Whether you’re a first-time freshman or a rising senior preparing for what comes after high school, it can be challenging to navigate the many choices of classes you could take, including those related to agriculture. Even if you’re clear on the direction you’re headed, consider casting a wide net when it comes to your education. This approach helps keep your options open and can allow you to transition to a multitude of career opportunities down the road.
To aid in your search and ease your nerves ahead of the next class enrollment day, here are a few classes and potential career pathways to explore.
Taking introductory coursework in this area can help you determine if a path in veterinary medicine or ranching is right for you.
Potential career paths:
- Veterinary Science
- Production Agriculture
Agriculture Economics
Businesses, farms and ranches often need support with understanding market trends, small business strategies and opportunities to diversify. Having a firm grasp of this content area is foundational for many career pursuits.
Potential career paths:
- Agriculture Business, Sales and Marketing
- Production Agriculture
Intermediate Biology and Chemistry
With many food manufacturers looking for new ingredients to meet consumers’ evolving tastes, food science is a rapidly growing segment of the agriculture industry. A career in this field can also help address food safety concerns and meet expanding legal requirements surrounding food origin and transparency.
Potential career paths:
Soil Science
Emerging trends in this industry include soil health and understanding how microbiology in soil impacts yields, nutritional quality, the need for inputs and the role of cover crops. As you learn about these topics, you’ll be able to explore a variety of roles available in this field.
Potential career paths:
- Agriculture Business, Sales and Marketing
- Production Agriculture
Data Science and Advanced Coding
Digital solutions are becoming more common in agriculture, and ag tech is an exciting field where specialists can apply their innovations to solve real-world problems. Coding classes can help set you up to launch a start-up or work for a major equipment retailer. Using digital tools also helps food manufacturers learn about their supply chains and consumer preferences.
Potential career paths
Continue Your Search
Whether your future includes pursuing higher education or entering the workforce full time, FFA can help. Head to AgExplorer to take a deep dive into agriculture-focused career fields.
