WHAT IS AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE?
Agricultural Science covers disciplines related to the protection and management of soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources, partiularly pertaining to the agricultural industry. In response to the growing production demands of society and the inevitable stress on agricultural systems, the field often focuses on the development and use of technology and the quality of the environment.
Agricultural Science is important socially and economically because it meets our food production needs and keeps us healhty. The field is also important environmentally because we need to ensure that agricultural practices and new technologies do not threaten the long-term sustainability of the ecosystems which support the industry.
WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS?
Agricultural Science students can expect to gain a general understanding of science-related topics such as biology, animal science, crop, soil and water science, horticulture, and toxicology, and often humanities-related topics, such as communications, public relations, social services, marketing, education and economics. More advanced topics may cover pests and diseases, plant physiology, animal health and management, ranching, agribusiness, and education. Specific courses we've seen include:
- Biochemistry
- Microeconomics
- Mammalian and Plant Physiology
- Hydrology/Hydrogeology
- Insect Biology and Control
- Food Systems & the Environment
- Genetics
- Statistics
- Marketing and Public Relations for Agribusiness
- Ethical Issues in Agriculture
- Agricultural Education Programs
- Agriculture Skills & Facilities
- Management Accounting
- Agricultural Enterprise Management
- Animal Nutrition
- Livestock Evaluation
- Landscape Construction
- General Surveying
- Irrigation Systems Controls
CAREERS AND SALARY OUTLOOK
Agricultural Science graduates often work in a business or research setting in technology or environmental management, but there are many other roles in the job market. Careers in Agricultural Science are found in public agencies, private companies, academic instututions, and nonprofit agencies, including positions in agricultural marketing and sales, regulatory compliance, agricultural finance, land appraisal and international agriculture. Some graduates go on to manage farms or larger-scale agricultural businesses. Specific job titles that we've seen include:
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Career Guidance
on Agricultural Science
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- Greenhouse Grower/Manager
- Agricultural Cooperative Manager
- Regulatory Compliance Inspector
- Crops Technician
- Conservation District Director
- Food Processing Industry Buyer
- Farm Bureau Coordinator
- Country Club Greens Manager
- Agricultural Education Instructor
- Agribusiness Public Relations Agent
- Farm and Ranch Manager/Owner/Consultant
- Farm Machinery Dealer
- Pesticide Certification Specialist
- Fertilizer / Agrichemicals Salesperson
- Agricultural Insurance Agent
Typical beginning salaries with a bachelor's degree were around $30,026 in 2003. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that median annual earnings were $48,670 in 2002, with the middle 50 percent earning between $35,770 and $65,990. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,000 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $85,000. Check out full report from BLS on careers in Agricultural Science here.
RELATED AREAS OF STUDY
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