What can I do with this degree?
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

AREAS

EDUCATION

• Teaching
• Research
• Administration
• Student Affairs

EMPLOYERS

• Secondary schools
• Colleges and universities
• Vocational and technical schools

STRATEGIES

Obtain teacher certification for public school positions. Plan to earn a master's degree to work in college student affairs or university administration. Earn a Ph.D. to obtain employment as a professor. Develop excellent writing and speaking skills. Learn to work well with all types of people. Develop strong interpersonal skills. Seek leadership positions in campus organizations related to agricultural science, natural resources, or agricultural education. Gain practical experience in the area of agriculture. Work with youth through volunteering or summer jobs with camps, 4-H programs, scouts, YMCA's, and other nonprofit organizations.

AREAS

EXTENSION

• Agricultural Education
• Family and Consumer Sciences Education
• Youth Development Education

EMPLOYERS

• Cooperative Extension System (national)
• Extension services within states

STRATEGIES

Gain experience in working with children and adults of varying ages. Participate as a volunteer or member of organizations such as 4-H or FFA and seek leadership roles. Develop strong communication skills, particularly public speaking and group presentation skills. Take courses in economics and community development. Develop computer skills. Earn a master's degree to qualify for more positions. Be willing to live in rural communities and to travel within the county. Be prepared to work some evenings and weekends.

AREAS

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

• Informal Education
• Sales
• Management
• Agricultural Communication: Journalism, Public Relations, Electronic Media, Technical Writing

EMPLOYERS

• Local, state and federal government including: Forestry Service, USDA, National and state parks and reserves
• Professional associations
• Agribusiness firms
• Financial institutions
• Camps
• Scouting organizations, e.g. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
• Nature centers
• Foundations, museums, nature centers, zoos
• Nonprofit organizations
• Wildlife organizations
• Agricultural magazines and websites
• Newspapers and other publications
• Farm radio and television stations
• Advertising and public relations firms

STRATEGIES

Gain relevant experience through internships, summer jobs, or volunteer positions. Earn a minor or take additional courses in area of interest such as communication, English, or business. Develop strong communication skills, both written and oral. Learn to work well with various computer programs including desktop publishing. Participate in related student organizations and seek leadership positions. Work on the student newspaper to gain experience for agricultural communication positions. Develop physical stamina, resourcefulness, and outdoor skills for some informal education positions. Be willing to relocate.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Agricultural Science provides a broad background for working in the agricultural and natural resources industry.
• For entry-level positions, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient. A master’s or doctoral degree is often necessary for advancement. Some federal and private agency work, consulting positions, and especially research positions require a graduate degree.
• Teacher certification is required for public school teaching and varies by state.
• Obtain volunteer, part-time, summer, internship, or co-op experience in field of study.
• Develop excellent computer skills.
• Join a student club or student professional association to network and cultivate related academic interests.
• Conduct informational interviews or shadow professionals who have jobs that interest you.

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2006) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer