Agricultural Communication

Agricultural communication is a 36-credit major offered by the Department of Communication. This course of study is for students who have strong interest in both agriculture and in communication so they can work as a communication specialist for agribusiness. You might work for a livestock or grain association, as an editor of a specialized publication or as the advocate for a farm or ranching organization.

The Program

Students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree offered by the Department of Communication must first complete all courses and requirements associated with the pre-communication preparation designation. Once all pre-communication preparation courses and requirements are met, the student completes and submits the pre-communication form, available on the department website, to the department's academic assistant. After verification of accuracy, the student is accepted into the professional program and can continue pursuing a degree in the Department of Communication.

Pre-Communication Preparation

Students must complete 21 credits of selected courses with a grade of B or above to become an agricultural communication major. The courses are Comm. 110; Comm. 112; Comm. 114; Comm. 212; Comm. 216; Engl. 110 (unless exempt), Engl. 120; Soc. 110 or PolS. 110 or Psyc. 111 or CJ 201. Pre-communication preparation courses may be retaken only once.

Agricultural Communication Major

Students majoring in agricultural communication may earn a B.S. degree (includes an approved minor) or a B.A. degree (includes a modern language proficiency) upon completion of all pre-communication preparation courses and requirements. An agricultural communication major combines the resources and expertise of two units, communication and agriculture, to produce trained communicators who can explain science, technologies and complex agricultural issues to diverse audiences. Students will complete an applied capstone course after completing all other required coursework.

Career Opportunities

Course work in the agricultural communication major prepares students for careers in agricultural and scientific industries, agencies and operations that include scientific writing, agricultural promotion and consulting, and agricultural planning and assessment. The coursework emphasizes written and oral communication skills and prepares students to communicate in meaningful and effective ways about science, agriculture and nature.

Agricultural Communication Minor

Many other majors offered at NDSU can be greatly enhanced by an agricultural communication minor. The 21-credit minor includes a 12 credit core and nine credits of communication professional specialization.

Internship Program

Internships offer practical experience for agricultural communication majors with a cumulative grade point average or 3.0 or higher. Students must propose an internship, gain approval from the departmental internship coordinator, have an on-site evaluation and report on the internship experience. Internships can be taken for credit, and a student may have more than one. Majors have interned with agricultural administrators, private agencies and firms and governmental officials, among others. Internships often lead to jobs.

Scholarships

The Department of Communication awards a number of scholarships to juniors and seniors with financial need who excel in academics and who have demonstrated career potential and commitment. Applications are available in February for awards in April. Visit the department website for information.

Co-Curricular Activities

NDSU has two honoraries for top students majoring in a degree program offered by the Department of Communication. Pi Kappa Delta is a national honor fraternity for students involved in human communication activities. Lambda Pi Eta is a national honorary for communication majors with high grades and achievement. In addition, students majoring in agriculture communication are encouraged to be active members of the Saddle and Sirloin club and/or the Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow.

High School Preparation

A well-rounded high school education with some experiences in high school music, forensics, theatre, journalism, FFA and scouting often serves as good preparation for the major in agricultural communication. Students with interests in science and art, business and service, and publicity and promotion will find a major in agricultural communication very compatible.

The Faculty

Faculty members in the Department of Communication are all committed teachers, researchers, scholars and practitioners. The faculty earned doctorates at the Universities of Minnesota, Indiana, Nebraska, Texas, Utah; Purdue University; and Cambridge University (England).

Sample Curriculum

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic adviser or with the Office of Registration and Records.

Contact Information

Dr. Paul Nelson, Chair
Department of Communication
North Dakota State University
Minard Hall 321
Fargo, ND 58108

Tel: (701) 231-7705
Fax: (701) 231-7784
Email: Paul.Nelson.1@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/communication/

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
Ceres 114
Dept 5230, PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/prospective_students/

(02/10)