Agricultural Communication

Agricultural Communication is one of four majors offered by the Department of Communication. This course of study is for students who have strong interest in both agriculture and communication. Our graduates work as communication specialists for a variety of agribusinesses. Students might work for a livestock or grain association, as an editor of a specialized publication, or as the advocate for a farm or ranching organization.

The Program

Students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree offered by the Department of Communication must first complete all courses associated with the Pre-Communication requirements. Once all Pre-Communication courses and requirements are met, students submit the transition form, available on the department's website, to their advisor. After verification of accuracy, the student is accepted into the professional program and can continue pursuing a degree in the Department of Communication.

Admission to the Major

Students must complete 19 credits of Pre-Communication courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA to become an agricultural communication major. The courses are COMM 110, COMM 112, COMM 114, COMM 189, COMM 212, COMM 220, and ENGL 120.

Agricultural Communication Major

Students majoring in agricultural communication may earn a Bachelor of Science degree (includes an approved minor in an agriculture program) or a Bachelor of Arts degree (includes a modern language proficiency). The agricultural communication major combines the resources and expertise of two units, communication and agriculture, to produce trained communicators who can explain science, technologies, and complex agricultural issues to diverse audiences. Students will complete an applied capstone course in their final semester.

Career Opportunities

Coursework in the agricultural communication major prepares students for careers in agricultural and scientific industries, agencies and operations that include scientific writing, agricultural promotion and consulting, and agricultural planning and assessment. The coursework emphasizes written and oral communication skills and prepares students to communicate in meaningful and effective ways to a variety of audiences.

Agricultural Communication Minor

Many other majors offered at North Dakota State University can be greatly enhanced by an agricultural communication minor. The 21-credit minor includes a nine-credit core and twelve credits of professional specialization electives.

Internship Requirement

Internships offer practical experience for agricultural communication students. After securing an internship, students must gain approval from the departmental internship coordinator, have an on-site evaluation, and report on the internship experience. Three credits (120 hours) of this field experience are required for the major, and many students complete more than one internship. Students have interned with agricultural administrators, private agencies and firms, and governmental officials, among others. Internships often lead to jobs.

Scholarships

The Department of Communication awards a number of scholarships to students who excel in academics and who have demonstrated career potential. Applications are due by March 1. Visit the department website for information.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Students majoring in agricultural communication are encouraged to be active members of Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and/or the Saddle and Sirloin Club. They may also be interested in joining Advertising Club or the department's chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). NDSU has two honoraries for top students majoring in a degree program offered by the Department of Communication. Pi Kappa Delta is a national honor fraternity for students involved in human communication activities. Lambda Pi Eta is a national honorary for communication majors with high academic achievement.

High School Preparation

A well-rounded high school education with experiences in high school music, forensics, theatre, journalism, FFA, or scouting serves as good preparation for the major in agricultural communication. Students with interests in science and art, business and service, and publicity and promotion will find a major in this department to be a good fit.

The Faculty

Faculty members in the Department of Communication are dedicated teachers, scholars, and practitioners who are committed to providing high-quality courses, hands-on learning experiences, and opportunities for undergraduate research. We encourage students who want to learn more about our faculty to reach out via email or schedule an appointment via Navigate.

Plan of Study

This plan is designed to provide you with guidance on the order in which to take your required courses. It can be used by students at any point in their coursework (including students with transfer credit). We have had many students join the department later than their first year and still graduate on time. Your faculty advisor can help you create a plan of study that is customized to your goals and timeline.