Agricultural Science (AG SC)
Program Coordinator
Dr. Dennis Scanlon
814-863-7850
aee.cas.psu.edu/ugrad/uagsci.html
Many agri-industrial firms seek graduates who combine a general knowledge of agriculture with another discipline for jobs in personnel, sales, management, and public relations. Agriculture-related businesses need personnel with training in general agriculture. Graduates also find employment in cooperative extension, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Many return to family farms to become partners or owners of the farm enterprise.
Why Choose Agricultural Sciences?
Think about majoring in Agricultural Science if:
- You want to combine a broad agricultural background with an area of interest not available in one of the specialized majors.
- You want to become part of an industry that’s a world leader in providing food and fiber to millions of people.
- You want to prepare for careers in agribusiness or production agriculture.
- You want to prepare for graduate or professional schools.
Career Opportunities for Agricultural Science Graduates
Some graduates combine the general agriculture background from this major with journalism for a career in agricultural communications. A combination of agriculture and government, languages, education, or one of many other fields might lead to a career with private firms in international trade and marketing or in government organizations with worldwide responsibilities.
This major can help prepare you for careers in agricultural and natural resource-related sales and/or public relations; food, agricultural and natural resource commodity groups; agricultural finance; governmental and conservation agencies; cooperative extension; land use and appraisal; and international agriculture agencies.
Course Scheduling Tips
Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisors when scheduling courses as to meet their academic goals and plan to exit. Depending on availability of courses, it may be necessary to schedule other courses and keep on track. However, some courses must be taken in a specific semester by semester sequence.
All Penn State campus course suggestions are based on enrollment at University Park by fourth semester.
Recommended Academic Plans
Agricultural Science: Penn State Campuses (PDF), University Park (PDF)