Agricultural studies are a discipline that covers on what goes on behind the scene of the practice of agriculture.
Back in the days, this study is considered to be old school as it covered the ancient practice of agriculture and farming. Currently, we are at the condition where technology goes hand in hand with agriculture.
Hearsay and myths surrounding agricultural studies never emphasise on how agriculture helps to solve the world’s problems that circle around health, hunger, poverty, environment, and quality of living.
Besides that, agriculture also helps in improving the nutritional level that people need, especially in the midst of soaring population around the world.
Right now, there’s an imbalance between the issue of obesity in developed countries and malnutrition in developing countries.
Meeting the demand of food, ensuring that there’s availability of food catering to the world’s population is the primary role of the professionals working in agriculture.
By obtaining a degree in this field, you will have the chance to become a professional that helps tackling all agricultural issues we have today.
What is Agricultural Studies all about?
The demand on natural resources and agricultural produce will continue to rise overtime. As technology keeps on innovating and entering the agricultural field, you will learn how to manage the merge between these two.
Agriculture is one of the biggest and most diverse industries in the world. By choosing this course, you will prepare yourself to work in variety of sectors.
The study revolves around research on soil, plant, animals, farming, laboratories, and nutritional science.
Not just the technicality of agriculture, you will also be given the knowledge of how the business side of agriculture works in order to manage it commercially.
The degree in agriculture will shape you to be an individual that concerns on environment, analyses agricultural problems and finds their solutions.
Why study Agricultural Studies?
Agricultural studies may not be an obvious choice for many, but the world would entirely fall apart without people working within the agriculture and forestry sector.
It has become an exciting area to be involved in as technology started to play a role in it.
1. Help the environment and world’s issues
Excelling in agriculture and forestry sector is important for the quality of living of everyone around the world – especially those that live in marginalised areas. This is a great platform to create a gap between job opportunities for the rural population in a less economically strong areas.
Similarly, without professionals working in this industry, the environment will be falling out of its shape. Sustainable practice and conservation is firmly embedded in this course, which is essential to stave off climate change.
2. Great job availability and prospects
There are decent salary packages that are offered by both private and government sector for graduates in agricultural studies. There are many ranges of different occupations for the positive development of agriculture that is rather dynamic and vast.
3. Abundant postgraduate opportunities
As agricultural studies carry a broad topic, there are many specialisations followed with a wide range of substantial pathway. From natural resource economics to digitisation of agriculture, the list is diverse and captivating.
4. Ability to work in various environments
There is no doubt that this field is an ideal educational spot for nature lovers and foodies! You will learn ways of the world in regard to cultivation, environment, soil, food that will aspire you to lead the way towards a better and sustainable livelihood in the community.
5.Grand scope and rich curriculum
Agricultural study is highly rich in curriculum as it includes agriculture science, plant physiology, water resource management, food processing, food chemistry, applications of biotechnology, etc.
Not to mention the widened scope from the addition of technology. You can engage with a career in rural business management, biotechnology, manufacturing, and even banking!
What skills and characteristics do you need to study Agricultural Studies?
Here are the ideal characteristics for students in the Agricultural Studies line:
- Detail-oriented
- Observant
- Knowledgeable
- Independent
- Problem solving
- Diligent
- Able to work alone
- Likes to analyse
- Enjoys doing research
For that, shaping up the right attitude, creating trust and being courteous are required.
If you think that you have all the characters as a whole, you are absolutely looking at the right career path.
What are the requirements to study Agricultural Studies?
Entry requirements in universities in the US for agricultural studies are varied, each to their own.
The requirements that are listed below will differ from one university to another.
| Bachelor’s Degree | |
| A-Level | Pass 3 science subjects |
| SPM | Aggregate of 25-30 in the 5 best subjects |
| English | IELTS 5.5; TOEFL iBT 60+; Pearson PTE 45 OR Other related English test results |
| Age | Minimum 17 years old at the start of the course |
| Master’s Degree | |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Minimum CGPA of 2.5 - 3.0 |
| Other Documents | Recommendation letter & Motivational statement |
| English | IELTS 6.5; TOEFL iBT 90+; Pearson PTE 65 OR Other related English test results |
Students who do not meet the minimum requirement of English may be asked to study a short English course before starting the university foundation course.
What are the top universities that offer Agricultural Studies course in the US?
There are many universities and colleges that you can choose for this course.
Here are the top 10 universities in the US for Hotel Management according to Syngenta:
| University | Location |
| University of Massachusetts | Boston, Massachusetts |
| University California Davis, California | Davis, California |
| Cornell University, New York | Ithaca, New York |
| University of Florida, Florida | Gainesville, Florida |
| Texas A & M University, Texas | Texas |
| University of Illinois, Illinois | Campaign, Illnois |
| Ohio State University, Ohio | Colombus, Ohio |
| Murray State University | Murray, Kentucky |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, Michigan |
| California Polytechnic State University | San Louis Obispo, California |
How long is the duration of studies for Agricultural Studies course in the US?
In general, the duration that is needed to complete your studies in agricultural studies course is comparable to the length of studies in Malaysia and will vary depending on the level of studies that you are taking.
| Diploma | 1 year |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 1.5 – 2 years |
How is the career outlook for Agricultural Studies course like?
The primary career path for agricultural studies graduates lies in the agriculture, farming, and forestry line.
Some career prospects that are probable for agricultural studies graduates include:
- Agricultural Operations Manager, work to maintain the process that takes place in agribusiness, such as the production of seeds, as well as watching over the operation and inventory of the factory
- Animal Geneticist, responsible to take note of animals’ development – what gives them strength and their genetic structure
- Food Scientist, work and responsible to produce information on food nutrition to ensure its safety and analyse the best farming methods of farming and food production procedures to increase
- Agronomy Sales Manager, responsible to train and educate the farmers in cultivating the land and plants in the right way to ensure the quality of the products
- Agriculture Lawyer, responsible to deal with water, land use, environmental issues, marketing, seed issues, and pesticide issues
- Agriculture Economist, responsible to do a research on market analysis, business consulting on statistics and data pertaining to the agricultural industry and project possible patterns and trends within the economy
What is the salary prospect for graduates of Agricultural Studies in the US?
After knowing the career and job options for that agricultural studies can offer, be it undergraduate and postgraduate studies, it will help you to understand your future better by knowing your salary expectation.
Below are the salary expectations for each profession, which you can use as a motivational tool to choose this field of study in the US (PayScale):
| Occupation |
Estimated Salary (USD)/ year |
| Agriculture Lawyer | $115,820 |
| Agriculture Economist | $104,920 |
| Food Scientist | $71,990 |
| Agronomy Sales Manager | $76,470 |
*as per currency rate in August 2019