Agricultural Studies

What can I do with a major in Agricultural Studies

Agricultural Studies is the examination of agriculture from a theoretical and applied perspective. The primary goal of this program is to emphasize the relationships among agriculture, science, and society and to develop an understanding of the social, economic, political, and environmental conditions that affect the agricultural sector. This discipline explores a broad range of topics that affect agriculture and deals with the sector's role in provincial, national, and international society.

In completing this course, students will develop skills in critical and analytical problem-solving and information management. Students will gain in debt knowledge of Agricultural issues, while developing fieldwork and risk assessment techniques.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program pursue subfields of Agricultural Economics or General Studies. Student may also pursue a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Studies

Students interested in Agricultural Studies can complete:

  • Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Studies)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Agricultural Studies)
  • Post-Diploma Bachelor of Arts (Agricultural Studies)
  • Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Studies)

The combined degrees leverage synergies with other Bachelor programs and open up additional career opportunities.  

Program Planning Guides

Skills

  • An Aptitude for Social Science & Agriculture
  • Detail Oriented
  • Observant
  • Problem Solving
  • Communication
  • Work Independently
  • Teamwork
  • Self-Motivated
  • Organizational
  • Leadership
  • Research
  • Critical Thinking
  • Long-Term Planning
  • Computer Knowledge
  • Meet Deadlines
  • Logical Thinking
  • Interpret Facts & Figures
  • Accuracy and Precision

Work Environment

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts or Science program may pursue careers in a wide range of sectors and industries such as farm commodity, marketing services, animal and plant production management, resource economy, trade development, private or public agri-business consultation, and agronomy land industries.

Key Areas of Specialization:

  • Marketing Services (Farm Commodity)
  • Production Management (Animal and Plant)
  • Resource Economy
  • Trade Development
  • Agribusiness Consultation
  • Agronomy
  • Land Industries

Career Possibilities

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate if one is available.

  • Agriculture Services Associate
  • Agriculture/Environmental Project & Extension Coordinator
  • Associate Grain Marketing Advisor
  • Associate Production Supervisor
  • Development & Licensing Associate
  • Field Trail Compliance Associate
  • Production Intern
  • Research & Development Clerk
  • Research Associate
  • Seed Production Trainee
  • Summer Production Assistant
  • Vegetation Coordinator
  • Vegetation Crew Leader
  • Vegetation Management Field Assistant

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.

  • Agricultural Branch Manager
  • Agricultural Consultant Banker
  • Agricultural Extension Agent
  • Agricultural/Farm Equipment Technician
  • Agricultural Journalist
  • Agricultural Manager
  • Agricultural Operation Manager
  • Agronomy Account Manager
  • Agronomy Plant Operations Manager
  • Agronomy Regional Sales Manager
  • Agronomy Sales
  • Aquaculture Manager
  • Application Support Specialist
  • Assistant Plant Manager
  • Assistant Precision Agricultural Specialist
  • Associate Production Planner
  • Breed to Wean Section Manager
  • Commodity Sourcing/Planning Specialist
  • Crop & Livestock Manager
  • Custom Applicator (fertilizer, pesticide)
  • Dairy Producer
  • Dairy Product Plant Manager
  • Documentation Specialist
  • Economist
  • Environmental Economist
  • Farm Management Advisor
  • Farm Manager
  • Feed Sales
  • Field Trial Coordinator
  • Food Product Development Manager
  • Forestry Field Person
  • General Agricultural Business Manager
  • Grain Buyer
  • Grain Elevator Manager
  • Grain Risk Management Specialist
  • Instructor/Teacher
  • International Agriculture Officer
  • International Trade Manager
  • Irrigation Technician
  • Land Agent
  • Land Surveyor
  • Livestock and Poultry Producer
  • Manager/Supervisors of Agriculture Crop & Horticultural Workers
  • Master Production Scheduler
  • Nursery Greenhouse Manager
  • Patent Administrator
  • Product Delivery Customer Advocate
  • Product Manager
  • Production Coordinator
  • Project Leader
  • Process Specialist
  • Purchasing Agent (Farm Products)
  • Quality Assurance Auditor
  • Seed Production Agronomist
  • Seed Production Specialist
  • Seed Production Technician
  • Senior Sales Agronomist
  • Soil Conservationist
  • Soil Services (Sales & Sampling)
  • Tree Care Specialist
  • University Professor
  • Water Treatment Plant Operator

On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.

  • Administrative Assistant
  • Administrative Services Managers
  • Assistant Branch Manager
  • Auctioneer
  • Audit Services
  • Broadcast News Analysts
  • Business Controller
  • Business Insight & Analytics Manager
  • Business Manager
  • Canning & Freezing Plant Manager
  • Cartographer
  • Clinical Coordinator
  • Conservation Officer
  • Container Manufacturer
  • Data Administrator
  • District Sales (Agricultural)
  • Ecologist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Environmental Planner
  • Exploration Geophysicist
  • Geological & Geophysical Technologist
  • Geologist
  • GIS Specialist
  • Grove/Ranch Manager
  • Grow Finish Service Manager
  • Information Officer
  • Hydrometric Technician & Technologist
  • Loan Officer/Credit Officer
  • Location Manager
  • Manager of Market Operations
  • Management Analysts
  • Management Consultant
  • Manufacturer (Fishing Nets)
  • Manufacturing Technician
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Marketing Advisors
  • Marketing Assistant
  • Operation Research Analyst
  • Pricing Data Analyst
  • Pricing Officer/Manager
  • Private Investigator
  • Programmer Analyst
  • Public Administration
  • Regional Business Development Manager
  • Sales Agent
  • Sales Consultants
  • Sales Representatives
  • Senior Buyer/Planner
  • Senior Chemist
  • State Affairs Manager
  • Statistician
  • Surveyors
  • Vineyard Manager
  • Water & Wastewater Operator

Useful Resources


Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.