Agriculture Major

• What is Agriculture?
• What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?
• What Kinds of Students Major in Agriculture?
• What Courses Do Agriculture Majors Take?
• List of Agriculture Jobs
• What is the Median Salary Range for Agriculture Careers?
• College and University Departments to Consider

What is Agriculture?

Agriculture is the scientific study of the interaction between humans, natural resources, and livestock. There are several concentrations for agriculture including agricultural economics and commercial agriculture. The agriculture major is designed for students who desire an entry-level career in management positions in farm-related industries such as livestock and food products. This major combines elements of business, agriculture, and agricultural economics. With appropriate choices of elective courses, students can also prepare themselves for positions with financial institutions involved with agriculture industry.

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What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?

Various specializations related to a major in Agriculture may be offered by colleges and universities. These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest to you. A few of these specializations related to this field include, but are not limited to:

Agricultural Animal Health	Agricultural Animal Nutrition
Agricultural Animal Physiology	Agricultural Business and Production
Agricultural Economics	Agricultural Engineering
Agricultural Extension	Agricultural Mechanization
Agricultural Teacher Education (Vocational)	Agronomy and Crop Science
Community and Economic Development	Environment and Renewable Resources
Farm and Ranch Management	Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
Forest Management and Forest Sciences	Greenhouse Operations and Management
Horticulture Science	Plant Pathology
Plant Physiology	Plant Protection (Pest Management)
Plant Sciences	Rural Sociology
Soil Sciences	Wildlife and Wild Lands Management

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What Kinds of Students Major in Agriculture?

Students who major in agriculture have an interest in preserving, studying, and managing many forms of natural resources, particularly those related to farming and animal husbandry. These students may enjoy learning about business strategies, supervising others, and may seek to become managers. These students do not shy away from learning scientific theories or conducting research. They may also be good at hands on work such as general repairs, drawing, and/or the use of many types of tools. Agriculture majors should be strong in the sciences, especially in biology. The agriculture major enjoys outdoor activities and sports. Hobbies may include ranching, attending rodeos, hiking, and skiing.

Is Agriculture the right major for you?
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What Courses Do Agriculture Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for Agriculture majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.

Agricultural Economics	Agricultural Market and Prices
Economics of Natural Resources	Farming and Natural Resource Approaches
Macroeconomic Analysis	Principles of Farm and Ranch Management

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List of Potential Jobs in Agriculture

These professions and professional organizations illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly related to employment than others, however. You should consider the likelihood of employment after graduation carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you should determine what the prospects are for this or any major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment in second major or in a minor.

Business involved in Farm commodities	Certified Financial Accountant
Certified Management Accountant	Certified Public Accounting
Farm or Ranch Management	Natural Resource Analyst
Professional Economist in Governmental Agency	Public or Private industry focusing on Rural Development

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What is the Median Salary Range for Agriculture Careers?

U.S. Median Salary(starting):$40,900

U.S. Median Salary(mid-career):$66,700

Note: These numbers are national averages so you could make more or less than these amounts. Actual expected salaries will vary depending on your chosen career path, experience, and even your geographic location. Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not, to give you this information.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Colleges and Universities offering majors in Agriculture

MyMajors complete list has 615 schools in the USA with a major in Agriculture.
-View the national listing!

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