Agriculture Education is multidisciplinary in nature, drawing important elements from areas such as environmental science, business leadership, policy development, and more. Students who pursue an agriculture education will focus on several key subject areas, complete a number of standard courses, and gain the skills required for an array of careers in both agriculture and agricultural education.
Agricultural Education Subjects
Agriculture education covers various subjects that are essential to farming, sustainable land use, agribusiness, and more. Key agricultural education subjects include:
- Farm and ranch management
- Land Management
- Sustainability
- Nutrition
- Resource Conservation
- Food Production
- Organizational Leadership
- Communication
For a closer look at the key components of an agricultural education, check out our overview of the traditional Agriculture Education Curriculum.
Agricultural Education Courses
Numerous colleges, universities, and vocational schools offer full degree and certification programs in agriculture. Common courses for those pursuing a degree or certificate in agriculture include:
- Crop and Soil Sciences
- Farm and Ranch Management
- Agricultural Business and Economics
- Agricultural Communications
- Animal Sciences
- Horticultural Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration
For a look at some of the universities, non-profit groups and student associations offering these and other valuable agriculture courses, check out these leading Agriculture Education Organizations.
Agriculture Career Paths
Many of the courses completed during an agricultural education are geared toward career readiness and practical application. A degree in agriculture could lead to an array of agriculture careers, including:
- Farming
- Ranching
- Teaching
- Veterinary Science
- Management
- Corporate Agriculture
- Rural Community Development
- Human Resource Development
Careers in Agricultural Education
The continued success of the U.S. agriculture industry depends on the contributions of dedicated agriculture teachers, professors, and mentors. Educators who provide their expertise in agriculture education, training, and leadership development settings play a critical role in the continuity and sustainability of America’s farming and food production. In addition to teaching and mentoring, agriculture education careers may include opportunities to work in farm services, environmental sciences, policy development, and more. To become an agricultural teacher in most states, one must earn at least a bachelor’s degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Agricultural Sciences Teachers at the postsecondary level earned a median annual wage of $86,160 (4).
To find out where an agricultural education career could take you, check out these leading Agriculture Education Organizations.
References
4. BLS. (2017). Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2017; 25-1041 Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). https://www.bls.gov/oes/2017/may/oes251041.htm
