Tarleton State University

What you'll study

This degree combines foundational agricultural science with courses in public administration, communication and community engagement. Core scientific topics include crop science, animal science, soil science and basic agri-technology, while professional studies focus on policy, programme management, grant writing and agricultural law.

• Foundational agricultural courses: plant and soil science, animal production principles, integrated pest management, and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Public service and policy: introduction to public administration, agricultural policy and regulatory frameworks, rural development and community planning.
• Communication and outreach: technical writing, public speaking, media relations for agriculture, extension education methods and stakeholder engagement.
• Management and professional skills: grant writing and fund development, project and programme management, leadership in public organisations, budgeting and ethics.
• Technical tools: introductory GIS and spatial analysis for agriculture, statistics and data interpretation, information systems for extension and outreach.
• Applied learning: practicum or internship with extension offices, government agencies, non-governmental organisations or industry partners, and a capstone project that addresses a real-world agricultural public service challenge.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical expectations include a strong record in core academic subjects, particularly biology, chemistry, mathematics and English. Successful applicants often present:

• A competitive high school GPA and completion of college-preparatory coursework.
• Evidence of quantitative skills (algebra and statistics recommended) and science background (biology and chemistry preferred).
• Submission of official transcripts; standardised test scores (SAT/ACT) may be optional depending on university policy.
• For transfer students, an associate degree or transferable college credit with a minimum GPA in prior post-secondary coursework.
• International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements and provide credential evaluations where applicable.

Applicants are encouraged to highlight relevant extracurricular activity or work experience such as 4‑H, FFA, community service, farm work, or internships in their application materials.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge agriculture and public service. Typical career paths include:

• Agricultural extension or county agent positions delivering education and technical assistance to producers and rural communities.
• Policy analyst or programme coordinator roles in local, state or federal agricultural agencies and departments.
• Community development and rural planning positions with non-profit organisations and regional development agencies.
• Communications and outreach specialist roles for agricultural organisations, commodity groups and industry associations.
• Grant writer or project manager for research, conservation and community-based agricultural initiatives.
• Positions in emergency management and disaster response related to agriculture and food systems resilience.

The degree provides a strong foundation for those pursuing graduate study in agricultural education, public administration, policy or related applied sciences.

Why study at Tarleton State University

Tarleton State is part of a land-grant tradition with strong ties to regional agriculture, offering hands-on learning in laboratories, teaching farms and field stations. Students benefit from faculty with applied expertise, established internship pipelines with extension offices and industry partners, and student organisations that support leadership and practical experience.

• Experiential learning opportunities through practicum placements, field labs and research projects.
• Connections to regional agricultural businesses, extension services and public agencies that support job placement and applied training.
• Support services such as academic advising, career services and practicum coordination tailored to agricultural disciplines.
• Active student organisations and leadership programmes that build outreach, communication and programme-management skills.