10 Agriculture Careers That Require a Master’s Degree

Earn your master’s online with NMSU Global Campus and gain the expertise needed for specialized roles in agriculture. Prepare for careers in agricultural communication, extension education, animal science, veterinary medicine, and more.

Employment opportunities in agriculture span a wide range of professional interests – from careers in engineering and animal science to communications and education. A master’s degree can offer many benefits depending on the agricultural jobs that interest you and the kind of work you want to do. 

Master’s degrees provide additional expertise you can use to excel in specialized areas in agriculture. However, choosing the right program based on your interests and career goals is essential. Relevant work experience can further complement your academic achievements.

In this article, we discuss some of the unique and appealing career paths that different agricultural master’s degrees can lead you down. We also explore the earning potential, top skills, and typical job profiles for a list of 10 careers in agriculture you can pursue with a master’s degree.

Plus, learn about the benefits of earning your agriculture degree online with New Mexico State University (NMSU) Global Campus. We offer flexible career-focused programs in agricultural strategic communications and domestic animal biology.

Is a Master’s in Agriculture Right for You?

There are various types of master’s degrees that can help you access exciting positions in the agricultural sector. Whether you’re interested in the science behind crop production or the communication strategies that drive agricultural policies, each type of degree offers unique benefits that can align with specific professional goals.

Here are some common degrees that are in demand in the agricultural sector and the career paths they can lead to:

Master of Agriculture (MAg)

Looking to develop practical skills and applied knowledge in agriculture? MAg degrees emphasize hands-on experience, perfect for careers where practical know-how is essential. You can find MAg programs in a wide range of areas, like biology, agronomy, education, forestry, and more!

Master of Arts (MA)

If you’re drawn to working areas of agriculture like education, marketing, or communications, you might find a good fit with a master of arts program. The coursework in these programs can prepare you for roles in public relations, policy advocacy, and educational outreach.

Master of Science (MS)

Are you passionate about scientific discovery? An MS degree offers advanced training in scientific methodologies, making it a great choice for those who want to work in research, academia, or specialized technical roles.

Master of Engineering (ME)

If you’re interested in the technical side of agriculture, an ME degree could be the right move. ME degrees equip students with skills they can use to design and improve agricultural machinery, systems, and infrastructure. Engineers in the agricultural sector can find careers in design, project management, and technology development.

As you can see, a Master of Agriculture isn’t the only degree you can use to advance your career in the agricultural industry. Considering your career goals and interests is key to choosing the right program for you.

10 Careers in Agriculture

This list of agriculture careers gives you a glimpse into a thriving industry with diverse opportunities. From hands-on roles in agronomy to strategic positions in agribusiness, this guide unveils ten distinct career paths where advanced education can help those pursuing the best careers in agriculture.

Agriculture Engineer

Agricultural engineers play a crucial role in advancing farming technology and machinery. They need strong problem-solving and technical skills, and can earn on average $88,750 annually. ¹

Entry-level positions in this field often require a bachelor’s degree in engineering. However, experience, specialization, and advanced degrees, such as a master’s, can increase your earning potential as an agriculture engineer.

You can find roles like leading design teams as a designer, developing processing methods as a bioprocessing engineer, implementing electrical systems as an electrical engineer, or improving food production as a food engineer.

Agribusiness

Agribusiness managers oversee the business aspects of farms and agricultural companies, using their skills in management, finance, and strategic planning. Average salaries come in at around $83,770 per year, ² depending on factors like experience, industry, and location.

If your career interests are pointing you here, having a master’s in agriculture or business (an MBA) with a focus on agribusiness can be beneficial. You can pursue diverse positions such as finance for financial management, advisor for strategic guidance, lobbyist for policy advocacy, or warehouse manager progressing to supply chain operations.

Agricultural Communications

These professionals handle communication strategies for agricultural organizations, and need excellent writing and public speaking skills. Agricultural communications professionals excel in roles like account manager, farm news journalist, and public relations representative, typically garnering salaries of around $49,064 annually. ³

To begin in this field, a bachelor’s in marketing, journalism, or communications can be helpful. Getting a master’s and specializing in an area like digital media or public relations can help you move in your career.

NMSU Global Campus offers a fully online Master of Arts in Agricultural Strategic Communications that equips students with the knowledge to deploy advanced communication strategies across diverse media platforms.

Agriculture Mechanics

Agriculture mechanics professionals focus on the design, maintenance, and repair of machinery and equipment used in farming. With a master’s degree in engineering or science, salaries in agriculture mechanics can range from $62,224 to $135,913 per year. ⁴

Roles include technicians who diagnose and repair machinery, coordinators who streamline repair processes, electricians specializing in agricultural machinery and electrical systems, parts managers who oversee spare parts inventory, and specialists who leverage their master’s degrees for research and innovation.

Agricultural Economics

Agricultural economists analyze and influence the industry’s economic aspects, providing insights through data analysis. Roles like agricultural lenders offer financial advice, while agricultural economist consultants predict future economic conditions.

Salaries vary, but agricultural economists in New Mexico earn around $83,392 per year. ⁵ Earning a Master of Science, or related master’s degree, in agricultural economics can help you qualify for higher-level positions that can come with higher earning potential, too.

Agronomy

Agronomists, such as environmental specialists and seed production agronomists, optimize crop production and soil health in their fields of expertise. Their responsibilities include land preparation, pest control, and cultivation practices.

Educational requirements vary, but a master’s degree in agronomy, crop science, or a related discipline can help you access more advanced positions in this field. Earnings for this career average around $52,398 annually. ⁶

Animal Sciences

This field encompasses various roles like animal geneticist, apiary worker, artificial insemination technician, feed sales representative, livestock production manager, and veterinary medicine.

Animal scientists use their strong analytical skills to conduct research on animal nutrition, breeding, and welfare. They can pull in salaries ranging from $46,240 up to $162,000 ⁷ annually, with high earnings available through specialization and advanced research roles.

If you’re interested in pursuing these types of careers, it could be helpful to have a master’s of agriculture or science in an area like genetics, animal science, or biology. NMSU Global Campus offers a 100% online Master of Agriculture in Domestic Animal Biology with a flexible curriculum that can align with various animal science career paths.

Food Sciences

Food science encompasses roles like food product researcher, food chemist, and food microbiologist. With salaries around $76,400 annually, ⁸ it’s a promising career track for those interested in advancing food technology and ensuring quality and safety.

To prepare for this kind of career, it can be beneficial to look for degree programs with courses such as chemistry, microbiology, and food safety. You can use a master’s degree to specialize in food science or branch into more research-focused roles. 

Agricultural Extension Education 

Professionals in agricultural extension use their strong teaching and communication skills to educate students on farming, agribusiness, technology, and sustainability. Their responsibilities can include curriculum development, hands-on training, fostering leadership, staying informed, and community engagement. Earnings for this career track average $58,957 annually, ⁹ depending on experience and location.

To work as an agricultural teacher or extension agent, having a Master of Agriculture or Master of Arts in Agricultural Education is often a requirement. You may also want to look into teacher licensing requirements for your state as that can be another requirement for these types of jobs.

Veterinary Medicine

Part of animal sciences, veterinary medicine has its own unique educational and professional track. Roles like technologist and technician typically require an associate or bachelor’s degree in ​​veterinary science, along with state licensure. Salaries for these roles average about $43,740 a year. ¹⁰

To become a veterinarian, you’ll need to obtain a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and licensure in your state of practice. Admission into DVM programs can be very competitive, but the payoff is a career with an earning potential of around $119,100 a year. ¹¹

For students aiming to enter veterinary school, a master’s in animal science can fulfill additional coursework that might be needed to get accepted into a veterinary program.

The online master’s in domestic animal biology offered at NMSU Global Campus offers advanced training in animal nutrition and physiology, making graduates well-prepared for the rigors of veterinary school.

Advance Your Animal Science Career – Earn Your Master of Agricultural in Domestic Animal Biology 100% Online

Skills Learned With a Master’s Degree

A master’s degree in agriculture offers advanced coursework that provides a deeper understanding of specialized subjects. This includes skills and knowledge that are directly applicable in real-world settings and essential for success in the agricultural industry, including:

• Research and analytical skills
• Leadership and management abilities
• Specialized expertise for higher earning potential
• Communication and problem-solving skills

Earning a Master’s Online at NMSU Global Campus

At NMSU Global Campus, our online programs are crafted to meet the evolving needs of various industries while also providing the flexibility to balance your studies with your current schedule and responsibilities. Whether you’re looking to gain new skills or deepen your expertise, our degrees offer a convenient and effective way to achieve your goals.

With over 70 affordable degree and certificate options, our online programs focus on equipping you with in-demand skills you can use to enhance your professional and academic journey. NMSU Global Campus offers two distinct agricultural master’s programs, each designed to prepare you for diverse and impactful careers in the field.

Master’s in Agricultural Strategic Communication

The online Master of Arts in Agricultural and Extension Education: Agricultural Strategic Communications at NMSU Global Campus is tailored for professionals, such as educators, looking to enhance their communication skills within the agricultural sector. This program provides a comprehensive curriculum that teaches students to strategically plan, execute, and assess communication initiatives using various media platforms.

Master’s in Domestic Animal Biology

The Master of Agriculture in Domestic Animal Biology at NMSU Global Campus is ideal for students seeking advanced knowledge in animal science, particularly those in remote areas or balancing professional responsibilities. This fully online master’s program offers a flexible curriculum, allowing you to tailor your coursework to align with your professional goals. It can prepare you for careers in federal and state agencies, the feed and pharmaceutical industries, or for pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Ready to take your agricultural career to the next level? Explore the online master’s programs at NMSU Global Campus and start your journey toward a rewarding career today!

References

1. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Agricultural Engineers.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 29 August 2024.

2. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 29 August 2024.

3. “Agricultural Communications Salary.” ZipRecruiter, accessed October 2024.

4. “Agricultural Equipment Technician Salary in United States.” Indeed, accessed October 2024.

5. “What Is the Average Agricultural Economist Salary by State.” ZipRecruiter, accessed October 2024.

6. “Agronomist Salary.” ZipRecruiter, accessed October 2024.

7. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Animal Scientists.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 3 April 2024.

8. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Agricultural and Food Scientists.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 29 August 2024.

9. “Agriculture Extension Agent Salary.” Salary.com, accessed October 2024.

10. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 29 August 2024.

11. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Veterinarians.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 29 August 2024.