What is Agriculture?
Agriculture is the science and business of farming. Agriculture majors learn about cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock. They also study the problems that affect agriculture today and explore practical solutions.
Is Agriculture a Good Major / Degree for Me?
Are you interested in farming? Do you enjoy being around animals? Do you like to spend time outside? Do you follow current events? Are you interested in farming practices all over the world? Do you want to be involved in a constantly changing field? Are you a critical thinker? Do you enjoy your science classes? If so, a degree in Agriculture might just be for you!
High School Classes Needed for an Agriculture Degree in College:
- 4 English Credits
- 3 Math Credits
- 4 Science Credits
- 3 Social Studies Credits
- 2 Foreign Language Credits
- If your high school offers the following courses, take advantage!
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Environmental Science
- If your high school or community offers the following co-curricular activities, take advantage!
- FFA
- 4-H
- Athletics
- Student Government
Common Agriculture Courses in College:
- Agricultural and Food Policy Issues
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Law
- Agriculture Safety and Health
- Computer Applications in Agriculture
- Farm and Ranch Appraisal
- Farm Implements
- Forage Production
- Management in Agriculture
- Principles of Animal Nutrition
- Soil Science
- Water Science
- World Food Crops
Many programs require an internship.
Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:
- Agricultural Business (or Agribusiness): the study of the business of farming
- Agricultural Economics: the study of the production, distribution, and consumption of agricultural products
- Agronomy and Crop Science: the science of soil and crop production
- Animal Sciences: the study of breeding, raising, and managing livestock
- Farm Management: a course of study that prepares students to manage farms
- Food Science: a course of study that explores the planting and harvesting, the raising and slaughtering, and the processing, packaging, and shipping of foods
- Horticulture: the science of cultivating fruits, vegetables, or flowers
- Pre-veterinary Studies: not a major in and of itself, a course of study that prepares students for veterinary school
- Soil Science: the scientific study of soil as a resource
- Sustainable Agriculture: a branch of agriculture study that focuses on conserving and protecting natural resources while producing healthy food
- Veterinary Technology: a course of study that prepares students to assist veterinarians in providing medical care to animals
Agriculture Careers:
Many agriculture majors go on to manage and/or own farms, including: dairy farms, cattle farms, crop farms, pig farms and more. There is a significant movement toward organic/sustainable farming, and this presents many exciting career opportunities. However, agriculture majors don’t all go into farming. Some graduates go into research. Some go to work in agricultural labs. Some go to work for the government. Some even go into sales.
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