Brookings Main Campus
Flexible program providing a competitive edge in agriculture.
Agricultural science offers students a practical, well-rounded education in agriculture. Because of their comprehensive background, ag science majors are placed in a wide variety of professional capacities in the agricultural industry, including sales, business, management and production.
Specific positions are determined in part by students’ academic coursework, internships, work experiences and extracurricular involvement.
Often students seek this major because of a career goal to own or operate a farm or ranch. Additionally, students frequently select this major to pursue multiple areas of interest in agriculture or to explore their interest within agriculture.
Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy working in production agriculture.
- Want flexibility in your education.
- Seek broad understanding of various aspects of agriculture with the opportunity to complete multiple academic minors.
- Want to work outdoors; enjoy hands-on active learning.
- Have an interest in the science within the agriculture industry.
Career Opportunities
- Production agriculture (farmer/rancher)
- Agricultural sales
- Agronomist
- Farm manager
- Entrepreneur
Recent Employers
- Family farm
- Agtegra
- CHS
- Corteva
- Christensen Farms
- Kraft Heinz Company
- Farm Service Agency
- Bayer Crop Science
- RDO Equipment
Internship Opportunities
- JBS
- New Fashion Pork
- Bayer
- Cargill
- Winfield Solutions
- American Simmental Association
Suggested Certificates
- Agricultural and Environmental Law Certificate (Undergraduate)
- Bioprocessing Sciences Certificate (Undergraduate)
- Lobbying and Government Advocacy Certificate (Undergraduate)
- New Product and Venture Development Certificate (Undergraduate)
- Public Service Certificate (Undergraduate)
- Swine Science Certificate (Undergraduate)
- Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Certificate (Undergraduate)
- Workplace Intercultural Competence Certificate (Undergraduate)
Suggested Dual Majors
Suggested Minors
- Agribusiness Marketing Minor
- Agricultural Business Minor
- Agronomy Minor
- Animal Science Minor
- Commodity Risk Management Minor
- Crop Protection Minor
- Land Valuation and Rural Real Estate Minor
- Precision Agriculture Minor
- Ranch Management Minor
- Rangeland Ecology and Management Minor
- Soil Health Management Minor
- Sustainability Minor
- Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Minor
Clubs and Organizations
- Agronomy and Precision Agriculture Club
- Block and Bridle
- Collegiate 4-H or FFA Alumni/Ag Education Club
- Judging Teams
- Little International
Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?
If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ and future career choices.
In addition, , a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the .