Agricultural Law: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for legal and non-legal professionals alike, this specialized field explores the complex legal frameworks governing food systems, agricultural production, and rural development. It equips students with the analytical tools to navigate regulatory environments, interpret policy impacts, and address emerging challenges in sustainable agriculture and food security.
- Agribusiness Law: Examines legal structures and transactions within agricultural enterprises, including contracts, mergers, and intellectual property related to seeds and biotechnology.
- Farm and Ranch Regulation: Focuses on federal and state rules affecting land use, livestock operations, pesticide application, and environmental compliance in farming.
- Food Safety and Security Law: Analyzes statutory and regulatory mechanisms that ensure the safety, labeling, and distribution of food products across domestic and international markets.
- Environmental Law in Agriculture: Investigates legal obligations related to water rights, soil conservation, air quality, and compliance with environmental protection statutes.
- Land Use and Rural Development Policy: Explores legal and policy issues surrounding property rights, zoning, agricultural easements, and the preservation of farmland in growing regions.
- International Agricultural Trade Law: Studies the legal foundations of global food trade, including WTO agreements, import/export regulations, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Agricultural Law Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Agricultural Law Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Agricultural Law degrees, including Lawyers and Law Teachers, Postsecondary. 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 770,550 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyers 23-1011 | $151,160 | $72,780 - $239,200 | 747,750 | $72.67 |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1112 | $126,650 | $58,330 - $239,200 | 22,800 | N/A |
Agricultural Law Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $79,245 in Mississippi to $172,710 in Delaware—a 118% difference. The highest-paying states include Delaware, Massachusetts, and Colorado. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 770,550 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 Agricultural Law by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Agricultural Law 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 Agricultural Law is found at South Dakota State University (SDSU) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota State University (SDSU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Brookings, South Dakota | Public | sdstate.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Agricultural Law programs
How much can I earn with a Agricultural Law degree?
Salaries for Agricultural Law graduates vary by role and location. Lawyers earn a median of $151,160 annually, while Law Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $126,650. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Delaware average $172,710 compared to $79,245 in Mississippi. Approximately 770,550 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 Agricultural Law programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Agricultural Law degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include South Dakota State University (SDSU) (1 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.
What career paths are available with a Agricultural Law degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Lawyers, Law Teachers, Postsecondary, . Related occupations employ approximately 770,550 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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