The Purdue Agricultural Communication Program
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.
According to the most recent data (2021), graduates from our department enjoyed starting salaries near $48,000; (Purdue Agriculture Employment Summary, 2021).
Careers in agricultural communication look promising for those with the right skills. According to a USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture report “communications specialists in agriculture and science should see favorable job markets, especially those with experience in digital and electronic media management.”
Furthermore, industry demand is strong for qualified professional communicators, according to data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That high demand keeps salaries competitive. For example, the median national salary in 2022 for entry-level public relations positions exceeded $67,000. Median pay for those entering positions in film and video editing exceeded $62,000.
Graduates seeking positions in agricultural and natural resources communication will find openings in businesses and agencies but will encounter significant competition from an oversupply of communication graduates from many disciplines. However, communications 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.
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 Agriculture Office of Academic Programs
Checklist and Four-year Plan of Study
Agricultural Communication Degree in 3
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Purdue Agricultural Communication Core Competencies