Agricultural Education

A Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Industry Management and Communications offers both breadth and depth of knowledge – you will become proficient in several topic areas and master at least one. Select your areas of emphasis according to your career goals. Choose from courses in animal science, agricultural economics, agricultural mechanics, entomology, plant science, horticulture and soil science.

In technical agriculture courses, you’ll learn by doing. Explore cow pregnancy rates and grazing management systems at on-campus animal centers. Observe the effects of insects on crop health and work with innovative water management and irrigation systems at our on-campus greenhouses and plant science farms. Students also explore how both engines and food-processing equipment work in the machinery lab.

In your senior year, you'll draw on everything you’ve learned for a required internship. You'll write a proposal for the real-world experience you desire and receive guidance from your teachers and industry supervisors.

Prepare for Success

This major is a good fit if you can see yourself:

• Influencing and educating about agriculture’s crucial role in regional and world economies.
• Grasping business principles and practices.
• Selecting your own areas of technical expertise.

To prepare, you may want to:

• Participate in 4-H or Future Farmers of America (FFA) activities, volunteer at a county fair, help raise livestock, or work for a farm or ranch.
• Take as many courses as possible in math and science.
• Pay attention to current news events involving agriculture and business.

Your First Year

Your first year, you will learn communication skills with course work in writing and public speaking. You will also familiarize yourself with your major through introductory courses in education theory and agriculture.

You'll take more advanced courses in shop practices, animal husbandry, agricultural markets and prices, or horticulture. You select your areas of focus.

See all courses in our agricultural industry management and communications four-year plan.

What You Can Do

With this degree, you may become one of the following:

• Public relations specialist: Research, develop and collaborate on media materials for a food manufacturer or agricultural group.
• Journalist: Specialize in the agricultural topics of your choice and write about current issues for a newspaper or magazine.
• Adult educator: Provide technical training for agriculture-related companies and enterprises.
• Youth development educator: Provide learning opportunities for 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA) or other organizations.
• Policy analyst: Analyze new legislation related to agriculture for a government agency, legislator or agricultural group.
• Researcher: Conduct research for farm and ranch appraisals or for leading food-processing companies.

Opportunities

Nearly all of our graduates receive job offers upon graduation with starting salaries of up to $40,000. You may decide to work in adult or youth education or for a governmental agency, nonprofit organization or business.

You may also choose to continue your education, and go on to graduate school in agricultural economics, agricultural education, communications or business.

Current Research

The University of Idaho maintains 12 field research stations located from Sandpoint to Kimberly.  Our faculty members solve Idaho’s most pressing agricultural problems by exploring innovations that increase efficiency and sustainability in growing crops and producing livestock.

Activities

Collegiate Future Farmers of America (FFA): Manage livestock judging at the Latah County Fair, hear special presentations by agriculture students and professionals in the agriculture industry, attend state and national FFA events.
Collegiate 4-H: Teach workshops and attend conferences.
Block and Bridle: Practice showmanship, judge contests and exhibit livestock at regional shows.

Hands-On Experience

Intern. Get practical experiences like these:

• U.S. Congress: Research legislation affecting agriculture.
• Idaho Bean Commission: Write marketing materials and publications.
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Provide technical and financial assistance to farmers and ranchers.

• Peru: Gain a new perspective on the global marketplace.
• India: Discover how mango farmers package and market their products.
• Taiwan: See how farms are organized to get the most out of the country’s small size.

Facilities

You’ll have access to on-campus greenhouses, plant science farms, livestock facilities and numerous scientific laboratories.