College Of Agricultural And Life Sciences

We're Preparing Future-Ready Graduates

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

It's a tough question, but the journey to almost any career can start with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

We prepare students for life after graduation—whether that means entering the workforce, pursuing further education or following a different path. Our graduates thrive globally as doctors, scientists, growers, ecologists, teachers, lawyers and more. Through diverse experiences in and out of the classroom, we ensure you’re able to succeed as a society-ready graduate.

Food for Thought: 2024 FNCE Student Experiences

During the last few years, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS)...

Question and Answer with Dean Migliaccio

Dr. Kati Migliaccio started a new leadership role as Dean of the College of...

Joyner honored with UF Distinguished Alumnus Award

The University of Florida honored College of Agricultural and Life Sciences...

CALS History

Our college has a rich history rooted in the land-grant tradition. Land-grant colleges and universities were originally created to teach agriculture, military tactics and mechanical arts, in addition to classical studies, so members of the working class could obtain an education. Over time, the land-grant mission evolved to include three areas: teaching students to be well-prepared for careers, creating knowledge through research, and sharing that knowledge in communities around the state through Cooperative Extension.

1862: President Abraham Lincoln signed the first Morrill Act, establishing the land-grant university system.
1884: The Florida Agricultural College at Lake City is established under the Morrill Act, becoming the first land-grant institution in the state. Today, Florida has two land-grant institutions, the University of Florida and Florida A&M University.
1887: The Hatch Act provided for the establishment of an agricultural experiment station at each land-grant college.
1888: The Florida Agricultural Experiment Station was established as part of the Florida Agricultural College at Lake City.
1903: The Florida Legislature changed the school's name to the "University of Florida."
1906: The University of Florida opened its doors in Gainesville.
1914: The Smith-Lever Act passed, providing support for land-grant colleges to offer educational programs through Cooperative Extension.
1937: The School of Forestry opens within the College of Agriculture.
1985: UF becomes a member of the Association of American Universities.
1999: The "College of Agriculture" changed its name to the "College of Agricultural and Life Sciences."
Today: The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences serves as the teaching arm of UF/IFAS. Beyond academic programs, UF/IFAS also has 12 Research and Education Centers in 20 locations across Florida, 14 departments, two schools, and Extension offices in each of Florida's 67 counties.