Agricultural Science

Feeding, clothing, and fueling a growing population is a noble and honorable profession, securing the future for generations to come. If you want to work in one of the most respected professions in the world, the following majors/concentrations will allow you to grow.

Agribusiness

Production

Do you want to manage your own agricultural operations, or consult those who do? Prepare to analyze many issues associated with the distinct characteristics and economics of agricultural production in this concentration.

Career Opportunities:

  • Agribusiness Manager - median annual salary of $64,170
  • Agricultural Economist - median annual salary of $65,480
  • Agronomy sales - median annual salary of $58,600
  • Loan Officer - median annual salary of $63,400

Agricultural Engineering Technology and Business

Precision Agriculture

Technology is the future of agriculture. We prepare you for that future by training you in global positioning systems (GPS), geographical information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and digital mapping technologies.

Career Opportunities:

  • Conservation scientist - median annual salary of $61,310
  • Crop consultant - median annual salary of $49,840
  • Hydrologist - median annual salary of $79,550
  • Land surveyor - median annual salary of $58,020

Agricultural Science

Agricultural Science

This degree program gives you a broad background in agriculture and life sciences, leadership principles, basic principles of production, and business management. You may customize your experience by choosing two areas of focus that will allow you to meet your individual career goals.

Career Opportunities:

  • Agricultural broadcaster - median annual salary of $55,530
  • Agricultural journalist - median annual salary of $40,000
  • Agricultural real estate broker - median annual salary of $76,310
  • Farm co-op manager - median annual salary of $66,800

Agronomy

Agricultural and Environmental Soil Science

Humanity depends on healthy soil for food and fiber production, and trained professionals are needed to manage and preserve this precious resource. This concentration will prepare you to enter a very in-demand field.

Career Opportunities:

  • Agronomist - median annual salary of $58,600
  • Nursery/greenhouse manager - median annual salary of $46,520
  • Plant breeder - median annual salary of $76,150
  • Soil conservationist - median annual salary of $61,310

Integrated Crop Management

The courses in this concentration will give you the solid scientific foundation and technological training you need to grow crops in a way that is economically viable and protects the environment. It also provides a solid scientific foundation for graduate studies.

Career Opportunities:

  • Agronomist—median annual salary of $58,600
  • Nursery/greenhouse manager—median annual salary of $46,520
  • Plant breeder—median annual salary of $76,150
  • Scientific support analyst—median annual salary of $48,390

Integrated Pest Management

o This interdisciplinary and customizable concentration of study in Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science will prepare you for a variety of careers in pest management, including crop production, agri-business, and natural resource management, or prepare you for graduate studies.

Career Opportunities:

  • Agronomist - median annual salary of $58,600
  • Crop consultant - median annual salary of $49,840
  • Farm insurance agent - median annual salary of $48,370
  • Territory sales manager - median annual salary of $63,600

Biochemistry

Entomology

If insects intrigue you, the entomology concentration will suit you well. A career as an entomologist in agriculture will train you to prevent insect-borne disease and protect food and fiber crops and livestock from insect damage. You may also learn to promote insects that contribute to the well being of humans, animals, and plants.

Career Opportunities:

  • Agricultural consultant - median annual salary of $58,140
  • Beekeeper - median annual salary of $44,750
  • Forensic entomologist - median annual salary of $64,100
  • Pest control specialist - median annual salary of $36,610

Plant Pathology

Do you have a green thumb and a thirst for diagnosing and treating sick plants? This concentration will prepare you for a variety of careers as you study the diseases and disorders of plants including fungus, virus, and bacteria.

Career Opportunities:

  • Agricultural consultant - median annual salary of $58,240
  • FDA regulatory agent - median annual salary of $106,140
  • Researcher - median annual salary of $63,950
  • Seed and plant production agent - median annual salary of $66,700

Environmental Science in Agricultural Systems

Environmental Science in Agricultural Systems

Our global agricultural system faces challenges, with the worldwide population projected to reach almost 9 billion by 2050. If you want to be a part of the solution, this major will prepare you for a diversity of careers focused on environmental issues related to agronomic and horticultural production.

Career Opportunities:

  • Air pollution analyst - median annual salary of $63,570
  • Conservation agent - median annual salary of $48,070
  • Environmental consultant - median annual salary of $67,490
  • Hazardous waste manager - median annual salary of $74,150

Horticulture

Fruit and Vegetable Production

Help feed the world and prepare for a wide variety of careers with competitive salaries. This concentration will prepare you to work in local and commercial production of fruits and vegetables, marketing, quality control, purchasing, research, and technical product research and sales.

Career Opportunities:

  • Marketing agent - median annual salary of $132,230
  • Quality control inspector - median annual salary of $37,140
  • Technical product researcher - median annual salary of $69,190