» Media Center » News Releases » 2025 » June
Are you passionate about the science behind growing food, the economics of agricultural systems or sustainable farm practices? Studying agricultural science can lead you to a career that makes a real difference. Whether you’re from a farming background or simply interested in science, technology and agriculture, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in this essential industry.
Northwest Missouri State University’s bachelor of science in agricultural science equips you for meaningful careers. If you see yourself developing sustainable farming practices, managing agricultural operations or contributing to agricultural policy development, our agricultural science degree program offers everything you need to succeed.
In this blog post, you’ll discover the top careers you can pursue with this degree, the skills you need to succeed and why Northwest’s program offers exceptional preparation for careers in agricultural science.
Farming has developed into a sophisticated profession that requires technical expertise, business skills and scientific knowledge. As a farm manager, you’ll blend hands-on agricultural experience with data-driven decision-making. In this role, you’ll need skills in areas such as:
Through Northwest's hands-on curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities, you'll develop the practical knowledge and critical thinking skills essential for farm management. You’ll learn about crop production, livestock management and farm business principles. You’ll also build the problem-solving skills you need to adapt to changing conditions.
Farm management is one of the most stable careers in agricultural science. This job security stems from agriculture’s fundamental role in food production – an essential industry that’s resilient even during economic downturns. Farm management also requires specialized expertise in traditional agricultural practices and emerging technologies.
Here are some job titles you might find in farm management:
Northwest graduates excel in these roles by applying their scientific knowledge to real-world agricultural challenges. With an agricultural science education, you’ll become a well-rounded professional who can honor agricultural traditions while embracing new approaches.
Discover Your Agricultural Science Path
Agricultural consultants serve as trusted advisors in the farming industry. In this role, you’ll guide farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses to optimize operations, solve problems and adopt best practices. You can specialize in areas like crop management, livestock production, soil health or sustainable farming.
In this consulting role, you’ll:
As agriculture becomes more technical and knowledge-intensive, the outlook for careers in agricultural science consulting should remain strong. Northwest's interdisciplinary approach and partnerships with companies like Agriland FS and Bayer Crop Science provide the real-world context you'll need as a consultant. You’ll see these cutting-edge technologies up close and learn how they’re transforming modern farm operations.
Some job titles you might find in agricultural consulting include:
The technical expertise and practical experience you gain at Northwest will lay the groundwork for building a respected consulting practice.
Looking to combine your agricultural knowledge with business expertise? Agribusiness management puts you at the intersection of these fields, overseeing the business aspects of agricultural enterprises, from input suppliers to distributors. You’ll keep farming operations and agricultural enterprises running smoothly, making critical decisions that impact everything from small family farms to large agricultural corporations.
Your responsibilities may include:
As ag businesses evolve, agribusiness business management careers will remain in high demand. If you can navigate international markets and complex supply chains, you’ll have even more career opportunities.
Northwest’s agricultural science degree integrates business principles with agricultural knowledge, preparing you for these multifaceted roles. Companies like FCS Financial, Heartland COOP and MFA, Inc., expose you to agribusiness operations and challenges. This career-focused approach means you’ll graduate with valuable industry connections and practical experience employers seek when hiring agribusiness professionals.
Here are some job titles you might find in agribusiness management:
Balancing agricultural expertise with business acumen, Northwest prepares you to succeed in roles that require mastery of these fields.
Explore the Agricultural Science Degree
As an agricultural sales and marketing professional, you’ll be the vital link between agricultural innovations and the farmers who implement them. Your role will combine agricultural knowledge with persuasive communication skills to match products and services with customer needs.
Your career in this area will involve:
The employment outlook for agricultural sales and marketing is strong as new technologies and products enter the market. More companies will need knowledgeable representatives who can connect with producers and share the benefits of these often complex innovations.
At Northwest, you’ll learn the technical side of agriculture and how to communicate effectively – both of which are important for a career in agricultural sales. You’ll benefit from industry connections with companies like Beck Hybrids that offer networking opportunities and insights into the latest agricultural products and services.
Some job titles you might encounter in agricultural sales and marketing include:
An agricultural science degree gives you a unique advantage: You’ll know the technical details of products and what producers need.
In agricultural policy, you’ll team up with government agencies, nonprofits and advocacy organizations to create, implement and evaluate rules that affect agriculture. Your role will influence how agriculture is practiced, regulated and supported across the country.
In this field, you’ll play a role in:
Career prospects in agricultural policy remain steady. Environmental concerns, food security initiatives and international trade considerations all contribute to the demand for agricultural policy specialists.
At Northwest, you’ll learn the science behind agriculture so you can see the big picture and understand complex farming rules. You’ll develop the analytical skills and gain exposure to regulatory frameworks that prepare you for roles with agencies like the USDA and the state department of agriculture.
Another important career path within this sector is agricultural education, where you’ll play a vital role in preparing future agricultural professionals. Agricultural educators develop curriculum, advise FFA chapters, create hands-on learning experiences and connect students with industry professionals. Schools and extension programs continue to need more qualified agricultural educators as they prepare the next generation of agriculture professionals.
Here are some job titles you might find in government, policy and education:
Your agricultural science degree will prepare you to understand how science, rules and farming all connect. At Northwest, our curriculum will help you translate complex science concepts into practical policies that support both producers and consumers.
Start Your Journey in Agricultural Science
Northwest’s agricultural science degree positions you for success in your agricultural career. Let’s explore how our comprehensive, career-focused program, industry connections and affordable education provide the ideal foundation for your success.
Our program balances theory and application, giving you a comprehensive understanding of agricultural systems. You’ll learn in leading-edge facilities that offer hands-on learning experiences that translate directly to workplace skills. Small class sizes ensure you receive personalized attention and develop meaningful relationships with faculty members who bring agricultural experience to your education.
Northwest has deep connections with representatives from across the agricultural industry. A professional advisory committee representing various agricultural sectors guides our program to ensure your education is relevant to current industry needs.
Ranked among the best value agriculture programs in Missouri, Northwest provides you with high-quality education at an affordable price. The program’s career-oriented approach ensures you’ll be well-prepared for immediate entry into careers in agricultural science or further academic pursuits.
If you’re passionate about agriculture but seeking a flexible education that gives you career options, Northwest’s agricultural science degree will allow you to tailor your education to match your interests. Whether you see yourself managing farm operations or bringing agricultural innovations to market, our degree will help you reach your professional goals.
Find out how Northwest’s B.S. in agricultural science will prepare you for a future in agriculture!
