What it is
Agricultural science studies how we grow food, raise animals, and manage agricultural systems — crops, soil, plants, food production, and sustainability. It applies biology, chemistry, and technology to feed the world efficiently and sustainably, spanning research, agribusiness, and farm management.
What you'll study
Coursework blends science with applied agriculture:
- Science baseBiology, chemistry, and statistics
- Ag coreAgronomy/crop science, soil science, plant science, and agricultural technology
- AppliedAgribusiness, sustainability, precision agriculture, and often a specialization
Concentrations & focus areas
- Agronomy / Crop ScienceGrowing crops
- Soil ScienceSoil & land
- Plant Science / HorticulturePlants & produce
- Food ScienceFood production & safety
- Precision / Ag TechnologyData-driven farming
- AgribusinessThe business of agriculture
Skills you'll build
- Applied scienceBiology & chemistry in agriculture
- Data & technologyPrecision agriculture
- Problem-solvingYields & sustainability
- Field & lab skillsResearch & practice
- Business awarenessAgribusiness
Careers & job titles
- Agricultural / food scientistResearch & industry (~$76,000)
- Agronomist / crop consultantFarm advising
- Agribusiness / sales rolesIndustry
- Farm / operations managerProduction
- Sustainability / conservationEnvironmental agriculture
- Government / extensionUSDA, extension services
Job outlook & demand
The BLS projects agricultural and food scientists to grow about 6% (faster than average), with demand driven by sustainability, food security, and agricultural technology (precision ag, biotech). Agribusiness and food industries are major employers.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, agricultural and food scientists had a median around $76,000. Research (with a graduate degree), agribusiness, and precision-ag roles pay more; production and entry roles vary.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
A bachelor's supports agribusiness, advising, and applied roles; a master's or PhD leads research and specialized science positions.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you care about food, farming, and sustainability, enjoy applied science, and want a field connecting biology, technology, and the real world.
Modern edge: precision agriculture, ag data, and biotech are transforming the field — pairing agricultural science with technology/data skills is increasingly valuable.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- FocusCrops, soil, plants, food, and farming systems
- StudyAgronomy, soil/plant science, ag technology
- CareersAgricultural scientist, agronomist, agribusiness, farm manager
- Outlook~6% growth (faster, BLS)
- Pay~$76,000 (ag/food scientists, BLS)
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: