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Academic Majors

 


Agricultural Communication

Agricultural Communication is one of four majors offered by the Department of Communication. This course of study is for students who have a strong interest in both agriculture and communication. Our graduates work as communication specialists for a variety of agribusinesses. Students 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. 

Agricultural Communication PDF 

The Program

Students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree offered by the Department of Communication must first complete all courses associated with the Pre-Communication requirements. Once all Pre-Communication courses and requirements are met, students submit the transition form, available on the department's website, to their advisor. After verification of accuracy, the student is accepted into the professional program and can continue pursuing a degree in the Department of Communication. 

Admission to the Major

Students must complete 19 credits of Pre-Communication courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA to become an agricultural communication major. The courses are COMM 110, COMM 112, COMM 114, COMM 189, COMM 212, COMM 220, and ENGL 120. 

Agricultural Communication Major

Students majoring in agricultural communication may earn a Bachelor of Science degree (includes an approved minor in an agriculture program) or a Bachelor of Arts degree (includes a modern language proficiency). The 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 in their final semester. 

Career Opportunities

Coursework 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 to a variety of audiences. 

Agricultural Communication Minor

Many other majors offered at North Dakota State University can be greatly enhanced by an agricultural communication minor. The 21-credit minor includes a nine-credit core and twelve credits of professional specialization electives. 

Internship Requirement

Internships offer practical experience for agricultural communication students. After securing an internship, students must gain approval from the departmental internship coordinator, have an on-site evaluation, and report on the internship experience. Three credits (120 hours) of this field experience are required for the major, and many students complete more than one internship. Students 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 students who excel in academics and who have demonstrated career potential. Applications are due by March 1. Visit the department website for information. 

Extra-Curricular Activities

Students majoring in agricultural communication are encouraged to be active members of Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and/or the Saddle and Sirloin Club. They may also be interested in joining Advertising Club or the department's chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). 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 academic achievement. 

High School Preparation

A well-rounded high school education with experiences in high school music, forensics, theatre, journalism, FFA, or scouting 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 this department to be a good fit. 

The Faculty

Faculty members in the Department of Communication are dedicated teachers, scholars, and practitioners who are committed to providing high-quality courses, hands-on learning experiences, and opportunities for undergraduate research. We encourage students who want to learn more about our faculty to reach out via email or schedule an appointment via Navigate. 

Agricultural Communication Plan of Study

Please note this is a sample plan of study and not an official curriculum. Actual student schedules for each semester will vary depending on start year, education goals, applicable transfer credit, and course availability. Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor on a regular basis to review degree progress and customize an individual plan of study. 

First Year

Fall

Credits

Spring

Credits

COMM 112 Understanding Media and Social Change

3

COMM 110 Fundamentals of Public Speaking

3

COMM 114 Human Communication

3

COMM 133 Introduction to Agricultural Communication

3

COMM 189 Skills for Academic Success

1

ENGL 120 College Composition II

3

ENGL 110 (or placement into ENGL 120) College Comp I

4

Gen Ed Humanities & Arts

3

Gen Ed Quantitative Reasoning

3

Gen Ed Science & Technology

3

Gen Ed Wellness

2

Gen Ed Science & Technology Lab

1

 

16

 

16

Second Year

Fall

Credits

Spring

Credits

COMM 212 Interpersonal Communication

3

COMM 200 Introduction to Media Writing

3

COMM 220 Persuasion

3

COMM 320 Communication Research Methods

3

Minor or Language Coursework

3

Minor or Language Coursework

3

Gen Ed Global Perspectives

3

Gen Ed Humanities & Arts

3

Gen Ed Science & Technology

3

Gen Ed Science & Technology

3

 

15

 

15

Third Year

Fall

Credits

Spring

Credits

COMM 310 Advanced Media Writing

3

COMM 362 Principles of Design For Media

3

COMM 496 Field Experience

3

Major Elective

3

Major Elective

3

Major Elective

3

Minor or Language Coursework

3

Minor or Language Coursework

3

Gen Ed Upper Division Writing

3

AHSS Requirement

3

 

15

 

15

Fourth Year

Fall

Credits

Spring

Credits

COMM 431 Communication Ethics and Law

3

COMM 465 Convergence Media

3

Major Elective

3

Major Elective

3

Minor or Language Coursework

3

Minor or Language Coursework

3

AHSS Requirement

3

AHSS Requirement

3

Additional Coursework or Internship

3

Additional Coursework May Be Required to Reach 120 Credits

 1

 

15

 

13

Total Credits: 120

View NDSU equivalencies of transfer courses at: www.ndsu.edu/transfer/equivalencies

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Room 338


Minard Hall is located on the south end of campus on Albrecht Boulevard (Campus Map)

Contact Information


Communication
North Dakota State University
Dept 2310 PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Phone: (701) 231-7705
Web: www.ndsu.edu/communication/

or

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

Phone: (701) 231-8643 / Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/admission/

 

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Office of Admission
North Dakota State University
Phone: +1 (701) 231-8643 / Fax: (701) 231-8802
Campus address: Ceres Hall 114
Physical/delivery address: 1301 Administration Ave., Fargo, ND 58102
Mailing address: NDSU Dept. 5230 / PO Box 6050 / Fargo, ND 58108-6050
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Last Updated: Sunday, November 01, 2020 11:48:59 PM
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