Torn between your love for broadcast media and your passion for farming? We know the feeling. Luckily, there is a solution. If you’re interested in communicating about science, agriculture, health, or the environment, Agricultural Journalism (also known as Agricultural Communication) is just the thing. A major in Agricultural Journalism is exactly what it sounds like. You take courses in news writing, advertising, broadcast news, photojournalism, and editing and design. You also take courses in animal and plant science, agricultural economics, biochemistry, and forestry. Upon completion of the major program, you’ll receive a bachelor’s of science degree. A major in Agricultural Journalism prepares you for a variety of career opportunities in agriculture, business, and science. Depending on the journalism courses you take, you can apply for editorial positions with farm journals, daily and weekly newspapers, or in the radio, television, advertising, and public relations industries. You can also work for non-specialized newspapers and non-farm radio and television stations. The agriculture background helps Agricultural Journalism majors organize and transmit scientific and technical information in a way that regular folks can understand.

Preparation

You don’t need to know anything about journalism or agriculture to major in Agricultural Journalism, but it sure would help. If possible, get on your high school newspaper or yearbook staff. If your high school has any broadcast media, get on the staff of that, too. English and history courses are also a very good idea. As far as agriculture, take courses in biology, chemistry, and earth science. Obviously, if your high school offers agriculture courses, you should take a few.