Academics: Programs of Study: Undergraduate Degree Programs
Agricultural Communications
- Department: Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - BSA
- UGA Bulletin: Major Requirements
- Campus: Athens
- UGA Career Center: Career Choices
Requirements
Students considering the agricultural communications major should have aptitude both in science and in marketing and communication skills. Students take agriculture, science, and economics courses in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and journalism courses in the College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Upon completion of the program, students receive the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.S.A.) degree.
Most courses taken in junior colleges transfer to the major, but students who take their entire coursework at the University generally find it easier to complete the requirements for the major within four years. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 is required for transfer admission into the program.
Practical Experiences
Agricultural communications majors are encouraged to take an internship working in some aspect of agricultural communications: advertising, public relations, newspapers, magazines, or broadcasting. They receive credit for the internship.
Career Opportunities
In today's economic environment, there is a need for people with communication skills who also understand scientific agriculture. Every land-grant university employs a staff of journalists to communicate their research, extension, and teaching programs. Several branches of the federal government--USDA, Department of State, Department of the Interior--employ agricultural journalists, as do similar departments in state governments. There are several hundred agriculture-related publications in the United States. Agribusiness, chemical and machinery companies, advertising agencies, and agriculture associations employ people who are trained in writing, advertising, broadcasting, and public relations.
Graduate training in agricultural communication is offered by many universities.