Program Overview

Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership (B.S.) Communication Specialization

The Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership (B.S.) Communication Specialization program is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the agriculture industry and its challenges, along with effective communication and journalism skills to share these topics with others.

Program Overview

Agricultural communication graduates hold a wide variety of communications-related positions in agribusiness, advertising, marketing, news media, and public relations.

Career Opportunities

Possible career opportunities with this degree include:

• Marketing and communications
• Journalist
• Social media and public relations specialist
• Advertising agencies

Recent Employers

Graduates have gone on to work at employers such as:

• John Deere
• Paulson Advertising
• BEEF magazine
• Agtegra
• Minnesota Pork Board
• Corteva Agriscience
• Minnesota State Fair
• CHS
• Hefty Seed Company
• Fire & Salt Co.
• Minnesota Dairy Initiative

Internship Opportunities

The program offers internship opportunities with organizations such as:

• Certified Angus Beef
• South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum
• American Simmental Association
• Minnesota Holstein Association
• University of Minnesota 4-H Extension
• Christensen Farms
• Ag Management Solutions
• Minnesota Pork Board
• Minnesota Pork Producers Association
• Minnesota Farm Bureau

Clubs & Organizations

Students can participate in extracurricular clubs such as:

• Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT)
• Little International
• CAFES Ambassadors
• Agriculture Future of America (AFA)

Suggested Certificates

The program suggests the following certificates:

• Graphic Design Certificate (Undergraduate)
• Lobbying and Government Advocacy Certificate (Undergraduate)
• Public Service Certificate (Undergraduate)
• Workplace Intercultural Competence Certificate (Undergraduate)
• New Product and Venture Development Certificate (Undergraduate)

Suggested Minors

The program suggests the following minors:

• Digital and Social Media Minor
• Communication Studies Minor
• Dairy Industry Minor
• Animal Science Minor
• Agribusiness Marketing Minor
• Agricultural Business Minor
• Advertising Minor

Suggested Dual Majors

The program suggests the following dual majors:

• Animal Science (B.S.) Production Management Specialization
• Animal Science (B.S.) Industry Relations Specialization
• Journalism (B.A./B.S.)
• Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership (B.S.) Leadership Specialization

Is it for You?

This program will be a good fit if you:

• Are passionate about educating the public and advocating for agriculture.
• Are involved in 4-H, FFA, or other agricultural activities; interested in mentoring or working with youth.
• Demonstrate strong written or oral communication skills.
• Express yourself in a creative or artistic manner.
• Are interested in advertising, public relations, graphic design, or social media.