Program Highlights
- The first and only Agricultural Communications bachelor’s program in the Northeast
- An interdisciplinary approach with expert faculty who work together across academic
areas
- Incorporation of real-life scenarios to prepare for the contemporary communication
workplace
- An in-house television studio and state-of-the-art graphic design Mac computer labs
Degree Options
- Bachelor of Science (BS)
- 120 Credit Hours (4 Years)
- Well-suited to students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in Agricultural Education,
Agricultural Economics, or Business Administration
Overview
The Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Communications at SUNY Cobleskill prepares
students for a wide variety of professions in the agricultural and food systems industry.
Students will develop an understanding and appreciation for agriculture while applying
communication and graphic arts skills and broadening their education through a Liberal
Arts and Sciences component. The program, which combines technical skills in graphic
design with foundational and advanced courses in communication and agriculture, is
comprised of digital media, web design, interpersonal and intercultural communication,
journalism, food systems, marketing, promotion and sales, agricultural policy, law,
ethics, and leadership. It provides flexibility in the selection of upper-level courses
for those who wish to focus on one specific expertise within the program.
Graduates will be positioned for employment at print and digital media agencies, food-centric
non-profit entities, and government agencies. They will be well suited for positions
at a host of agricultural businesses that have public relations, marketing, and communication
needs (including social media, radio, video production, and print).
Course Offerings/What Will I Learn?
- Students will acquire a working knowledge of agribusiness principles and a basic understanding
of the American agricultural system as well as the roles these play in the global
food economy.
- Students will exhibit technical skills in graphic arts, an advanced set of communication
skills, and the employability skills required for success in a contemporary, professional
work setting.
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of professional and ethical behavior.
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills by dissecting and disseminating
information relevant to food producers and consumers.
Sample Courses Include:
- AGBU 121: Marketing Agricultural Products
- AGBU 160: Introduction to Food Systems
- GART 112: Digital Media
- GART 151: Typography and Layout
- COMM 108: Introduction to Mass Media
- COMM 210: Single Camera Video Production
- JOUR 202: Basic News Reporting
- AGBU 420: Ag & Environmental Policy
- AGBU 430: Agvocacy
- AGED 411: Community Leadership
- BADM 320: Ethics & Management
Career Outlook
Graduates of the four-year program will have the background and skills necessary to
succeed in a variety of agricultural and food-related media and marketing positions.
Possible Career Pathways
- Agricultural Educator
- Agricultural Publication Writer/Editor
- Digital Media Specialist
- Marketing/Advertising Professional
- Web Manager
- Videographer
- Public Relations Specialist
- News Writer
- Graphic or Packaging Designer
- Government Associate
- Agricultural Businesses
- Recruiter
- Sales Associate
Clubs
- Tiger Lily Writing Club
- Ag Business Club
