What is an Agricultural Science Degree?
Explore some of the many degree options in the broad field of agricultural science, from associate's degrees and bachelors of science in agriculture to doctorates. Understand what ag science is by diving into some common course topics you might study in an undergraduate or graduate program related to agricultural science.
What is Ag Science?
In an agricultural science degree program, you can study food science, animal husbandry, farming, veterinary medicine and other topics. These programs are commonly offered through agriculture science departments at colleges and universities around the country.
<h3 id="section---WhatAgriculturalScienceDegreesAreAvailable">What Agricultural Science Degrees Are Available?</h3><p>Associate's degree programs in the agricultural sciences include turfgrass management, forest technology, agricultural business, wildlife technology, food science and other areas. Bachelor's degree programs include agricultural extension education, biological engineering, agroecology, food science and more. Master's degree programs include agricultural education, agricultural economics, agribusiness and others. You can earn a doctoral degree in agricultural science that focuses on crop science, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/PhD_in_Nutrition_Online_and_Campus-Based_Program_FAQs.html">human nutrition</a>, teaching and research.
</p><h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutAgriculturalScienceDegrees">Important Facts About Agricultural Science Degrees</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Degree Levels</td><td> Undergraduate and graduate</td></tr>
<tr><td>Prerequisites </td><td> High school diploma or GED equivalent</td></tr>
<tr><td>Concentrations </td><td> Integrated Ranch and Natural Resource Management, Horticulture Business, Agricultural Systems Management</td></tr>
<tr><td>Possible Careers </td><td> Agricultural economist, agricultural production manager, farmer, crop supervisor</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2018)</td><td>$64,020 <i>(agricultural and food scientists)</i>*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2016-2026)</td><td>7% <i>(agricultural and food scientists)</i>*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnWithAnAgriculturalScienceMajor">What Will I Learn With an Agricultural Science Major?</h3><p>In undergraduate agricultural science degree programs, you often take courses in a variety of areas, such as science, economics, business and education. You also learn about the relationship between agriculture and consumers. Often, agricultural science programs cover soil science, animal health, business communications, management, commodities, finance and plant science. At the bachelor's and master's degree levels, you might be able to take courses that qualify you for a teaching certificate while you study agriculture science.
</p><p>Master's degree programs in agricultural sciences include higher-level courses in agriculture-related subjects like agricultural economics and rural development. You usually must also take courses in research and analysis, and many master's degree programs in agricultural science require you to complete a thesis. Doctoral programs are usually research oriented, and you're required to delve deeply into your area of interest. In most cases, you must complete a dissertation.
</p><h3 id="section---CanIUndertakeAnOnlineAgricultureDegree">Can I Undertake an Online Agriculture Degree?</h3><p>You can find limited opportunities to earn an agricultural science degree online at the bachelor's and master's degree levels, although online bachelor's degree programs are quite rare. An online bachelor's degree program in agricultural science typically requires you to complete science-based lab courses and other general education work through a college near your home. Online master's degree programs in the agricultural sciences include agriculture and natural resources management, agricultural education and crop science.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCareersCanIPursue">What Careers Can I Pursue?</h3><p>Graduates of an agricultural science degree program can find work in wide range of areas in this industry, including marketing, finance, and government service. Examples of specific career titles can include:
</p><ul><li>Business consultant
</li><li>Crop supervisor
</li><li>Insurance agent
</li><li>Agriculture production manager
</li></ul><p>One can also choose to pursue professions in agricultural economics, such as an agricultural policy analyst, a natural resource manager, or a food/grain broker. Employment growth in the agricultural science industry is set to be a positive one, with a predicted 7% increase in the years from 2016-2026. This is due to the continual research of evolving methods and techniques in agricultural production.</p>