Agricultural Science Professor

Your Fit

Income

$86K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

4.8%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Agricultural Science Professor?

An Agricultural Science Professor is an educator and researcher specializing in the field of agricultural sciences. They focus on teaching various aspects of agriculture, conducting research, and advancing knowledge in farming, food production, and environmental sustainability.

Sample job titles:

Agriculture Professor, Associate Professor, Instructor, Professor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Agricultural Science Professor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does an Agricultural Science Professor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$49K per year	$64K per year	$86K per year	$123K per year	$161K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $37K above the national average.

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What does an Agricultural Science Professor do?

Work environment

Agricultural Science Professors work in colleges and universities, spending time in classrooms, laboratories, and sometimes in the field. They often have a combination of teaching duties, laboratory research, fieldwork, and participation in academic committees.

Quick task list

Teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in agricultural sciences.
Conducts research in agricultural methods, sustainability, and technology.
Publishes research findings in academic journals.
Supervises student research projects and theses.
Engages in academic service such as committee work and curriculum development.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Agronomy: Studying crop production and soil management.
Horticulture: Specializing in garden cultivation and management.
Animal Science: Focusing on livestock management and veterinary sciences.
Agricultural Economics: Analyzing economic aspects in agriculture, including market trends.
Sustainable Agriculture: Concentrating on eco-friendly farming practices and resource management.

Description

Agricultural Science Professors play a crucial role in educating future agricultural professionals. They provide theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. Professors in this field must stay current with the latest agricultural technologies and methods to provide relevant education.

Their research often focuses on solving current problems in agriculture, such as improving crop yields, pest management, sustainable farming practices, and environmental impacts of agriculture. This research not only contributes to the academic field but also has practical applications that can directly impact the agriculture industry.

In addition to teaching and research, these professors engage in a variety of activities, including academic advising, mentoring students, and participating in professional organizations. Their work often extends beyond the university, involving collaboration with farmers, agricultural companies, and government agencies.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the advancement of agricultural science and practices.
Mentoring and inspiring the next generation of agricultural professionals.
Engaging in meaningful research that can have a direct positive impact on food production and sustainability.

You might make a good Agricultural Science Professor if you are...

Passionate about agriculture and its role in society.
Interested in scientific research and practical applications of agricultural science.
A skilled communicator, able to effectively convey complex information.
Detail-oriented, with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Committed to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management.

Pros:

Opportunity to contribute to vital research in food production and sustainability.
Engaging in a diverse range of activities, from teaching to hands-on fieldwork.
Academic freedom to explore various topics within agricultural science.

Cons:

The pressure of academic publishing and securing research funding.
Balancing teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities can be challenging.
The need to constantly update knowledge in a rapidly evolving field.

How to become an Agricultural Science Professor

Typical education

Typically, a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences or a related field is required to become an Agricultural Science Professor, which takes about 8-10 years of post-secondary education (including undergraduate and graduate studies).

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry to understand the scientific basis of agriculture.
Environmental Science to appreciate the impact of farming on ecosystems.
Mathematics, particularly statistics, for data analysis in research.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in agricultural clubs or FFA (Future Farmers of America).
Engaging in gardening or farming projects to gain hands-on experience.
Volunteering with local farms or environmental organizations.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in agricultural science, biology, or a related field.
Gain practical experience through internships in agricultural settings.
Pursue a master's degree and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences or a related field.
Engage in research projects, especially those focusing on current agricultural issues.

More resources

American Society of Agronomy - Offers resources and information for agronomy professionals.
National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) - Provides resources for agricultural educators.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) - The principal in-house research agency of the USDA, offering a wealth of information.
The American Farm Bureau Federation - Offers insights and resources on the business and economics of agriculture.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.