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Communications and Agricultural Education

Communications and Agricultural Education

Kansas State University
1612 Claflin Road
301 Umberger Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506-3402

785-532-5804
785-532-5633 fax

Agricultural Communications and Journalsim

Welcome to K-State Agricultural Communications and Journalism

Image of a student in a field with camera.

There is an exceeding number of job opportunities for students in the agricultural communications and journalism(ACJ) department. Previous students are making great salaries in great jobs – such as working in the social office of the First Lady, or traveling the country for public relations accounts.

The ACJ degree program allows you to combine your passion for agriculture and/or environmental issues with communications and journalism skills. With two curriculum options, this program features challenging courses that will enhance your communications skills and your knowledge of natural and applied sciences.

Discover more about K-State ACJFront Cover of Information Brochure

          

  

Career Opportunities

Potential Employers
  • Public relations firms
  • Trade organizations
  • Governmental agencies(such as USDA or EPA)
  • Agribusiness firms
  • Food companies
  • Livestock breed associations
  • Farm organizations
  • Media companies

 

 

 

 

Career Paths

  

Academics

The ACJ major offers an agricultural and an environmental option. 

Agricultural Option

Basic science classes and communications courses prepare students for careers in public policy, agribusiness, or food and agricultural sciences. Year after year, applied communications offers steadier employment than other communications fields.

Agricultural Option Curriculum 

Environmental Option

Requirements are similar to those for the agricultural option, except students choose courses related to natural resources and environmental sciences. By following their interests, students can earn a secondary major in natural resources and environmental sciences, making them even more competitive for science communication positions.

Environmental Option Curriculum

  

Student Activities

Student activities enrich the educational experience by giving students a chance to develop leadership skills, create friendships and explore new ideas. Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT), an organization for future agricultural communicators and journalists, helps students make contacts and achieve professional goals. The group sponsors trips to regional and national communication centers and invites various professionals to speak at meetings. ACJ students also serve as leaders in other student organizations, which provide opportunities for growth.

Another opportunity within the department is the advancement team. Apply to join some of your fellow students as they help advance the ACJ major.

Click here to get involved

  

Practical Experience

ACJ students gain experience by working in various jobs, both on and off campus. They spend at least one semester on the staff of the award-winning Kansas State Agriculturist magazine and may also work for other student media outlets.

Other opportunities for communications work include departmental student positions and required intersession or summer internships. ACJ students have interned at the White House, Department of State, USDA, Fleishman-Hillard, Angus Journal, National Pork Producers Council, KFRM, K-State Radio Network, Kansas Farm Bureau Communications and Public Relations Division, National FFA Organization, and Roberts Dairy, to name a few.

  

Study Abroad 

Every other year there is an opportunity for an agricultural communications study abroad tour. Click the image below to apply for study abroad academic approval.

Image of Study Abroad. When clicked, leads to Study Abroad Academic Approval PDF.

  

Advising

Faculty are committed to excellence in teaching and advising. They make it a point to get to know students. A low student-to-faculty ratio makes this possible. Advisers not only guide academic and career planning, but also help students with employment and other personal concerns.

Click here to meet our current advisors

  

Alumni

The ACJ alumni network helps students find jobs and internships. Alumni mentor students while they are in school and continue to support them after they graduate. They share professional development information, upcoming networking events and job announcements through an active Facebook group, found at: www.facebook.com/groups/119947639046

Click here for more alumni resources