If you are viewing this topic, you are might beinterested in obtaining a degree in agriculture studies. Or perhaps you are looking at the opportunities because your child or grandchild has expressed an interest in the field. From that point of view, I will attempt to provide you with several websites to explore. They will be able to help answer some of your questions.

AGRICULTURE: It's not ALL about plowing the dirt and planting the seeds:

At http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos0 46.htm I found some information about employment prospects should you choose the path of agricultural and food science. Here are the three bulleted points that apply directly to this course of study: (as copied directly from the referral web site)

. About 1 in 4 agricultural and food scientists work for Federal, State, or local governments.
. A bachelor's degree in agricultural science is sufficient for some jobs in applied research; a master's or
. Ph.D. degree is required for basic research or teaching.
. Over 1 in 3 agricultural and food scientists are self-employed.

Edwards University, located in Michigan, offers degrees in Agricultural Studies. A very attractive 6-page handbook can be viewed at: http://connect.andrews.edu/bro chures/agriculture.pdf
Here are some of the occupations you can obtain with the help of a degree in agriculture from Andrew's. (or in some cases provide the base BA degree to move forward with)
...Landscape designer or company owner
...Greenhouse Manager, Propagator, or Owner
...Nursery Manger or Owner
...Horticultural Supply Sales
...Urban Forester or Parks Superintendent, City, State or National
...Botanical Garden Horticulturist
...Golf Course Technician or Superintendent
...Irrigation specialist
...Retail Garden Center Manager
...Journalist for Gardening, Horticulture and Agriculture Publications
...Organic Vegetable Grower
...Dairy Herdsman
...Beef Feedlot Para-vet
...Equine Chiropractor
...Equine Dentists
...Companion Animal Therapist
...Animal Health Inspector
...Range and Wildlife Specialist
...Zookeeper
...Dog Trainer of aid animals for the blind, deaf or paraplegic
...Veterinarian
...Pet Nutritionist

Here is another site: http://www.ffa.org/#. Future Farmer's of America have been around for a long time (It was founded in 1928). Their mission statement reads: "The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education." This is certainly a site worth looking at when considering a career path in agriculture.

At the U.S. Department of Agriculture they list job titles and educational requirements. Many of them require but a 4-year agriculture related degree. Take a look at http://www.usda.gov/da/employ/ careerop.htm.

In addition, many volunteer organizations recruit those with degrees in agriculture. This presents itself with a great opportunity to see the world, make it a better place and put your skills to work. Some may choose to volunteer before their own careers get off the ground and others may wait until retirement to offer their knowledge. Either way, the degree can open doors to places in the world where most of us will never go or see.

Learn more about this author, Pam Hilts.
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