The Purdue Agricultural Communication Program

PRACTICAL, IN-DEMAND SKILLS

Prepare for a career that serves industry and society by promoting awareness and understanding of food, agriculture, natural resources, and science.

In Agricultural Communication, you will receive excellent advising from caring staff. You will develop marketable communication skills through a flexible curriculum, diverse coursework, and competitive internships. Our graduates are professional communicators for agricultural organizations, agribusiness firms, government, mass media, and advertising and public relations agencies who are proficient in our core competencies.

Agricultural Communication graduates have the advantage of excelling in communication, science, natural resources, and agricultural courses — a combination future employers value.

A STRONG CAREER OUTLOOK

Careers in agricultural communication look promising for those with the right skills. According to a USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture report communication specialists in agriculture and science should see favorable job markets, especially those with experience in digital and electronic media management. Demand for social media expertise will remain strong.

Recent graduates from our department enjoyed starting salaries averaging $48,201, according to the 2024 Purdue Agriculture Employment Summary. Graduates who are flexible in seeking employment may find even higher salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median national salary in 2022 for entry-level public relations positions exceeded $67,000 and median pay for those in film and video editing exceeded $62,000.

MANY PATHS TO SUCCESS

In addition to our first-year Agricultural Communication majors, many students transfer to our program or add Agricultural Communication as a second major.

Transferring to Agricultural Communication from other Purdue Agriculture majors can be easy. We also work closely with students who transfer from other Purdue colleges as well as other institutions. If you are already a Purdue student, consider adding Agricultural Communication as a second major. Our plan of study complements most College of Agriculture majors (and many other majors across the University). Adding an Agricultural Communication major can develop valuable skills that will give you advantages in your career.

A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

Although part of a large university, the Purdue Agricultural Communication program offers a small, close-knit community. Some benefits of our program include personalized advising, small class sizes, and individual attention to help you achieve your career goals.

Innovation drives constant change. Never has it been more important for people to have accurate, understandable information about the food we are eating, the natural resources we are using, and the agricultural science and technology that are transforming our lives.

If you would like to play an influential role in that change, Agricultural Communication could be just the career choice for you.

Find Out More

Kevin Leigh Smith
Academic Advisor/Continuing Lecturer
smith79@purdue.edu
765.494.0166

Dr. Mark Tucker
Professor
matucker@purdue.edu
765.494.8429

Agricultural Communication degree requirements from the Purdue Registrar
Checklist and Four-year Plan of Study
Agricultural Communication Degree in 3
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Purdue Agricultural Communication Core Competencies