Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural and Natural Resources Communications

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Kansas State University

Program Overview

The Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural and Natural Resources Communications at Kansas State University prepares students to communicate complex issues related to agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and environmental sciences through modern media and strategic communication. The program is ideal for students who enjoy writing, digital storytelling, photography, video production, public relations, and marketing while developing the communication skills needed to connect agricultural industries with diverse audiences.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 : Students establish a foundation in agriculture and communication while developing effective writing and speaking skills. Courses such as Introduction to Agricultural Communications and Journalism, Agriculture Today and Tomorrow, and Expository Writing I introduce students to agricultural industries, communication principles, and professional writing.

Year 2 : The second year focuses on media production, journalism, and visual communication. Students study Agricultural News Writing, Digital Media Production, and Principles of Public Relations to learn how to create compelling stories and communicate agricultural information across multiple media platforms.

Year 3 : Students expand their expertise in strategic communication and multimedia design through courses including Agricultural Publications, Communication Campaigns, and Photography for Communications. Practical assignments strengthen skills in publication development, audience engagement, and integrated communication planning.

Year 4 : The final year emphasizes professional preparation through advanced communication projects, leadership experiences, and an Agricultural Communications Internship. Students complete a professional portfolio while applying knowledge gained from courses such as Communication Campaigns, Agricultural Communications Seminar, and approved communication electives to real industry projects.

Focus Areas : Agricultural Journalism, Digital Media, Multimedia Storytelling, Public Relations, Strategic Communications, Agricultural Marketing, Publication Design, Photography, Video Production, Communication Campaigns, Leadership Development.

Learning Outcomes : Develop effective written, verbal, and visual communication skills; create professional multimedia content; design strategic communication campaigns; communicate scientific and agricultural information for diverse audiences; apply ethical communication practices; utilize digital communication technologies; collaborate with industry professionals; and demonstrate career readiness through experiential learning.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation) : The program is offered through the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University, an institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The curriculum is developed with guidance from agricultural communication professionals and emphasizes industry-relevant knowledge, leadership, and experiential learning.

Reputation (Employability Rankings) : Kansas State University is recognized as one of the nation's leading agricultural universities, with the College of Agriculture maintaining strong partnerships with agricultural industries, government agencies, and extension organizations. Graduates benefit from extensive internship opportunities, career services, employer recruitment, and a well-established reputation in agricultural education and communications.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural and Natural Resources Communications at Kansas State University emphasizes hands-on learning through professional communication projects, multimedia production, internships, and direct engagement with the agriculture and natural resources industry. Students gain practical experience by producing digital and print communication materials, collaborating with faculty and industry partners, and utilizing modern media production facilities. Throughout the program, students build a professional portfolio while developing technical, leadership, and communication skills that prepare them for careers in agricultural communications. Practical learning opportunities include:

Internship : Complete a supervised professional internship with agricultural businesses, commodity organizations, government agencies, media organizations, public relations firms, Extension services, or nonprofit organizations.
Capstone Experience : Develop integrated communication campaigns and real-world communication projects for agricultural and natural resources audiences.
Digital Media Production : Create news stories, feature articles, podcasts, videos, photography, social media content, and strategic communication materials using industry-standard multimedia technologies.
Communication Campaigns : Work in teams to plan, design, and implement communication strategies for real agricultural clients and organizations.
Writing & Editing Experience : Produce professional publications, newsletters, magazines, press releases, web content, and marketing materials for agricultural audiences.
Photography & Video Production : Gain practical experience with digital photography, videography, audio production, and multimedia storytelling for agricultural communication.
Agricultural Experiences : Participate in field-based learning through interactions with Kansas agricultural industries, research activities, Extension programs, and producer organizations.
Student Organizations : Join Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT), Agricultural Education Club, and other student organizations to strengthen leadership, networking, and professional development.
Department Facilities : Access multimedia classrooms, communication laboratories, computer workstations, collaborative learning spaces, and facilities within the Department of Communications and Agricultural Education.
Research & Extension Resources : Learn alongside faculty involved in Kansas State Research and Extension, providing opportunities to communicate agricultural research and outreach initiatives.
Libraries : Utilize K-State Libraries for agricultural databases, scholarly journals, multimedia resources, research support, and digital learning services.
Professional Development : Build an industry-ready portfolio through classroom projects, presentations, internships, and networking with communication professionals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural and Natural Resources Communications at Kansas State University are well prepared to communicate scientific, agricultural, and environmental information across traditional and digital media platforms. The program equips students with technical communication, marketing, public relations, and multimedia production skills, enabling them to pursue careers such as Agricultural Communications Specialist, Public Relations Coordinator, Digital Content Strategist, and Extension Communications Professional. Students also benefit from Kansas State University's strong agricultural reputation and extensive industry network, leading to excellent career opportunities:

Career and Employment Services : Students receive individualized career advising, résumé and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, internship assistance, career fairs, employer networking events, and access to the K-State Career Center's online job and internship platform (Handshake).
Employment Statistics : Kansas State University reports that approximately 95% of graduates are employed, pursuing further education, or engaged in military service within six months of graduation.
Salary Figures : According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates entering communication-related careers such as Public Relations Specialists earn a median annual salary of approximately USD 69,780, while Technical Writers earn a median annual salary of approximately USD 91,670 (occupation dependent).
University–Industry Partnerships : Students collaborate with K-State Research and Extension, commodity organizations, agricultural businesses, government agencies, livestock associations, agribusiness companies, and agricultural media organizations through internships, communication projects, and outreach initiatives.
Professional Development Opportunities : Students can participate in organizations such as Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT), the Agriculture Student Council, and college leadership programs that strengthen communication, networking, and leadership skills.
Long-term Academic Value : The program is offered through the College of Agriculture, which is nationally recognized for excellence in agricultural education, research, and Extension, providing graduates with a respected and industry-recognized qualification.
Graduation Outcomes : Graduates work in agricultural communications, corporate communications, marketing, digital media, public relations, government agencies, Extension services, nonprofit organizations, commodity groups, and agribusiness companies while many continue into leadership and management positions throughout the agricultural sector.

Further Academic Progression : Graduates can continue their education through advanced study such as a Master of Science in Agricultural Communications and Education, Master of Agribusiness, Master of Mass Communications, Master of Public Relations, Master of Agricultural Economics, or other graduate programs in communication, leadership, education, or agricultural sciences. These postgraduate qualifications provide opportunities for specialization, research, university teaching, Extension leadership, policy development, and senior management careers.