International Agriculture: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
International Agriculture prepares students to address the complex challenges of feeding a growing global population through a multidisciplinary lens. This program integrates scientific rigor with policy and economic insight to analyze and improve agricultural systems across diverse international contexts.
- Agricultural Economics: Explores the financial and market dynamics shaping food production, trade, and resource allocation in both developed and developing nations.
- Comparative Agricultural Systems: Examines structural, technological, and cultural differences in farming practices across regions, from smallholder farms to industrialized agribusiness models.
- International Agribusiness and Law: Investigates the legal frameworks, regulatory policies, and business strategies governing cross-border food production, distribution, and trade.
- Third-World Development Studies: Focuses on sustainable development pathways in low-income countries, emphasizing food security, rural livelihoods, and equitable resource access.
- Global Climate and Environmental Applications: Analyzes how shifting climate patterns, soil degradation, and water scarcity impact agricultural productivity worldwide.
- Ecological and Environmental Systems: Studies the interplay between agricultural practices and ecosystem health, including biodiversity, pollution control, and sustainable land use.
- Animal and Plant Sciences: Applies biological and genetic principles to enhance crop resilience, livestock productivity, and food quality in varied global environments.
International Agriculture Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
International Agriculture Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with International Agriculture degrees, including Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and Food Scientists and Technologists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 23,070 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1041 | $86,350 | $49,080 - $160,870 | 8,700 | N/A |
| Food Scientists and Technologists 19-1012 | $85,310 | $49,580 - $141,860 | 14,370 | $41.02 |
International Agriculture Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $57,200 in Louisiana to $108,660 in Michigan—a 90% difference. The highest-paying states include Michigan, Montana, and New Mexico. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 23,070 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for International Agriculture by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 10 institutions offering International Agriculture programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in International Agriculture is found at Missouri State University, Springfield (83 graduates), Iowa State University (ISU) (51 graduates), Harvard University (20 graduates), Oklahoma State University (OSU), Main Campus (12 graduates), and Cornell University (11 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 207 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri State University |
Other Award
|
83 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
|
51 | Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| Harvard University |
Postbac Cert.
|
20 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Master's
|
12 | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| Cornell University |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| Chatham University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | chatham.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
7 | Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| Dordt University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Sioux Center, Iowa | Private | dordt.edu |
| North Dakota State University (NDSU) |
Master's
|
1 | Fargo, North Dakota | Public | ndsu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about International Agriculture programs
How much can I earn with a International Agriculture degree?
Salaries for International Agriculture graduates vary by role and location. Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $86,350 annually, while Food Scientists and Technologists earn around $85,310. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Michigan average $108,660 compared to $57,200 in Louisiana. Approximately 23,070 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest International Agriculture programs?
Currently 10 accredited institutions offer International Agriculture degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Missouri State University, Springfield (83 graduates), Iowa State University (ISU) (51 graduates), and Harvard University (20 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in International Agriculture growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 43 in 2010 to 207 in 2023-24. This represents a 381% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a International Agriculture degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, Food Scientists and Technologists, . Related occupations employ approximately 23,070 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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