intro to American Studies
• Kitchen Ecology
• The Microbial Farm
• Pesticide Alternatives
• Seminar in Rural Studies
• Soil: Science and Society
• Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Farming
• Sustainable Agriculture: Local, Organic Food Production and the Urban/Ex- Urban Interface
• Sustainable Agriculture Seminar
• Sustainable Living
• The Unknown Microbial Majority
• groecology (MHC)
• Horticulture (SC)
• Plant Biology (SC)
• Plant Ecology (UMass)
• Soil Chemistry (UMass)
• Sustainable Agriculture (UMass)
• Tropical Agriculture (UMass)

Requirements

• Common Application
• An academic paper in English
• Supplemental essay responses
• Current transcripts
• School report, including guidance counselor recommendation
• At least one letter of recommendation from a teacher
• Certification of Finances form
• TOEFL or IELTS score (Minimum TOEFL score of 91 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. Predicted grades for IB English A1 or A2, or for A-level English, will also be considered.
• Additional letters of recommendation, up to three

Scholarships

• MacArthur Foundation Grant Making Programs
• American Association of University Women
• Fulbright International Scholarship Program for non-US students

The Agricultural Studies and Rural Life program at Hampshire College offers students an interdisciplinary approach to understanding agriculture, sustainability, and the socio-economic aspects of rural communities. This program is designed for students interested in exploring the complex interactions between humans and the environment, focusing on sustainable farming practices, rural development, ecological conservation, and food systems. Students in this program engage in a combination of theoretical coursework, practical fieldwork, and research projects that emphasize experiential learning and community involvement.

Throughout the curriculum, students examine topics such as soil science, plant biology, sustainable agriculture techniques, agroecology, rural sociology, and policy analysis related to agriculture and rural life. The program encourages students to critically analyze current challenges facing rural communities, including access to resources, economic sustainability, climate change impacts, and food security. By integrating disciplines such as environmental studies, economics, anthropology, and biology, the program prepares graduates for careers in sustainable farming, agricultural policy, land management, rural consultancy, and nonprofit work focused on food justice and ecological resilience.

Hampshire College emphasizes a flexible, student-driven education model, allowing students to tailor their coursework and research according to their interests within the field of agricultural studies and rural development. The program often involves collaboration with local farms, ecological organizations, and community groups, providing practical experience and fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable rural living. Graduates of this program are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical perspective necessary to address pressing issues related to agriculture and rural communities, making meaningful contributions to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.