Agriculture and Agribusiness, Animal Science and Veterinary Technology, and Forestry and Natural Resources. Each major below links to what it includes, the skills you build, career paths, suggested minors and how many colleges report awarding it.
| Major | Typical degrees | Career paths | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture and Agribusiness | Certificate, associate, bachelor's and master's degrees | Farm Manager, Agricultural Technician, Agricultural Inspector | 517 |
| Animal Science and Veterinary Technology | Associate, bachelor's and graduate degrees | Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Assistant, Animal Scientist | 353 |
| Forestry and Natural Resources | Associate, bachelor's and master's degrees | Forester, Forest and Conservation Worker, Conservation Technician | 989 |
Colleges: active, degree-granting U.S. schools that reported awarding at least one degree or certificate in the field, IPEDS completions, awards conferred July 2023 to June 2024 (C2024_A).
Agriculture and Agribusiness
Studies how food, fiber and plants are produced, managed and sold. Agriculture majors study crop and soil science, animal production, agricultural economics, farm management and agricultural technology.
Skills: Farm management, Equipment operation, Business planning, and Plant and animal care. Pairs well with: Business, Environmental Studies.
Animal Science and Veterinary Technology
Studies animal biology, care, nutrition and health. Animal science majors study animal nutrition, genetics, reproduction and management.
Skills: Animal handling, Clinical procedures, Observation, and Record keeping. Pairs well with: Biology, Business.
Forestry and Natural Resources
Studies how to manage forests, wildlife, parks and natural resources. Forestry and natural resources majors study forest ecology, wildlife management, conservation, fire management and resource policy, with field work.
Skills: Field work, GIS, Resource assessment, and Equipment use. Pairs well with: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Environmental Studies.
Practical training for agriculture and natural resources careers
These Career Education Institute courses connect to the careers above. Each is a short, self-paced online course about one job.
A self-paced online course on what farm managers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: crop and livestock management, farm equipment, and farm finance
Why it fits: Connected to your Agriculture and Agribusiness major
A self-paced online course on what veterinary technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: animal restraint, anesthesia monitoring, and radiography
Why it fits: Connected to your Animal Science and Veterinary Technology major
A self-paced online course on what foresters do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: timber cruising, forest management, and GIS
Why it fits: Connected to your Forestry and Natural Resources major
A self-paced online course on what veterinary assistants do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: animal restraint, kennel sanitation, and instrument sterilization
Why it fits: Connected to your Animal Science and Veterinary Technology major
A self-paced online course on what agricultural technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: field trial methods, soil and plant sampling, and lab techniques
Why it fits: Connected to your Agriculture and Agribusiness major
A self-paced online course on what forest and conservation workers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: tree planting, chainsaw and brush cutting, and trail construction
Why it fits: Connected to your Forestry and Natural Resources major
Why consider career training alongside college?
Your college major gives you an academic foundation. Short career training can add practical knowledge of a specific job: what the work involves day to day, its vocabulary, common tasks, tools and safety rules. You do not have to wait until graduation: many students take a short course to test a career before choosing a major, to prepare for an internship or a part-time job, or to show employers they understand the work.
Agriculture and Natural Resources majors: frequently asked questions
What are the best agriculture and natural resources majors?
The best major depends on the career you want. Common choices include Agriculture and Agribusiness, Animal Science and Veterinary Technology, and Forestry and Natural Resources. Compare the careers, coursework and skills for each.
How many agriculture and natural resources majors are there?
This guide covers 3 majors in agriculture and natural resources: Agriculture and Agribusiness, Animal Science and Veterinary Technology, and Forestry and Natural Resources. Colleges may use different names for similar programs.
What careers can you get with a agriculture and natural resources major?
Careers connected to these majors include farm manager, agricultural technician, veterinary technician, veterinary assistant, forester, and forest and conservation worker. Some require a degree and a license, while others start with a certificate or on-the-job training.
Which agriculture and natural resources majors are offered at the most colleges?
Forestry and Natural Resources (989 colleges), Agriculture and Agribusiness (517 colleges), and Animal Science and Veterinary Technology (353 colleges), based on IPEDS completions data.
Which agriculture and natural resources programs can you start with a certificate or associate degree?
Agriculture and Agribusiness, Animal Science and Veterinary Technology, and Forestry and Natural Resources are commonly offered as certificates or associate degrees, as well as at higher levels at some schools.
What skills do agriculture and natural resources majors build?
Common skills include farm management, equipment operation, animal handling, clinical procedures, field work, and GIS.
Can I study agriculture and natural resources online?
Many colleges that offer these majors also report offering fully online programs. Use the college search with a major selected and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with each school which programs are online.
Can I start training for a agriculture and natural resources career before I finish college?
Yes. Short online career training can help you learn what a specific job involves and build practical knowledge while you study. It does not replace a degree or a required license.