Agricultural Communication, BS; and Journalism, BS (Dual Degree)

USU is the only university in the state where students can get a degree in agricultural communication. There is a high demand for communication professionals with knowledge and background in agriculture because the agriculture-related industry, from farming and livestock to food production and human nutrition, encompasses a significant portion of careers worldwide.

Agricultural communication students pair their BS in agricultural communication with a BS in journalism to graduate with two degrees. Students in either degree take coursework in a variety of agricultural disciplines, including animal science, plant science, agricultural economics, nutrition, and landscape architecture. They also take courses in video production, photography, graphic design, website design, marketing and sales, and agricultural communication. This training provides students with the basic knowledge to draw from as they communicate the importance of the food and fiber industry.

The dual-degree program combines courses in journalism and agriculture to develop an agricultural communication professional with skills in broadcast and print journalism, social media, or public relations. Students in the dual-degree program can work in the broad field of journalism, but they also have the knowledge and qualifications to specialize in agricultural communication careers.

The department recommends that all students complete a one-semester internship before graduation. Because of the hands-on learning students receive while in the program, they graduate with substantial experience and are more likely to be hired.

Emphases:

The following emphases are for the dual-degree program. Students may concentrate their coursework in one of the four Journalism and Communication Department emphases.

• Broadcast/Electronic Media: This emphasis focuses on the distribution of video and audio content to a wide audience through television, radio, and the Internet. Students learn to write radio and TV scripts and to use electronic media equipment. They gain hands-on experience through the departments Aggie TV News. Opportunities are also available through Utah Public Radio and Aggie Radio.
• Print Journalism: Students work toward mastery of the written word, telling stories and aspiring to accuracy, integrity, and artistry. They typically enter careers writing for newspapers, magazines, or other print and online media. Many students in this emphasis write for the on-campus newspaper, The Utah Statesman, or for the student-run Aggie BluePrint magazine.
• Public Relations/Corporate Communications: Students learn to help the public better understand organizations, businesses, and issues. They gain experience working with on- and off-campus clients through coursework and internships. After graduation, PR students often move into careers in event planning, image building, media relations, crisis management, Web communications, social media, employee relations, and more.
• Social Media: This emphasis prepares students for careers as digital media directors, content curators, digital content developers, and online strategists for a variety of organizations. Students learn content development and curation using the latest tools, interpret analytic data, and develop data-based strategies for clients. Internship opportunities are available with local companies, public relations and marketing firms, and media organizations.

Bachelor Degree Minimum Requirements

Admission to USU is test optional for Spring 2022, Summer 2022, and Fall 2022. ACT/SAT test scores will still be considered if submitted.

• 2.8-4.0 GPA - Admitted in Good Standing
  • Students with less than a 2.8 high school GPA may still be admitted in good standing based upon the combination of their GPA and ACT/SAT score. See if you qualify.
• 2.79 GPA & below - Considered for Earned Admission path.

Associate Degree Minimum Requirements

Most USU Eastern and USU Blanding Associates Degrees and Certificates are open enrollment and do not require a minimum high school GPA or ACT/SAT score.

Recommended High School Prep Work

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of Math (One class beyond math 3)
• 3.5 years of Social Science
• 3 years of Lab-Based Science (one each: biology, chemistry, and physics)
• 2 years of a world language (same language, taken progressively during grades 9-12)

With a degree in agricultural communication, students can pursue the following careers:

Broadcast/Electronic Media Emphasis

• News anchor
• Radio host
• Meteorologist
• Talk show host
• News analyst
• Announcer
• Actor
• Professional blogger
• News associate
• Associate producer
• Entertainment agent
• Broadcast assistant
• Videographer

 

Print Journalism Emphasis

• News writer/editor
• Magazine writer/editor
• Professional blogger
• News analyst
• Columnist
• Designer
• Creative writer

 

Public Relations/Corporate Communications Emphasis

• Public relations specialist (image building, media relations, social media, etc.)
• Writer
• Marketing
• Fundraising
• Event planning
• Crisis management

 

Career Services provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.